SCHOOL EXCURSIONS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 4949, 12 February 1895, Page 3

SCHOOL EXCURSIONS.

THE MASTERTON SCHOOL " COMMITTEE'S VIEWS.

At last night's meeting of the Masterton School Committee, tlio question of the proposed school excursion to tVcllington (nlready alluded t» in a issue) came up for discussion. The Chairman (Mr E. Feist) asked the Secretary to read the circular with reference to the matter received from the Government linilways Department. A circular from Mr J. lioberlson, of Wellington, stating thai a number ol gentlemen acting on the School Committees 1 Association, would be prepared lo assist in making the excursion a success, wns also read. The Chairman explained that Mr liobertson was Secretary to the School Committees Association. He would just like to explain, the position. Mr Donne, the Traffic Manager, had called upon him, and explained the proposed excursions, and at first sight he thought would be no ditllcilty in getting •100 children from the Masterton school to go. Subsequently—without wishing to throw cold water on the proposalafter consultation with Mr Jackson, lie was of the opinion that the matter was not so favorable, as the teachers would find a great difficulty in taking charge oE such a large body of children, and he did not think they should be asked to take the responsibility. However, Mr A. W. Hogg, M.H.1!., was present to jiive his views, and he should also like BKull expression of opinion from the TOinbers of the Committee. Mr Hogg said he had, some years ago, seen excursions on similar lines carried out in Victoria, and tliey were very largely availed of, and proved most enjoyable and successful. Some time ago lie had been passing through the Eush with the Premier, aud while visiting a school there, had pointed out that many of the scholars—growing up into young men and women—had never seen the sea; had possibly only seen a picture oE a ship; were utterly ignorant of a large town, and had no knowledge of the busy life of a city. He had then suggested to the Premier what a splendid treat atrip to the seaside would he for parents and children. He did not know whether or not the present proposals of the liailway Department were the outcome of this, but at anyrate the proposal was now before them. After seeing the circular issued and noting prices, etc., he was of opinion that an excursion as suggested should be a very much bigger success than the one to the Wellington Exhibition, which took place some years ago. He had seen Mr Jackson and shown how teachers might be relieved of their trouble and harassment. He had drawn up a few jottings which might be jgtartised or circulated, giving the of the trains leaving and returning and statiug that all young children might he accompanied by parents or guardians, who would be expected to take charge of their families and supply them with food. There were many attractions in Wellington which might be visited such as Parliament House; the Electric Light Works; and other places. The Hinemoa would, lie believed, be absent from Wellington on Friday next, but he thought he might lie able to arrange with the Premier to allow the Ellen Eallancc to make a number of trips round the Harbour. He thought that the providing of refreshments should be left lo the adults accompanying the children. It was understood that not only the parents but grownup brothers and sisters, and in fact any adults who might be in charge ot the children, could join in the excursion. The Chairman said they were indebted to Mr Hogg for his suggestions, with which he agreed in a great measure. He should like an expression of opinion from the Committee. Mr Dixon was in favour of the pro«d. He thought it would be a great day. In some cases, parents might be able to gel away, aud lie thought some responsibility should be thrown on the teachers, who should be in charge of their classes. He also thought it would be wise not to take any children below the third standard. The Chairman sail if the thing was carried out, he should like it to be understood that the Committee did not feel it was incumbent on the teachers to go, although they would be glad of the presence of the teachers. Mr Wagg asked what the children would do whose parents could not go ? Mr Daniell thought that both teacliCH and scholars might learn something from the tilings to he seen. The teachers were placed in their position for the | education of tho children, and without] wishing to put on the teachers, he thought they should assist. To make . Hie affair a success, special trains would be necessary, and no children under seven should be taken. He was of opinion that the excursion would be very popular, and extremely educational. Mr Morris agreed with Mr Daniell, except that there should be no restriction as regards the age of children. Mr Hogg thought it a mistake to «' ce a restriction on the age, as parents nld object to breaking up their lilies. Mr I'ragucll said, as a parent, lie would sooner not take any part in the affair, than leave one of his children

