Norwich bulletin., 1914-04-11

to be referred to have prepared very few.
 The Age Limit.
 The age limit in this state and in many states is 14. and there has been agitation to raise this age to 16 or IT. The results in this direction have not so far been satisfactory. The dissat- isfaction with the literary type of edu- cation with the retardation and with some other defects have given many people the notion that our present school system does not give value for the money expended. It also creates hesitation as to the dubious project of raising the age without specifying the type of education to be given. It means moreover that If the education is to be given in connection with the present school system the expenses of this system must be very much enlarged for maintenance and teaching power. Personally my impression is that if the age is raised it ought, to take place gradually and should give an increas- ing bias to trade education for liveli- hood by schools of an exclusively trade nature. This trade education will not cost more than high school education and perhaps in a measure will take the place of the high school system.
 Separate from Present System.
 My personal opinion is that this system ought not to be part of the existing school system. The school master has not yet got his machinery into the vocational order of working. He Is looking for formal knowledge for study for its own sake with the hope that somehow. in some way, it will work good for the recipient. There is an immense loss of time and of energy in our present school system. We are paying for the time and for the ener- gy. There ought to be measures of efficiency and of accomplishment. So fhnrp mt nrn60Oninanf in = fluences we are not qualified to take charge of an education which must consider speed, accuracy and highly trained intelligence
 If this education remains in the hands of the school men we should insist upon direct connection with the employers and business to which the children are likely to go. When the trade relations are established the employer will want the best, and the schooimaster will recommend only the best Moreover, if the employer be- lieves in supporting home industries he will begin by exercising an interest in the local schools.
 Finally, we come to the in1m ediate problems before us-those of here and now, Some of these are III digested. inasnuch as they concern local condt- ttons, and some are difficult to work. It is imperative on employers and the associations of business men that they DOSS0SS a nrSLnaHO knOWlSdBe anu practical acquaintance with definite propositions so that they may be equipped to put their impress on the education of the worker and to render the scheme useful and practical. Oth- erwise they may have to put up with something they do not approve. They should therefore make it their business to go out of their way to get into direct connection with the existing schools: They should formulate the kind Of school and the stamp of recruits that will correspond with the type required. They can support any local organiza- ton of proper provision for employees or apprentices in their own particular trade
 A burst of enthusiastic applause greeted the speaker as he concluded hls address.
 Answered Questions.
 Secretary Hine afterwards answered a number of questions relating to the steps taken in securing trade school, the Putnam trade school established by the state. and the relations between the state and the several trade schools now established in the state. He also showed a number of pictures of what Is being done in trade schools.
 A rising vote of thanks was given Secretary Hine for his address and the Porteous & Mitchell company for the loan of their photograph.
 After adjournment, delicious refresh ments were served under the direction