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Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 82, 7 April 1943, Page 4

pictures au umuicn o i"-"» ■ •. • Ej, introduction of compulsory saving by the Government to counteract the nign waget plod to youths; (3) the appoint. nient of full-time attendance officers for schools, and a recommendation to the Minister of Education, Mr. Mason, that attendance officers he granted powers of a special constable, (4) Government action regarding the unsuitability for children of many of the programmes broadcast oyer tne air- (5) the introduction of legislation making it unlawful for children to have contraceptives open to them for purchase; (6) the establishment of suitable playing grounds m congested areas; (7) the setting up of continuation courses to at least the age of 18 years. Discipline Deteriorates The opinion was expressed by the headmasters present that the introduction into the schools of the socalled "new freedom," combined with the limitation of corporal punishment had resulted m a deterioration of school discipline and the attitude of the child towards effort. Discussion arose over the phrase new freedom, and Mr. H. McChesney, senior inspector, asked that it be defined. Mr. Priestley said the headmasters had expressed themselves bitterly on the difficulty of handling children at the present time. There was less sense of responsibility among children than ever, he said. Mr. A. Bell, on the other hand, thought that children to-day were taught self-discipline instead of the discipline of fear. Mr. P. A. Snell moved that a clause be added -to the report, asking that a curfew be instituted for children under 14 years, to prevent them being-alone on the streets at night after certain hours. The motion Was lost for lack of a seconder, members considering that such, a move would inter.fere with individual freedom. The board resolved that copies of the report be sent to the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, and the Minister of Education, Mr. Mason. Resentment was again expressed that Mr. Mason had refused to meet the board on the child delinquency question. Mr. Campbell also said that Mr. Mason's statement that there was on increase in delinquency was stupid, since the .Minister's figures were taken from the Child Welfare Department's records, yet half the cases did not come before the Courts. The board itself settled dozens of cases.