SCHOOL LUNCH HOUR

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 106, 7 May 1942, Page 5

SCHOOL LUNCH HOUR

CURTAILMENT PLAN

MORE TIME FOR MILKING

A request for permission to curtail the luncheon interval to half an hour to enable the school to be closed earlier in the afternoon so that the older boys could assist with milking on farms was received from the Te Kowhai School Committee by the Auckland Education Board yesterMr. M. Priestley objected to the proposal and said that the boys worked before school, and the only period of relaxation was in the luncheon hour. To cut down this period so that they could go home and work was contrary to the board's policy. The board should endeavour, not only to cultivate the aesthetic and mental tastes of the children but also to develop them physically. He moved that the board oppose the suggestion. Mr. W. I. Bowyer said that no one had the interest of the children at heart more than he had, but he recognised that these were abnormal times. He moved as an amendment that the matter be further investigated to ascertain whether there was a definite shortage of labour in the district and whether the district was unanimous in the request to curtail the luncheon hour.

Mr. A. N. Macky agreed that there ■Was hardship owing to the shortage of labour, but the board had to consider the greatest good for the greatest number. The amendment was carried.