A CENTURY OLD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3219, 16 May 1911, Page 5

A CENTURY OLD.

PRINCIPLE OE MORAL INSTRUCTION. “Of the very highest importance is the question of making adequate provision for the moral training of our youth,” observed Professor Mackenzie ■during the course of an address to the Teachers’ Institute the other evening. “I think the time has arrived when the rely best talent in the Dominion should be requisitioned in compiling a handbook for use' in our public schools in connection with the inculcation of accredited moral ideas. In a memorial 'which the teachers of Scotland presented to the Commissioners of Supply of the Counties of Scot’and in 1800, they made the following statement : “That the system of edueaton must be the best which keeps alive the affection of the parents towards their offspring, and calls forth the affection of the children towards their parents, which does not disturb the current of domestic attachment, or replace family endearment, but gives constant scope to their oxwciVv while it varies, heightens, and or' 11 '! them• Jr> rir’s print of view the parish schools of Scotland claim an importance which is far bevond their effects, as mere'auina'i' s of ’earning.” “The view expressed in that statement.” said Professor Mackenzie, “is as tme to-day as it was a century ago. I am confident, however that whatever teachers can see their wan to undertake in connection with the moral training of the young under their charge, it would he a, calamity to the profession if they allowed themselves to he dragged at the chariot wheels of sectarianism. more especially seeing that the Churches have ample opportunities for imparting such definite religious instruction as they deem necessary.”