To the Editor of the Norta-Cama Dairy News."
Sir,—I regret not having seen Mr. Kearsly's letter—which appeared in your issue of the 15th ultimo, under the above title—until a few days. ago, in Japan, I wish, however, to question the justice of your correspondent's observations anent Technical Schools in general, and in particular, as to the usefulness of these institutions in China.
Mr. Kearsly stated (1) We are 10 years too soon (in China) for this kind of training.
(2) Lancashire spun from one to 200 counts, and, produced the finest velvets, before we had even night schools.
It is difficult to see upon what basis your correspondent has fixed 10 years hence as the time when China may (presumably with advantage to herself) establish technical schools.
Modern cotton spinning was introduced into this country upwards of 30 years ago. Does Mr. Kearsly suggest that a country is ripe for technical training, in this industry, only after it has been in operation for 40 years? If so, the duty which the first generation of operators must perform is to pave the way for posterity, by taking the least possible advantage, of the experience made in other countries? This appears contrary to reason.
I have no desire or intention to question your correspondent's statement under the second head, but, think, however, the inference which he draws therefrom is not warranted.
Since when has it been an essential condition that a country shall reach a certain standard of proficiency before technical schools are established? If Mr. Kearsly's proficiency tests were applied to. some other countries, whose trade in textiles is known beyond their geographical boundaries, it would have to be admited that these have not yet qualified, but they have established technical schools, notwithstanding.
The principle of introducing selected men from abroad, to supervise cotton mills in China, has done much to raise the tone of these mills, and, there is, moreover, no doubt that this practice could, with advantage, be considerably extended. But, is not one idea behind this practice,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.