TIRED OR SLEEPY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 69, 22 March 1928, Page 10

TIRED OR SLEEPY.

COUNTRY SCHOOL CHILDREN

WORKIKO BEFORE

BOARD ASKS FOR LEGISLATION.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

DUNEDIN, this day.

"Many of the older pupila seem too tired or too sleepy to give ioueenlrati'd attention. It would seem that school is the place where they come to rest."

Thus reported the senior school inspector, Mr. Stuchey, on a school-in a dairying district. The inspector added that he was unable to attribute the unresponsive attitude of children either to unintelligence or lack of instruction. From inquiry it transpired most of the senior pupils worked before school from 3.30 to 7 or 8 o'clock. In subsequent discussion at a meeting of the Board of Education, it was stated that it seemed monstrous that, while the Factories Act in towns prevented the employment of children under 14 years of age, parents in the country could make slaves of their own children. Economic forces, admittedly, had something to do with it, but in cases like this the State should intervene..

It was resolved to forward the report to the Department, asking for legislation forbidding the employment of children. before a certain hour.