TERM HOLIDAYS FOR NELSON COLLEGES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 4 May 1937, Page 4

TERM HOLIDAYS FOR NELSON COLLEGES

POSTPONED UNTIL THE 26th MAY EFFECT OF INFANTILE PARALYSIS In view of the infantile paralysis epidemic in parts of the Dominion, it was decided at the meeting of the Nelson College Council of Governors last evening to postpone the closing of the Girls’ and Boys’ Colleges for the second term holidays from 12th May until 26th May. The matter will be again considered at a special meeting of the Council on 17th May, when further information will be available from the Health Department. In view of the fact that Nelson is practically the only centre in the Dominion free from the epidemic, members of the Council expressed their reluctance to allow the boarding pupils to travel to all parts of the country with risk not only to themselves but also of carrying the infection back to Nelson.

It was pointed out that no restrictions were placed on the travelling public, but school pupils were in a different category, as on their return they would be assembled in the one building. Dr W. D. S. Johnston and Dr H. E. A. Washbourn were both in favour of postponing the holidays for a period, so that the boarders could be kept in Nelson until the trend of the epidemic, which might be quelled by colder weather, had been ascertained. The chairman (Mr C. R. Fell) stated that a decision would have to be reached in the quickest possible time, as the Young Farmers’ Clubs had engaged one of the Boys’ College buildings from 13th May to 19th May.

After considerable discussion had taken place and no definite decision had been reached, Mr H. Atmore, M.P., suggested that the opinion of the Minister of Health (the Hon. P. Fraser) be obtained immediately by telephone, which course was adopted. A call was put through to Wellington, and a few minutes later the Minister replied stating that he could not get in touch with Dr Watt, Director-General of Health. However, he had sought an opinion from Dr Ritchie, who considered that the Council’s suggestion of postponing the holidays would be a wise course to adopt. The Minister stated that he also favoured the suggestion, and would inform the Council of Dr Watt's opinion as soon as possible. Mr Atmore then moved that as Nelson was free from infantile paralysis, the closing date of the second term for the Girls’ and Boys’ Colleges be postponed 'until 26th May, the matter to be given further consideration by the Council on 17th May.

The motion was seconded by Mr W. Lock and carried.