AUCKLAND PUPILS ‘ON THE CARPET’

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30847, 4 September 1965, Page 16

AUCKLAND PUPILS ‘ON THE CARPET’

"The Press" Special Service

AUCKLAND, Sept. 3. Boys and girls returning to four grammar schools in Auckland after the holidays will find themselves on the carpet. But they have no need to worry. The experience is expected to make their school life more comfortable and also to have a good effect on their behaviour. ' They will be testing the advantages of carpeted classrooms.

The schools have accepted an offer by McKendrick Textile Mills, Ltd., to supply and lay a carpet free of charge in one room at each school to test its effect in use.

The firm said that in the United States it had been found that carpeted floors reduced heating and cleaning

bills, cut down noise and improved acoustics, resulting in less shouting and nervous tension for teacher and pupils. Carpets also had a psychological effect by improving the way floors were treated and making students behave in a more orderly manner, the firm said.

This week, 108 square yards of all-rayon loop-pile tufted carpet was fitted in the geography room at Mt. Albert Grammar School, where boys will troop in and out once every 40 minutes next term. A room at Auckland Grammar School was also, carpeted and next week two girls’ grammar schools, Auckland and Epsom, will have carpets laid. The principals of the four schools were given a choice of four colours. All chose Highland green.