The argument is sometimes used that the establishment of higher grade schools would lead to unfair competition with the Intermediate Schools already in existence.  No one desires to do this.  Where the Intermediate Schools already hold the field, such overlapping can easily be avoided by proper administrative co-ordination between the National and Secondary systems.  Where, on the other hand, there is a dearth of Intermediate Schools, as in Connaught and Kerry, higher grade schools can, and should be established without any risk either of overlapping or competition.  They would supply a want which is deplored by all educational reformers, and make their influence felt far outside the mere circle of the schoolroom.  A private commercial school has already been founded in Kerry and has continued for some time without State help, but, through want of encouragement, it has recently been compelled to adopt the programme of the Intermediate Board, which is entirely unsuited to its particular aims.  Surely, private enterprise of this kind ought not only to be welcomed, but stimulated by a State grant, and everything possible done to encourage schools to develop along their own lines.  At the present moment, they are bound hand and foot by the examination rules of the Intermediate Board, and it is quite impossible for any central authority, however eagle-eyed and sympathetic, to appreciate the peculiar atmosphere and wants of every locality.  In such cases, local initiative is far more valuable than red tape, and more likely to result in an intelligent interest in his pupils and subject on the part of the teacher.

(3) The position of the Secondary teachers, especially of lay assistant teachers, cries aloud for reform.  In fact, their case is an acknowledged scandal.  How can any one expect that the training of the youth in the Secondary Schools can be really satisfactory when the teachers are so miserably underpaid, when the elements of self-respect are given no room in which to develop, and the whole profession are treated rather as beasts of burden than as a noble and responsible body to whom is entrusted much of the destiny of the race?  The question of reform is here largely a question of money.  There are signs that this fact is becoming more appreciated as the years go by, and it is devoutly to be hoped that before long the teaching profession in the Secondary Schools will have no more to complain of than the Primary teachers, or than is usual in even the most cared-for and prosperous professions in this our imperfect world.  Salaries, pensions, a register, security of tenure, opportunities of proper training—­these may be said to embody the chief requirements of Secondary teachers at the present moment.  In existing circumstances there is no attraction for competent men and women to enter the teaching profession so far as Intermediate education is concerned.  The most incompetent crowd into it, although there are many exceptions, and teaching is regarded as a stop-gap during periods