Introduction.

A series of letters and other contributions on the subject of overpressure in aducation have appeared during the last few months in the Dunedin 'Evening Star.' Owing to the general interest excited, the reserve stock of papers was soon exhausted, and it was decided to reprint a selection from the various articles in pamphlet form. This course has been made easy by the fact that, with few exceptions, the type of the original articles had not been destroyed.

It has been suggested that a summary, embodying essentials, might suffice, but this course would involve a great deal of extra trouble and work, besides rendering the opinions expressed less authentic and forcible. The papers are republished for the purpose of emphasising the evils of over-pressure, and those articles only have been selected which tend to support the thesis.

To facilitate reference, a synopsis of contents has been drawn up, which will enable each reader to readily pick out any section of the subject in which he may happen to be personally interested. A few reprints from leading newspapers outside Otago are included, because they show that there is a consensus of opinion throughout the colony in favor of reform in our scheme of Education. The views of a few leading authorities outside the colony are printed at the end of the pamphlet.