NEGLECT OF EDUCATION

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16214, 17 May 1918, Page 2

NEGLECT OF EDUCATION

A FARMER'S INJUSTICE TO HIS FAMILY.

(special to "the tress.") DUNEDIN, May 16

The report of the Otago Education Board's truant officer (Mr Ryan) brought to tho'notice of the Board what must *be a unique case of consistent neglect of a family's education. This was the case of a farmer's children. Mr Ryan's review of the whole family of 14 children showed that there was one son, 21 old, now at the front, who had got no higher than Standard I.; that none of the six over school age had passed beyond Standard IV.; only one, indeed, proceeding so far; thai four of the seven children of-school ago had passed no standard at ages ranging from 7 to 11 years; that although live of the family over school age had been working a t home, the parent had also kept at home for practically tho whole of the present year,. three others who should Save been nt school. Tho purpose lor which they had been kept from study was rabbiting, according to the officer, who commented that they were making big cheques at tho present time.

Mr Rvaji reported further that he had taken proceedings against the father before justices, wh,o spoke in strong terms of defendant, and expressed their regret that they had ilo power to impose a penalty, as defendant lived over tho prescribed distance (three miles) from tho school.