SAFETY FIRST

Evening Star, Issue 19773, 25 January 1928, Page 5

SAFETY FIRST

DANGER TO SCHOOL CHILDREN The danger to children playing on main roads was brought before the meeting of the Education Board this morning by the Dunedin Ratepayers’ Association, which asked the board to consider the advisability of instructing the children in the matter. The Chairman (Mr J. Wallace) pointed out that the board had already sent out circulars to schools on the subject, but said there would be no harm in giving prominence to the matter again. Mr J. H. Wilkinson said they should admire the spirit which prompted the association’s interest in the matter, but it should be made known that the board recognised its responsibility, and had already taken steps. The secretary was instructed to forward another circular to head masters and school committees. The circular sent out by the beard last year to bond masters ami solo teachers read: “ The board is strongly of opinion that, with the increasing motor traffic, there is urgent need for the constant education of children in the dangers associated with playing or loitering in the roadway or of rushing across the street without regard to the traffic. Teachers aro therefore enjoined to do all in their power in this direction. It is suggested that at all schools situated in busy thoroughfares, boys should be appointed in turn to act as traffic monitors. They should be stationed at the gates when school is dismissed to see that pupils cross the road only at an intersection, or otherwise carryout the instructions laid down to suit a particular locality. ’' The same circular had the following to say on the question of playground supervision:—“ As a result of two complaints which have come before the bonid recently, it has been considered advisable to draw the attention of head teachers to the necessity of adequate supervision of the playground, particularly during the midday recess. In one instance—an accident to a child at a largo school—it is alleged that there was no teacher in charge, while in the other case—a complaint from a sole-teacher school—the teacher was home for lunch, and apparently no responsible monitor had been left in charge. While recognising that in most schools there is a satisfactory system of supervision, the board would bo glad if all head and sole teachers, would give the requisite attention to this important matter.”