11 
Physics is always an attractive subject to a boy. It explains 
natural phenomena and machines in which a boy is interested and 
with which he is familiar, especially as there are so many experi- 
ments in physics which are simple and convincing and which can 
be performed by a hoy in his spare time. As a certain amount of 
mathematics is required in physics, such experiments offer a 
practical confirmation of many mathematical problems, which is 
also an advantage to the student. 
Chemistry has suffered more in the past than any other 
branch of science. In elementary teaching its educational possi- 
bilities have been greatly underrated. Elementary chemistry 
demonstrates to the boy as he proceeds from a simple example, 
revealing the nature of the chemical changes, and proving step by 
step in the process, so that the student gains a sound idea of a 
logical and ordered argument. Chemistry demonstrates this factor 
better perhaps than any other science. 
Biology also possesses a high educational value, as it trains the 
power of observation. Although many of the processes are com- 
plex and difficult to follow in the early stages, their study is calcu- 
lated to make a boy take a greater interest in life. 
Surely the teaching, at the impressionable school age, of the 
truths and logical conclusions of science must be for good and 
must be beneficial to the youth, for a sound training and judg- 
ment are two essentials in whatever path of life he follows. 
The modern schools and continuation classes which are de- 
signed to encourage education beyond the statutory age are a 
great advance. Great Britain during the War raised the age of com- 
pulsory attendance at schools under certain conditions from 14 to 
16, so that Western Australia has a lead to follow. 
The Public Service is sadly behind in these matters. Under 
the Public Service regulations the age of 14 is accepted, in that a 
hoy of this age can apply for entry to the Service, and if he passes 
the qualifying examination (G) at this age he can be appointed 
temporarily as a messenger. When he attains the age of 16 he is 
appointed as a junior officer, and before IS years he has to pass a 
second examination, known as the “F” examination, which is more 
or less a test of his official attainments. His way is then clear 
without further educational tests to the highest appointment in 
the Service. As there are always many applicants from 14 to 16 
years of age and as priority counts, students of the University or 
secondary schools are practically barred from entering the Public 
Service. This system is a contrast with that of the Professional 
division, where high educational and technical experience are 
necessary qualifications. No doubt with the advent of the Uni- 
