SCHOOL UNIFORMS

Grey River Argus, 29 April 1942, Page 7

SCHOOL UNIFORMS

A press message from Australia informs us that tne Federal G overn incut has requested the principals of secondary schools to relax, for the duration of the war, then regulations regarding school uniforms. It was pointed out that production of war essentials must come first, and that failure of school authorities to recognise this fact woulc. result in Government action.

We endorse the attitude of the Australian Goevrnment on this matter, and consider that our Government should act likewise.

'While we appreciate the natural desire of our secondary school authorities to- maintain a distinctive attire for their pupils, tve also think that it is one of the things which can well he done without in this time of crisis. The equipment, the skilled labour, and the materials used in producing such dress, can be utilised to much better purpose.

Furthermore, the prices of blazers, hosiery, gym. f roc as, etc., have increased to a point beyond the means of many parents. It is difficult for them to continue to furnish their children with the stipulated wearing apparel. Must children be denied the benefits of a secondary school education because of the inability of parents to pay the prohibitive price for school uniforms

Last summer the local House wives’ Union- made representations to the school authorities to permit girl pupils to dispense with long black stockings -on the grounds that ; such were unnecessary in summer-time, that they were too , expensive and sometimes difficult to procure, and that the | wool could be better utilised. These representations met , with no success. '

It is difficult for the average person to understand why , most school authorities persist in compelling girls to wear heavy stockings ad the year round, and even when engageci i in sports and athletics. They are not conducive to the girls health, and certainly add nothing to the appearance. I

The girls themselves detest wearing long stockings when conditions make them unnecessary and superfluous.

Both parents and children would, therefore welcome a relaxation of school regulations in regard to J this was done the supply of essential article of clotnmo could be increased, and no one would be one bit the nonoff.

And while we are on this matter of school dress, we would ask why it is that school cadets are again being e dpped will/ khaki uniforms.' If it was necessary ro abolish cadet uniforms two years ago, it is even more necessary to-day.

Home-Guardsmen are asked to carry out their trainin... and, if called upon, lo fight in their own emlian elot u.x After the needs of the regular troops have been met .0 . y ill" Home Guard should receive first consideration m tnc matter of uniforms.

v,'f believe that most of our readers will agree wth u that school uniforms in f e present war situation is » -a luxury that will have to be dispensed with m this oountr. as in Australia.