SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 
This comparison is set out on a percentage basis in the foregoing 
graph. The most important portion of the graph is that dealing with 
individuals, between the ages of 15 and 18 years. The Australian 
figures are from our 1911 census, and those of the United States of 
America are for the same year from the report of the Commissioner 
of Education of the United States. 
The actual figures for the age-group 15 to 18 years are:— 
Population over 15 years and under 18 years. United States. Australia, 
1. Estimated total population (15-18) | 5,483,633 100 % 268,993 100 % 
2. Number enrolled in schools ne 3,060,244 55 % 32,343 12% 
3. Number not attending any school... | 2,423,389 45% | 236,650 88 % 
These figures include all those attending schools of any kind, public 
or private, either day school or evening only. _ It may be assumed that 
the greater number of those quoted as receiving education between 15 
and 18 are part-time students, receiving education supplementary to 
that of the office and workshop. It is clear that Australia is lagging 
behind in the matter of adolescent education. 
An important phase of adolescent education is the part-time educa- 
tion of apprentices. A very promising start in this matter has been 
successfully made in the State of South Australia under the provisions 
of an Act for the compulsory technical education of apprentices. The 
chief features of this Act, as described by the Minister for Education 
(Hon. W. H. Harvey), are that benefit will be derived by (a) the 
Apprentice; (b) the employer; and (c) the State. The apprentice will 
benefit by receiving from the best skilled men in his trade a complete 
and graded course of instruction that must not only make him a better 
craftsman, but a citizen with broader knowledge, wider interest, and a 
greater capacity for happiness. The employer will benefit in having the 
men developed to their highest ability, with a knowledge of the funda- 
mental principles of the trade, and with a broader conception of their 
craft than can be gained in any single shop. The State as a whole will 
benefit by having a thoroughly trained body of craftsmen throughout 
the skilled trades; up-to-date methods will be commoner, and the State 
thus rendered more self-dependent. 
While the benefits are thus three-fold the obligation is likewise three- 
fold, and this is recognised in the Act. The apprentice is required. to 
give to his classes his earnest care and attention, and in addition, to 
give up at least one evening per week of his leisure for the purpose of 
study. The employer is to allow his apprentice one half-day (4 hours 
per week) for the purpose of attending day classes in the subjects of 
his trade, and also periodically to supply information concerning the 
progress of the apprentice at his shop work. The State must provide 
the schools and classrooms, and pay the full costs of all necessary 
tuition. 
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