CHILD SLAVERY

Grey River Argus, 23 March 1928, Page 2

CHILD SLAVERY

On New Zealand Farms ‘‘SCHOOL A PLACE FOR REST.” DUNEDIN, March 22. “Many of the older pupils seem too tired or sleepy to give concentration and attention. It would seem that the school is a place were they come to rest. ’ ’ Thus reported the Senior School Inspector Stuckey on a school in a dairying district. The Inspector added that he was unable to attribute the nunresponsive attitude of the children, either to uuintelligcnce or lack of instruction. From inquiry, it transpired that most of the senior pupils worked before school from 3.30 to 7 or 8. In the subsequent Education Board discusion, it was stated it seemed monstrous that while the factories Act in towns prevented the employment of children under 14, parents in the conn try could make slaves of their own children. Economic forces admittedly had something to do with it, but in cases like this the State should intervene. It was resolved to forward the report to the Department, asking for legislation forbidding employment of children before certain hours.