HAND-WASHING IN SCHOOLS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29434, 9 February 1961, Page 6

HAND-WASHING IN SCHOOLS

Survey Suggested

A laek of facilities for hand drying in certain school lavatories. and the merit* of purchasing rejected toilet rolls as an economic means of overcoming the difficulty were discussed at last evening's meeting of the Canterbury School Committees’ Association. The subject arose from a letter from the Riccarton committee commenting on the high cost of towels. Mr F. G. Briggs (Lyttelton) said that there were several schools which did not have adequate wash-bowl facilities in toilets, and commented on the high expense involved in the purchase of paper towels. To this Mrs N. Sutherland (Cashmere) replied that her school had successfully experimented with rejected toilet rolls as a substitute for paper towels. They had the merit of being considerably cheaper. Mr Briggs replied that he was most surprised that people at Cashmere wiped their hands on toilet paper. “If it’s good enough for Cashmere then I cannot see why Lyttelton cannot use it too,” interjected Mr W. Rosenberg amid general laughter. Another member said the matter was an urgent one. “Children today are becoming more accustomed to correct hygiene habits and I think they should be encouraged.’’ he said. A recommendation that the association conduct a survey into the washing facilities available in schools was approved. To this Mr Briggs said that as far as he could see the subject was one for the Education Board. “It’s just another way of the board passing the buck on to our association," he said.

“I don’t think I can agree with that remark,’’ said the chairman (Mr H. C. Anderson).