WRONG IN PRINCIPLE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 136, 10 June 1936, Page 6

WRONG IN PRINCIPLE.

"Teacher" does not seem to agree with my attitude to corporal punishment, and accuses me of being "dictatorial" and "fantastic." I may have expressed myself too strongly, but it ia 'difficult not to do so, when one realises that punishment is still a recognised principle in our schools. It would be futile, however, to answer "Teacher's" accusations at any length. I merely reassert that punishment as a principle is wrong, and that no moral, logical or religious evidence can be produced in its favour. This is not a "dictatorial" statement. It is the outcome of my perhaps short experience, during which I admit I have used punishment of all types, including corporal. It is because I have done so that I realise it is both futile and wrong, and produces consequences which are harmful to our children's welfare. Punishment cannot produce harmony. The life and death of our greatest Teacher are an undesirable testimony to this fact. He said, "Go and sin ho more," and "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what" they do." He created harmony. Yet we are told that punishment is'both "right and proper." Are we, as teachers, so out of touch with this simple and beautiful philosophy that we know no other means of teaching than by brute force? Perhaps I am an unworthy champion of my cause if I succeed only in being "fantastic." BRIAN KNIGHT.