GREEK IN SCHOOLS.
[TO TICE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
SIR,—From the notice of my speech in the Spectator, I presume I am reported to have said that Greek should not be taught in schools where boys leave at 18. Inasmuch as there are no schools in which, as the rule, boys stay longer than this, it would follow that Greek should never be taught in schools, which is certainly not my opinion. I said 15 or 16, not 18.
The Schools Inquiry Commissioners classified schools roughly into three grades, according to the age at which boys, for the most part, leave : 18, 16, 14. It is true that the Endowed Schools Conunissioners have somewhat relaxed the limits, but practically they will still be found nearly correct. And I do hold, most strongly, that Greek should be confined to schools of the first grade.
I presume I am also reported to have said that the Act was intended to be worked against the feeling of Trustees and the districts. This leaves out important words. I said the Act had definite objects, and that if the feeling of the country and of Parliament supported it, they should be attained, if necessary, even against the local feeling and the Trustees.—I am, Sir, &c.,
Previous page
