Aranui H.S. Governors Discuss White Shirts

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30085, 20 March 1963, Page 9

Aranui H.S. Governors Discuss White Shirts

Boys at the Aranui High School are to be allowed to ear white shirts and ties instead of grey flannel shirts, if the headmaster (Mr W. J. A. Brittenden) gives individual permission, the school board of governors decided yesterday After seeing letters to newspapers complaining that the flannel shirts were too hot for summer wear, Mr Brittenden had recommended to the board that white shirts and ties should be allowed as an alternative. Mr F C. Gracie moved that the uniform be unchanged He had seen too many shades of off-white shirts at the recent school sports, he said Mr A J Sandom seconded the motion. Mr Brittenden said he had made inquiries in several third and fourth-form classes He questioned particularly 22 boys whom he found wearing other than regulation shirts. Four had doctors’ certificates, and the parents of many of the others pleaded financial difficulties “Reading the newspapers, one would think the whole community was up in arms about this terrible thing, but I think most of it is just verbiage." Mr Brittenden comriented. Mr D. H Hemsley said there might be a case for having a lighter summer uniform for boys, as there was for girls The chairman (Mr G. Shouksmvth) said a white shirt would “make a terrific difference to looks,” but he did not think there was any other reason tor changing Dr. B. R Penfold said the flannel shirt was highlyabootbent and an insulator, and so had a greater genera’-

purpose value than any other type. “Christchurch people don’t realise how variable the climate is here, and they tend to dress for seasons instead of the temperature," he said “There would be a danger in insisting on the seasonal wefjring of a lighter fabric.” Mr Shouksmith suggested that Mr Gracie might amend ills motion to give the headmaster discretion in allowing pupils to wear white shirts and ties if their parents requested it. Mr Gracie accepted the alteration; his seconder. Mr Sandom, thought this was “playing with words,” but agreed to the change. The motion was then carried unanimously. All male members of the board were wearing white cotton shirts and ties.