CANING BY BOYS AT WAITAKI

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23919, 10 April 1943, Page 6

CANING BY BOYS AT WAITAKI

ABOLITION SOUGHT BY BOARD

(0.C.) OAMARU, April 9 , Abolition of the traditional right, of prefects at the Waitaki Boys’ High School to use the cane is now recommended to the rector (Mr F. Milner) by the Board Of Governors, which, at its monthly meeting, carried a motion on these lines by three votes to two. Caning at Watiaki has been a controversial subject for some months, and although the board previously declined to move for its abolition, a compromise has now been effected whereby ' the "caning of boys by boys" Is frowned upon, though the acquiescence ef the rector ha* still to be obtained. The following motion was moved by Mr W. M, Cooper, the representative on the board of the Otago Education Board:—“ That it be a recommendation from the beard to the rector that it disapproves of the practice of boys being permitted to cane other boys at Waitaki."

The motion was seconded by Mr H, Qrocotti who said he did so on principle. Speaking to his motion, Mr Cpoper said the caning of boys by boys was entirely wrojigln principle, and he had personally expressed his views to the rector, who had stated that he would bp jgqtded by the board. Mr-W; Kinder said there were certain delinquencies at all boys’ schools, and if the boys concerned went before the rector they would he severely punished. Smoking wa* such an offence, and the punishment was usually expulsion. However, if offenders were dealt with by senior boys they would be caned, and having bad their "medicine" that would he the end of it. “This question is one that should receive most carpfuJ consideration by the board,” said Mr J, C. Kirkness, “and, in my opinion, it should be discussed with the rector. On the other hand, however, I am inclined to agree with Mr Copper as I have had a complaint from a parent about his boy being caned by another boy." “If Mr Kirkness has had only one complaint, I am rather surprised, as I have had many," said Mr Cooper. "I can assure the board that parents are too per cent, in agreement that the caning of boys by opys should be stopped. I nave also been told by a man associated with Otago University that such a practice ig unheard of to-day." The chairman (Major H. S. Orbell) said that if the question were put to the boys they would unanimously vote fpr the head prefect to use the cane, Mr Cooper; There have, unfortunately, been instances where prefects, after caning others, have themselves offended against the school code. This is proof that boys have not the wisdom to use authority with discretion, Mr Kinder: As the f-tber of six boys f can say I have never had a complaint from apy of mine. Mr Grocott: I had four at the schpol and every one of them was opposed to this caning, On* of my boys told me of a prefect whp caned “seven bells" out of a boy and then let off his own chum. Boys have not judicial minds, and they should not have such a responsibility given to them. Mr Cooper: So far as I know, there is no caning of boys by boys at the big secondary schools in Dunedin, Christchurch, and Wellington. On being put to the meeting, Mr Cooper’s motjon was carried by three votes to two. Mr J. Hodman said he preferred not to vote.