In view of the opinion expressed by a resolution of the conference of secondary school teachers which was placed before it, the Senate was no doubt quite justified in coming to the conclusion it did, and it is satisfactory to think that from the teachers’ viewpoint there is no cause for over-anxiety as to educational over-pressure in the case of girls attending the secondary schools of the dominion. Whether the Senate has done wisely or not in making it a condition of entrance to the university, as it appears to have done, that a girl student should have taken a course in domestic science, is perhaps debatable, since every additional compulsory school subject means more educational pressure. Presumably it amounts to saying that a girl is not to be permitted to enter the university unless she has some knowledge of the domestic virtues. However, this is the reply of the University Senate to the appeal of the Minister of Education to encourage the study of domestic science, and all will no doubt be for the best.
• A Press Association telegram states that the Christchurch City Council appointed a deputation last night to wait on the Government and place before it the following resolutions:— "That as there is a considerable disproportion in the equity of sacrifice, and as the burden of sacrifice is falling so heavily on the general body of the community, who have sent their sons, and who also have to bear the economic burden of the high prices of commodities, we ask that the Government logically step out, and having conscripted men, they also appropriate extra profits made during the war period"; "that in the opinion of this combined meeting a taxation of incomes (other than incomes derived from war profits) is at the present time inadequate"; "that as it is absolutely necessary to conserve and concentrate the energy of the people of New Zealand to win the war, we requisition the Government to organise the man and women-power either through the nationalisation of industries or the organisation of private interests to carry on the industries of the country, and thus free men who are physically fit to prosecute the war"; "that the Government be requisitioned to use every means in its power, consistent, with equity and justice, to win and finish the war."
• The terrible strain that our soldiers are called upon to endure was tragically emphasised at Wanganui. A man of fine physique, who was both wounded and gased, and was invalided home, attended the Wellington champion rifle competition in Wanganui. The guns had a depressing effect upon him, and he returned home with a bad head. Later he was discovered in the garden digging a trench, firing an imaginary rifle, and apparently undergoing some of the experiences he has passed through. His suffering was intense and his removal to the hospital was necessary.
• The silting-up of Lake Waihola threatens, according to evidence given before the Taieri-Waipori Rivers Commission, to sound the death knell of regattas in that locality. Mr Amos McKegg, of the White House Hotel, informed the commission that the course on which regattas were held was much shallower now. There was considerable siltation there, and a growth of weed, not formerly noticed, came up near the surface of the lake. — ODT, 30.1.1917.
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