HIGH COST OF LIVING

Evening Star, Issue 17367, 1 June 1920, Page 3

HIGH COST OF LIVING

NO PRIVATIONS FOR CHILDREN. [Special to vhe 'Stab.'] CHRISTCHURCH, May 31. A ' Star' reporter to-day made close inquiries as to whether the high cost of housing has adversely affected the looks and health of school children, and he obtained some very interesting statements. "We see no signs of anv ill effects." said the head master at Sydenham. "Of course, _there have always been a number of families who complain that thev .ire not able to buy books' but they know that the Government will assist" them, and they play on that. Some time ago the Education Board discussed a proposal that committees should start a system of providing hot meals at the schools for children. Nothing came of the idea. It is impracticable as'far as the children themselves go. They Took as healthv and well clad as ever. Round the porches at the end of the week there are always many good caps and warm coats hanging „„ unclaimed. It is forgetfulncss, of course but it shows, I think, that there is no widespread hardship." The reporter, who saw many of the children, found nothing to support anv theory of poor nourishment. Boys and girls were a well set-up type for the rari part, with color in their* cheek'; ar;d th" sparkle of health in their eves. '• The children here are as bright and brisk" p? ever they were," said the head master of a city school. ." The high Cost of Livin" has not affected either their health or their clothes." " People who have been hit bv the Cost of Living make one particular effort," said another teacher. "Thev take every cine in the world that their children do n,v, show it. They see that the kiddies f.re well fed and well dressed first, and then they cut down expenses on something else." ' b