The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Vertas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, JULY 28, 1891. TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XII, Issue 2417, 28 July 1891, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Vertas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, JULY 28, 1891. TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

Mr Wilkinson and those who are joining him in the endeavor to pro mote the practical teaching in t!i« primary schools of some subjects which will be of use-to the scholars in their future occupations, as well as the teachers who will have to give the instruction in those subjects, should give some consideration to a Bill introduced ' early in the session by Mr George•!• Fisher, intituled "An Act for the Promotion of Technical Instruction in State Schools." This Bill proposes to provide for the teaching which is desired, and fay supporting the Bill, and suggesting any amendments which may be considered desirable will be a quicker way of ..■■■•'arriving '■ at the desired end than beginning the question afresh in Parliament—for Parliamentary sanction will be a necessary step towards obtaining a regularsystem of teclm'qal education, Mr Fisher's Bill divides technical instruction into " manual" and " technical " instruction, the former meaning teaching the use of tools, and the modelling in clay, wood, or other material. Technical instruction is defined as instruction in the principles of science and art applicable to industries, and in the application of special branches oi science and art to specific industries or employments. It does not include teaching the practice of any trade, industiy, or employment. " Manual instruction," within the meaning of this Bill, may be given only to the pupils in attendance at a public school and there following the standard course of instruction, and to such pupils "manual instruction" must be given at extra hours beyond the ordinary school-time. For manual instruction so given j a payment may be made by the Minister of Education to the Education Board, and by the Education Board to the teacher, at the rate of two shillings a quarter for every unit of average attendance at the class for manual instrnction, provided that the manual instruction of each pupil occupies at least two hours a week for len weeks within the quarter. " Technical instructor," within the meaning of this Bill, may be given only to such scholars as have passed the Fourth Standard prescribed by regulations made under, the Education Act, 1877, or have obtained from an Inspector of Schools appointed under the said Act a certificate of having passed the examination set forth in the Schedule to this Act. For such technical instruction, occupying at least twelve hours a week (presumably within the ordinary school hours) for ten weeks during any quarter, a grant shall be made by the Minister of Education to the Education Board at the rate of ten shillings for every unit of average attendance at such instruction. Every Board proposing to establish a course of technical instruction under this Act shall prepare a scheme showing the scope of the proposed instruction, and snail submit such scheme to the Minister for his approval; and no payment shall be made by the Minister of Education to any Education Board, for any technical instruction under this Act until the scheme of instruction has received the Minister's approval. Any such scheme may include the payment of fees as a condition of attendance. Regulations may be made by the Governor in Council, defining any course of manual or technical instruction, and prescribing the times of the making of payments under this Act.