434 SECTIONAL TRANSACTIONS.— L. 



The problem of providing the essentials of nurture for all children in 

 these varying circumstances. The place and function of the nursery class. 

 Further developments as planned and envisaged. 



Afternoon. 

 Visit to Stonyhurst College, by road. 



Monday, September 14. 



Discussion on Part-time continued education (io.o). 



Mr. J. L. Paton. 



The weak point of our educational system is the period of adolescence. 

 We build up slowly from below. We let down from above. But there it is — 

 a hiatus, and the hiatus occurs just at the age when the guiding hand of the 

 State is most needed. There is, after the age of fourteen, a tragic loss and not 

 only of intellectual attainment, but, what is worse, of moral quality. This 

 set-back in mind and character is more crucial because of unemploy- 

 ment. The aim of the Fisher Act was to save this waste. ' Can the age of 

 adolescence be brought out of the purview of economic exploitation into 

 that of the social conscience ? ' asked the Lewis Committee. The Fisher Act 

 was an attempt to do this very thing. It has never been tried out except 

 at Rugby. There it has been a demonstrable success. Why are we not 

 following up this success on a national scale ? The raising of the leaving age 

 does not meet the real crying need of our time. 



Mr. P. I. Kitchen (10.30). 



The present system. — Variety and magnitude in relation to young popu- 

 lation : employment of juveniles. 



Changing conditions. — Widening outlook of continued education reflecting 

 State's expanding social responsibilities. 



Need for information on young people in early years of employment. 



Ultimate aim. — To what extent can education before employment reduce 

 need for education during employment ? Limitation of voluntary system. 

 The case for compulsory attendance, and its difficulties. 



Sir Kenneth Lee (ii.o). 



The day continuation school form of part-time continued education, i.e. 

 two half-days per week during working hours, from fourteen to eighteen. 



Its advantages over raising the age to fifteen : to the employer, the adoles- 

 cent and the State. 



The employer. — Difficulties in works organisation : contact with employees 

 — promotion. 



The employed adolescent. — Learning and working alternated : oversight 

 and care of growth and health : results in home life. 



The State. — Dependence upon education, citizenship and more intelligent 

 operatives in industry for rapidly changing processes and machines : no 

 maintenance grants necessary. 



The need in modern industry for intelligence and adaptability in the 

 operatives. 



