THE VITALITY OF THE RACE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2520, 5 June 1909, Page 4

THE VITALITY OF THE RACE.

An address under the above heading appears in to-day’s supplement, and its importance deserves the most careful consideration. It was delivered in Dunedin recently by Doctor Batchelor, and has created so much attention that it is being circulated throughout the Dominion. Dr. Batchelor’s speech dealt chiefly with the necessity for so educating girls that they would be best fitted to take the place that in alter life is naturally theirs in the. community. He draws attention to a grave, fault in our educational system, wherein both girls and boys are given the same tuition, whilst the necessities of the two sexes arc wide apart. After asking whether our State system of 'education encourages girls to enter domestic service, Dr. Batchelor confidently asserts that the girl employed in domestic duties in a good homo, with a good mistress, is happier, better off, leads a more wholesome and healthier life, will make a better wife and ■mother, and is more likely to rear a healthy stock than her sister whose aims, possibly, have been more ambitious. He adds: “That my views are shared by the majority of mankind is shown by the. fact that tlio competent •domestic usually promptly acquires an 'establishment of her .own, while the ■scholarship girl with the D certificate •will probably face many years of weary teaching in a- back-block school.” There ■is no doubt that Dr. Batchelor lias placed his finger on a weak feature in tlie training of the young, and his Suggestion that every girl should be taught domestic science and home man’agement is undoubtedly sound. In another part of liis address the Dunedin doctor raises the important question 'of the marriage of the unfit, an aspect of racial progress that cannot profitably be ignored. In proposing a vote of 'thanks to the speaker, Dr. Truby 'King declared that he had never-heard ail address which he thought would be So pregnant of good to the community.