THE VICTORIAN EDUCATION ACT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2200, 14 August 1886, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE VICTORIAN EDUCATION ACT.

Amo.vo the chauges proposed by the Minister ofElucation ( Professor Pearson) is the alteration of the limit of school age. At present it is from six to fifteen, but the new Bill proposes to reduce it from six to thirteen years. Children under four years are not to be admitted, and this change will, in the words of the Minister, "prevent the schools being turned into State nurseries." Tilts reduction of the school age has rendered it necessary to increase the attendances, and Mr Pearson proposes to nriku the minimum attend. nice forty per quarter. The Minister pointed out that the rtvhiction of the school age meaut a gre.it saving to th" State, as the children would be i»ot rid of two | yeara earlier, thereby effecting a saving of £15,000 per annum. The change would relieve the inspectors of having to ex- \ amine at least 10,000 children annually. In instances where children are su]>po«ed to be educated at home the truant inspectors naturally look with suspicion on such cases. To meet this it is proposed that inspectors shall be appointed to examine children half-yearly who did not attend State schools. The inspector will give a certificate that the child is being educated, and the parents will not be annoyed for another six months. The Bill contains a provision allowing boards to advance sums varying from £30 to £."50 per annum for effecting repairs to schools, Mr Pearson explained that provision would be made for small exhibitions, in order to provide incentives for scholars in State schools. Provision is also made for establishing a day industrial school, where children of the incorrigible class, known as gutter children, may be sent. If a truant officer finds a. child habitually loitering or playing in the streets duriug school hours he may take the youngster to the industrial school, and hand him over to the teacher. It i 9 proposed to provide meals at these schools, and the charge per week for each child will be fixed at about 3s. The system is only to be tried temporarily, and the cost is not estimated at more than £200 per annum for an ordinary school. Any parent who neglects to obey the order of the Justices directing that a child shall attend an industrial school is liable, on conviction, to a sum not less than ,« nor exceeding 20s for every day the child is absent from tho school without reasonable excuse. Briefly summed up, the amended Bill provides more stringent regulations for carrying out the compulsory clauses ot the present Act.

Iv speaking of a mnvlv-woddi-d pair, a gentleman ssud of tho husband— "The tremble with John i«, ho lud no mind of hU own." |» ()h, that will make no difference ; Surah will be always ready to give him a piece of hers !"' responded the lady. B\rskt Wiu.ivms w,i< onco acting a Philadelphin, and, being disturbed by a child's criojj, «aid *'Bhure there's a nur>e wanted." The woman retorted, "No Imh need apply," and retired triumphantly.