Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-10-30
PROFITABLE MEETING.

The program of the training school
was agreeably varied on Friday by the
presence of the convention of school
district officers The attendance was
large and the interest seemed deep ard
lasting. One is impressed with the
conviction that it was body of intelli-
gent, conscientious and we'll meaning
men. They appeared anxious to know
their duties and to perform them well.
Inspector Wood was the first to adj
dress the meeting, his theme being the
relation of school boards to the teach
ers and the school. Among the things
urged by him were the provision of
wood houses, kindling wood and the
relief of the teacher from the necessity
of building the fires. Important rea-
sons for the latter were danger to their
health and impaired vitality, uniting
them for the best performance of the
duties for which they are employed.
The address was a vigorous one which
received hearty approval and was fol-
lowed by spirited, though somewhat ir-
relevant, discussion.
In the afternoon Mr. Wells spoke on
"a Business Proposition for Boys" in
answer to the oft repeated remark that
81 got along well enough without an
education ard my boys can do the
same" The burden of the argument
tended to prove that conditions had so
greatly changed, with the development
Of the county, that success without edu
cation was impossible for the majority
of boys whose fathers had harvested
natures bounty, accumulated during
the centuries. BY illustrations drawn
from personal experiences and knowl-
edge, the fact that education pays,
was brought home to those who may
not have seriously considered it. The
worth of knowledge for purI oses other
than getting a living, was also dwelt
upon.
Miss Bohrer's topic was irregularity
of attendance and the remedy. The
loss to the pupil who is frequently alb
sent, and the injustice and injury to the
other pupils were strikingly and fore
IDLY presented, and the necessity for
greater interest and vigilence on the
part of parents was emphasized.
Then followed a spirited discussion
of the necessity or advantage of more
vigorous enforcement of the compul-
sorry attendance law, and the need of
more stringent provisions in the law.
Against these contentious was urged
the fact that such laws were usually
not enforced in rural communities and
in villages and the smaller cities. 1t
was maintained that it is useless to
depend upon compulsory legislation so
long as the ideals of the people remain
as they are. Once get the people to
appreciate properly the worth and adj
vantages of an education and they will
see to it that their pupils get it without
being driven to it.
Prof. r. B. Johns made an address on
the topic, ''The Importance of Agricul-
tural Training to Farmers Children"
which clearly demonstrated the value
Of an education practical in farming, if
the boy is going to follow agricultural
pursuits. 1t was very helpful ad-
dress and greatly interested the school
officers.
Supt Toby and Ex-County Supt. j.
P. Briggs were present and participated
in the discussions, much to the interest
and advantage of all.
The members of the convention ex-
pressed themselves as highly pleased
with the meeting.