The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-18
SCHOOL WORK DISCUSSED.
MISS sPENCE's LECTURE BEFORE
THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
Explains the Australian system Of Edu-
cation aud Compares 1t with That in
~vogae Here.

Miss Catharine ii. Spence OF Australia
lectured at the State Normal school this
afternoon on Education in Australia
Miss Spence said she was hardly prepared
to speak on such a subject. Her special
topic was social training for political
duties. Nor is there any litera-
ture on the subject to which 10 refer.
Australia In the midst Of building pro-
ces, Is progressive state and has not yet
stopped TO record her growth. Then too
Australia con sists ofsix d visions each with
ditferent system and IL IL not easy TO
give summary. Yet the system is CEN
tralized in each division III contra distinc-
tion TO the localized system OF the United
States. The local department does not
settle matters OF any nature but bears IL
to the central organic tlon.
The same text books are used in V c.
toria, New South Wales and the other di-
visions. The Victoria school system is
among the best. Hartwelts arithmetic
is one OF the books used ami is very
fine production. 1t cannot, how
ever, be Introduced into the United
States unless revised, on account
of the English money table, which is of
course used. This book has been given
to The department. for their use by the
author.
difference OF Systems.
The point hen to be emphasized is the
differen ce be etreen the strongly centralized
system Of Australia aud the localized
system OF America. Another difference
is there is no free High school teaching.
obstruction in the elementary branches
alone is free. Australia can't afford
higher education now. Perhaps she will
later. Then, too. the universities do not
receive such munifcent donations from
private individuals as here in America.
There is also a contrast in the workings
of the Australian ana American school
systems. La Australia pupil teachers are
used. Teachers are hired by the year
and have permanent position.
They are bet.e er paid than the American
teachers. There is n compulsory law,
hicb is enforced. to make pupils attend
school. In Victoria chla must attend
forty days quarter. ttati Is l60 days
yesr.
How Truants Are Dealt With.
II the child does not atte1d. the truant
officer together with committee, briug
the parents before the court. III the par
ents are to blame they are fined and ia
default OF payment are sent TO Jail
America has compulsory law but it is
not enforced. In Australia the
foreign element is very small The con-
ditions are. therefore, easier than
in America. where an immense mass OF
different elements have to be assimiiated.
Australia has provinces as much
separate as the American colo
nies before the revolution. There
has been some talk of confederation, tut
the tariff laws, varying with the different
provinces, makes confederation
difficult matter. The isolation OF
Australia enables her TO de.
velop naturally more as an English
speaking and Euclish thinking commun-
ity. Australia has yet 20 be developed and
has a glorious future before it. Itc IN learn
much from the United States which it al.
ready excels in many ways.
Miss Spence speaks tomorrow at Bell
street chapel and Monday evening at
Brown university.