out. Mr Easthopc said, lie thought a week's notice should be given, of any proposed excursion, to give outlying schools—sucli as the Taucru—an opportunity of joining in. Another point was that to compel children to remain shut up for four hours without proper convenience, would he positive cruelty. A proper break should be made, say at Kaitoke, He therefore thought an excursion train would be necessary, lie had eleven children, only one of whom had seen the sea, and lie should like • them to have the trip, but lie thought, if a number of sleepy, crying little ones were burdened on the elders, it would spoil the return journey, and therefore ho was in favor of restricting the age. Hext year, these younger ones would have their opportunity. Those who had had experience in the Old Country, knew the pleasure of being shut up in a railway excursion carriage with a number of cross women and sleepy little ones. Besides, it would be too great a physical strain on the smaller ones, and on these grounds, he thought the excursion skoidd he restricted to the fourth twlard and upwards. ™ie Chairman said he understood that Masterton was expected to lind /sufficient children—about 'loo—to make none excursion. He did not think it fair to give the teachers to understand that the Committee felt it incumbent upon them to take part in the excursion, but preferred the teachers to be left with a free hand, Mr Jackson said lie was very pleased with the opportunity which the proposed excursion gave. He hoped it would be more than an annual affair. Since Jlr Hogg's explanation, he had seen the matterin i different light, and lie thought if instead of being a formal school affair parents were permitted to go, it would bo a great success. He would suggest, on this occasion, that the school he merely closed, and parents permitted to use their own discretion with regard to what children they took. Personally, he would sooner give a pound than undertake such a journey in one day, as it would be fatiguing to all concerned, but he was prepared to give his hearty support and do all he could. His staff were also of the same mind, llegardinticoutrol he thought the dual control cAfent and teacher would clash, and tllsfore thought the Committee should I place no restriction on the parents, but let thpmtako any children tiiey plpaspd, l|nd take $ rcspopbjli|.y, ' Air Hogg safd if would be a mistake foWkup thp family circle. Mr JJanipll Bajd |jp was of opinion, that as 11 School Commilt(ip,thoy fnco the matter. If a festrictjoji veni not made, the cdi)cation?l object lrliioh he coijsidered was intended, would be lost. Was it to to wly a day's out- J ing.? ..." ' "|

The Chairman said thoy would merely leave the matter to the parents. Mr Panjell eai4 tbo less tioughtful

parents would lliou spoil tlio pleasure of the more thoughtful. Mr Jackson said lie should beplcascd, on n future occasion, to arrange for the teachers lo take the elder scholars on a special excursion, but on this occasion lie did not think that the educational point should he brought forward too prominently. ]S T o child, however, was too young lo learn. Every child would sntl'cr fatigue, but the pleasure would compensate. The Chairman said the opinion as to the excursion, seemed to be generally favourable. If they decided to-night that the excursion should be carried out, would Friday—the day suggested by tlio I Traffic Manager—lk too early ? Mr Jackson (brought next Friday would be a most suitable day. The Chairman then nioyed that an excursion, as proposed by the Jiailway Department, be carried out next Friday, and that Mr Hogg's suggestions lie carried out, parents to take the responsibility of finding food, and looking after their families. Mr Morris seconded the motion.

Mr Dixon moved that no children below the third standard betaken. It [would then lie something for the younger ones to look forward 10. Mr Daniell seconded the amendment.

Mr Hasthopc said it the responsibility were, thrown ou the mothers and fathers, to attempt to restrict the age would be improper. The motion was carried.

Mr Hogg thanked the Committee, and promised to telegraph to the Premier asking if any vessels wou'd be available for taking the children round the harbour.

On the motion of Mr Daniell, n hearty vote of thanks was accorded lo Mr Hogg for the interest he had taken in the matter.

Mr Easthopc moved that elfort be made and Mr Hogg lie requested to use his intluence to obtain a special train for the excursion. The motion was carried.

The Chairman and MrEasthopewere appointed lo confer with Mr Hogg to arrange details.

It was -resolved that the excursion be advertised by the School Committee.

Mr Dixon wanted to know if babies in arms would be charged Is (id each ? Mr Easthopc said children in arms were never charged for,

Some desultory discussion followed and the matter dropped.