CANING OF PUPILS AT WAITAKI

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23947, 14 May 1943, Page 2

CANING OF PUPILS AT WAITAKI

HEATED DISCUSSION AT BOARD MEETING (0.R.) OAMARU, May 13. “It would appear from all this muck raking that certain members of the board are out to sap the very foundations of our edifice. I am ashamed to think that > have to sit here and listen to such a discussion instituted by members who would question the right and responsibility of the head prelect at Waitaki to use the cane, when that same boy in 18 months’ time will probably be facing death in his country's cause." With these words, Mr Frank Milner, rector of Waitaki Boys’ High School, replied to criticism regarding punishment by cane at the school, and, in particular, the principle of the head prefect being allowed to cane, at this afternoon's meeting of the board of governors of the school. The rector also said that punishment by cane was in vogue at Christ’s College, Nelson College, New Plymouth Boys’ High School and at other wellknown secondary schools in the Dominion. The discussion, which at times became heated, was introduced by Mr W. IV Cooper, who asked for informafon concerning the Christchurch boy, a boarder, who, he said, had absconded from Waitaki because of punishment by cane with which he had allegedly been threatened. The rector related certain events leading up to the incident in question, and members of the board were unanimous that treatment accorded the boy had been anything but harsh, Mr Cooper stating he was completely satisfied. The rector then said he had obtained legal opinion which made it clear that the board had no rights to interfere where the boarding establishment was concerned, although it had jurisdiction over the school. There was a heated exchange among the chairman (Major H, S. Or* bell), the rector, and Mr Cooper when Mr Cooper reminded the meeting that th.; rector had not explained his attitude towards the caning of boys by boys, which the board had recommended him to discontinue. The rector: I ask Mr Cooper how he justifies his statements at the last meeting that the caning at Waitaki is a racket, and that 80 per cent, of the parents are against caning. If Mr Cooper will give me Uie names of those parents complaining to him I will check up. ■ - Mr Cooper: ■ The people who tela-. phoned Tne are afraid to disclose their names through fear of reprisals at Waitaki against their boys. The chairman: You can’t go on like this, Mr Cboper. Really, I can’t allow this. . . After further interjections. Mr J Rodman said he supported the rector wholeheartedly. Waitaki was a big school and discipline had to be maintained. The rector also stated that any boy who was to be punished by the head prefect had the right of appeal, but he generally preferred to be dealt with by the prefect. The speaker knew of no regulation of the Education ~)e----oartment that prevented caning at secondary schools.