MUSIC LESSONS FOR CHILDREN

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26123, 27 May 1950, Page 2

MUSIC LESSONS FOR CHILDREN

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 26. A letter from the Director of Education (Dr. C. E. Beeby) outlining the circumstances in which head teachers could allow pupils time during school hours to attend music lessons, was received to-day by a conference of the Education Boards’ Association. Four separate motions that the conference consider the question were put forward by delegates, but each was lost on a show of hands. In his letter. Dr. Beeby said: “A certificate of exemption to attend music lessons is only necessary when the absence is for half a day or more. I have oeen instructed by the Minister to inform yo . that section 59* (3) of the Education Act regarding the minimum length of the school day enables a head teacher to allow a pupil to leave school before the close of the school day. Teachers have full authority, therefore, to allow pupijs reasonable time during school hours to attend music lessons if they cannot be given outside school hours, “Some teachers have allowed pupils permission to leave school early for this purpose and the Minister wishes this practice to continue.”