NO PANIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 297, 15 December 1936, Page 8

NO PANIC.

SCHOOLS CLOSED.

DUNEDIN OUTBREAK; 4

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE.

CARE OF THE CHILDREN.

The primary, district higli, intermediate and technical schools under the control of the Auckland Education Board were closed to-day in accordance with instructions given by the Minister of Education, Hon. P. Eraser. It was a precautionary measure, taken owing to the outbreak of infantile paralysis at Dunedin. The children went to school this morning to collect their school books and receive certificates, and they then returned to their homes. Advice to Children. It is understood that in a few instances at primary schools the examinations in lower standards have not been completed, and the usual procedure irj such a case is to assess the work of the pupil over the year.

There was nearly a hundred per cent attendance of the children at the Parnell School, where the examination results were announced and the proficiency certificates were distributed. The children were assembled in the open, and the headmaster, Mr. J. W. McGechie, informed them, of the reason why the schools had been dismissed early. He gave the children general advice about keeping out of crowds, wearing hats in the open as a protection against the sun, and keeping off the beaches during the hottest part of the day. The children, after a' short address, collected their "goods and chattels" and dispersed. Similarly at other Auckland primary schools headmasters gave a word of warning to children. Secondary Schools. Most of the Auckland secondary schools have held their breaking-up gatherings, and in other instances arrangements have been made to limit the programmes. ■ The Diocesan High School for Girls was to have held a garden party this afternoon, and a parents' gathering tomorrow morning. The girls attended this morning and collected their books. The garden party was held, but except for the senior girls who waited on the visitors, none of the pupils were present. The parents' gathering was cancelled.

The . prize-giving ceremony at St. Cuthbert's College was held this afternoon, arrangements being made to dismiss the college after the function.

The prize-giving at King's College is fixed for Thursday, and so far the programme has not been altered. The speech day at King's School has .been postponed, and may be held next term.

The prize-giving ceremony at Northcote High School was cancelled, and the prizes were distributed when the pupils attended this morning.

Health Department .officials in Auckland Wd to-day that there -was need for precautions, but' no reason for panic. A general warning had been given to children not to get into crowds, also to avoid fatigue and the heat of the sun. No regulations had. been issued as yet, but simple' precautions were urged. Summer Camps. The question of the .holding of summer camps. for children had arisen. On that point no decision, has been made, but it was possible that a child who lived in insanitary surroundings would be better off in a well-conducted camp. The Director-General of Health, Dr. M. H. Watt, is visiting Auckland, but his visit is purely in connection with Departmental business. Northcote Cancellation.

The parents' day and sports meeting of the Northcqte District High School, which were to have been held to-day, were cancelled owing, to the order closing all schools.

KING'S SCHOOL.

SPEECH DAY CANCELLED. In compliance with instructions issued by the Minister of Education, the headmaster of the King's School, Remuera, has decided to cancel the annual speech day and distribution of' prizes, which was to have een held to-morrow in Remuera Hall. No fresh arrangements are contemplated at present.

POSITION IN DUNEDIN

further suspected case.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) DUNEDIN, Monday.

Three more children are under observation as a result of showing symptoms indicating that they have contracted infantile paralysis. There are now 17 patients and suspected cases.