The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1909-02-17

ing force, which is already small in
proportion to the number of pupils,
and consequently an increase in cost
without increasing present salaries, al
ready too small During the eight
years of territorial government the in
crease of pupils in the public schools
has been about 20 per cent OF the
increase during the last year 6S 33 per
cent was Japanese. In 1904 the cost
per pupil per annum, exclusive of ex-
penditures from the loan fund for new
buildings, was $2S 81. The largest re-
duction in current expenditures at the
special session of the legislature IN
that year, in order to bring expendi-
lures within revenues, was in teach
ers' salaries, with the result that the
cost per pupil per annum was reduced
to only 500. Al in 1907, in which year
salaries were restored nearly to their
former amounts, bringing the cost up
to $25. 16 in 1908, or an aggregate of
$467, 1882 .S5, an increase of more than
100000 over the amount for 1905. This
is money that goes for definite import
ant purposes other than mere machiu-
ely of government and of such char
acter that it is obvious that the money
is not wasted.
1t is d. cult 20 see how the increas-
ing needs can be met without diminisn-
ing the number of pupils in the public
schools or providing for an increase in
the revenues with this special en- in
view. Such a reduction may be effect
ed in val GUS ways, but perhaps in nc
satisfactory way that will give full
relief. Perhaps the most logical meth
cd of augmenting the income for this
purpose would be to increase the
school tax and devote it to school pur-
poses, that tax being now school tax
only in name, as it goes into the gen
eral revenue. A comparatively small
tax would yield a large revenue
In addition to the cost of mainten-
ance above referred to, there have been
expended during the last six years
more than half million dollars out
of loan fund in the construction U.
school buildings. During the last TWO
years many new buildings have been
erected, including the splendid high
school building in Honolulu. Many
more are needed. A beginning has
been made in carrying out the policy
of concentration, with a view to hav-
ing one graded and more efficient
school in place of two or more ungraded
and less efficient schools, where that
can be done. Recommendations for
additional school buildings to be pro-
vided for out of loan fund will be sub
mitted for your consideration. In
creased attention mas been given to
manual and agricultural training, do
nestle science, and the establishment
of school-cities and school counties.
These are not fads, but are most i'm
portant and practical parts in the train
ing of the children mentally and the
development in them of right tastes
and interests.
Medical Inspection. is a matter
to which the Superintendent of Public
! Instruction has given much careful
study and in which great progress has
been made in recent years elsewhere.
1t is subject to which l cannot too
urgently request your careful atten-
ton. 1t calls for both a law on the
subject and an appropriation for its
execution. The object is to discover
cases of i'll health and effectiveness in
pupils, with view to their being re-
NEEDED, as far as may be, not by gov
eminent physicians, but by physicians
selected by the pupils or their parents
or guardians, and also with a view to
having the instruction of such children
specially adapted to their needs ana
capacities These objects may be at
tanned through appropriate legislation
without interference with private
rights or undue personal annoyance or
inconvenience.
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
The establishment of this college was
authorized by the last legislature. At
ter much effort a ruling was obtained
emitting Hawaii to share in the Fed
eral appropriation for colleges of this
character, and $4,000 has been receiv-
ed for the last and 5000 for the pres
ent fiscal year. The amount will be
increased $4,000 each year until it
reaches $4,000 a year. The college
has been established in temporary quar-
tiers. Additional adjoining land will
be required, for which provision should
be made by the legislature. A large
and efficient faculty has been obtained
and the college is in operation. APP
preparations should be made out of
loan fund for such permanent buildings
upon the permanent site as are of i'm
mediate necessity.
The law establishing the college may
we'll be amended in some particulars,
as, for instance, by providing more
! fo1, 20 ,hA hac tho