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A RQYAL WELCOME
Governor and Scholars
Youthful Enthusiasm
State High School Visit
youthful enthusiasm was unbounded
at tho Hobart State. High School yes-
terday, when lt was honoured for the
Ilrst time by a visit from thc Governor
(Sir Ernest Clark). Hundreds pt'
children lustily cheered His Excellency
who.'.by his wit and good humour, estab-
lished himself a linn favourite in Iiis
ail too', brief stay of an hour. Sir
JOrncsl, on his part, showed that his
return to the school atmosphere was
associated with.many happy memories.
Tho scholars gave him a royal welcome.
Girls in attractive blue and white
uniforms provided a guard of honour
tor the official party which, in addition
to His Excellency, comprised the Min-
ister for Education (Mr. E. J. Ogilvie)
and the Minister for Agriculture (Mr.
Robert Cosgrove). The. Governor was
attended by Lieut.-Colonel L. Worth
lngton-Wilmer, A.D.C. The party was
received at the school gates by the
headmaster (Mr. H. V. Biggins).
His Excellency was keenly interested
In the work of every class be visited.
For the members of each ho had a quip
and a jest. Boys In a mathematical
form he bombarded with mental arith-
metic ' questions, all ot which were
answered by one small lad, who earned
a word of commendation from .the
visitor. In a commercial classroom the
Governor observed that Jones, Smith
and Clark were the names ho always
found as illustrations on tho black-
board. He had a special hundshako and
question for two blind boys who enter-
ed tho school this month. They have
passed tho scholarship examination,
and aro doing tho intermediato course
with six subjects.
INTEREST IN HOBBIES.
When lie came to the senior classes
the Governor was less enterprising with
his questions for, as he'frankly admit-
ted, "lt was a long time since ho had
left school." The extensive 'field cover-
ed by the leaving classes In English
and history was a source ot amazement
to him. In what might bo termed
hobbies, rather than educational sub-
jects, His Excellency took a special
interest. He was particularly pleased
to find that three boys in a pottery
class regarded their work more as a
spare time interest than from the com-
mercial aspect. Next door he found girls
applying tho knowledge of art which
they had gained in the classroom as
hobby work for out of school hours. To
such students his remark that he was
"envious of tho time they had" was
particularly appropriate. The cooking
classes opened up another field, and
His Excellency was delighted to secure
an assurance from the girls that their
mothers were prepared to eat their
scones and puddings.
On several occasions the Governor
wus forcibly reminded that the agita-
tion for larger school buildings and
grpunds was well founded. He found
that one third year class had been
I obliged to take to the locker rooms, so
congested were the classes. His Excel,
lency also was surprised at the size ot
tho playgrounds, particularly that foi
¡ the girls, of which it ls said that there
ls not sufficient standing room for tho
scholars.
' The seats in the assembly hall could
not accommodate the 730 children who
crowded round to hear their head-
master thank the Governor for his visit.
That, however, dampened their enthu^
siasm.no whit. Mr. Biggins said that
they appreciated the honour His Excel-
lency had done them, and they were
particularly glad''to welcome one who
was so keenly Interested In young
people. Ho emphasised the loyalty of the
children, and said that he was con-
vinced, after having seen Sir Ernest for
an hour that afternoon, that he would
be perfectly happy to spend a day at
the school.
The Governor, who was received
with prolonged applause, said that il
had never been his lot to seo such
brightness, intelligence, happiness, and
good manners among such a larg«
assembly. Referring to their loyalty ht
mentioned that thc Premier (Mr. A. G
Ogilvie, ICC.) would shortly be going
to England for the King's Jubilee, and
he hoped that they in Tasmania "would
bo able to join in the celebrations. Thc
bearing of the children was a great
testimony to the country, the system ol
education, tile teachers, and them-
selves. His Excellency asked that the
children' Should be granted a half
hollday.
? Mr. Blgglns:welcomed Messrs. Ogilvie
and Cosgrove, and. mentioned tho. pari
played by tho former In arranging the
visit. . .
; Mr. Ogilvie said the Government had
lan aggressive education policy. Thej
believed - that the schools were the
people's .trust, and that they should send
the'children home physically, as wet
as mentally, flt. He regretted the over-
crowding of the school, and said the
matter was receiving attention. The
erection of a new High School would be
pushod, ahead as soon as possible. He
congratulated the blind students wht
were studying by Braille.
The scholars responded enthusiastic-
ally to . tho call for cheers for the
Governor and- the visitors, and thc
school song was sung.
CHILDREN'S WELFARE SCHOOLS.
Welfare schools for children of bott
sexes, situated next to the Elizabet!
Street Practising School, also were vis:
Ited by the Governor and his party
These schools rnake special provision foi
boys and girls; comparatively advanced
in years, who have not profited by tl«
ordinary State education. Each schoo
contains about 30 pupils, from the ag(
of 13. The Boys' School is In the cbargi
of Mr. M. H. Eyre, and the work li
largely of a manual nature. Carpentry
and gardening are paid particular atten
tion, and. the boys are taught elementan
mathematics. It is found that the boys
while still at school, aro able to secun
employment.
; Needlework, cooking,: and domestli
duties are the .subjects glvcp most at
tentlon at tho Girls' School, where Mis:
D, J. Turner is tho mistress in charge
A house has been taken over by tin
department and provides an excellen
training for the girls In housewifery
A committee which deals with the em
ployment of the scholars when the;
leave school does splendid work. It I
the only school of its kind In Tasmania
Of an entirely different nature ls th
school of activity, whicli is housed li
thc Practising School buildings. Th
students are from seven to about 1
years of age. and are specially sclectei
from all Hobart schools as showin;
particular promise. Their currlculun
is, specially extended. Thc masto
In charge ls Mr. F. Watts, and the chll
dren number, about 35. comprising fou
classes.
Afternoon toa was provided for th
party at the Girls' Welfare School.
$