THE Hauraki Plains Gazette. With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1942 AGE TO LEAVE SCHOOL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3177, 2 October 1942, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette. With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1942 AGE TO LEAVE SCHOOL

From statements made recently principals of secondary schools have noted a disturbing tendency for boys to leave school at an earlier age than in pre-war days. „ Various reasons are given, such as the opinion of some parents that their boys should have some . experience in earning capacities . before reaching the age for military service, the demands of industries affected by military call-ups for labour of any kind to enable them to carry on and the attraction of high wages ruling in a period of labour scarcity. The position disclosed is yet another illustration of the effects of wartime conditions on our cultural, social, and economic life, effects, to judge from the experience of the last war, likely to leave their marks for a generation. On a long view it would be wiser and in the best interests of the boys themselves, that the school course should run the full period, but with conditions as they are it would obviously be impossible to lay down hard and fast rules. In every case where it is at all possible, however, boys should be encouraged to complete their secondary school courses. The benefit may not be apparent now, but it will be realised and appreciated later on, by the boys themselves. FIFTH NEW ZEALAND V.C. The award of the highest British decoration for valour in the battlefield to Sergeant Kenneth Elliott of the 22nd Wellington Battalion, constitutes the fifth occasion for a new Zealander in the present war to be honoured by such distinction. The previous awards went to Sergeant-Pilot James Allen Ward, R.N.Z.A.F, of Wanganui; Second-Lieutenant Charles Haslett Upton, N.Z.E.F., of Christchurch; Sergeant Alfred Clive Huhne,’ N.Z.E.F., ’of Nelson; and Sergeant John Daniel Hinton, N.Z.E.F., of. Southland. The deeds of heroism for which each of these men were responsible have thrilled their countrymen as each story was released following the decision to bestow on them the greatest military award. New Zealand was proud of her fighting record during the last war, which resulted in a particularly high percentage of decorations for gallantry. There is no reason to doubt that once again her sons will give her further cause for pride when the present strife is over and the deeds of her fighting men recorded.