FEAR OF SOCIAL UNREST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 23 September 1941, Page 7

FEAR OF SOCIAL UNREST

REPORT TO COLLEGE BOARD UNSETTLEMENT DUE TO WAR CONDITIONS "There will be social unrest and selfcontrol will be lacking unless these young people make an effort now to develop more responsible habits,” stated the director of the Wellington Technical College. Mr R. G. Ridling, in a report to the board of governors last night in which he expressed concern at the attendance of students at night classes. Mr Ridling stated that the average attendance was only just over 50 per cent, of the average enrolment, and the information that he had. though it might not be complete, indicated that the number in camp was very small. It was extremely difficult to find out the reason for such a low attendance over all classes. Various reasons had been advanced, including overtime work. E.P.S. activities, and general unsettlement due to the war conditions. There was no doubt that the last was an important factor, and students, even though they might be young, were affected by restlessness and did not carry on with their work. Many had no particular reason for not attending regularly. I am concerned mainly because the ultimate effect will be serious for these young people.” continued Mr Ridling. "Basic training for most trade courses is laid in the early years, and unless students follow these elementary courses carefully and successfully the i more advanced work cannot be carried out Failure now means failure in subsequent years, no matter what effort is applied." It seemed impossible for the college to do anything in the matter. The system of requiring written excuses from parents had broken down because it was impossible lo keep pace with the clerical requirements of such indifferent attendance. He had, therefore, ceased to send notification of absence to parents j Mr Ridling furnished the following ■ return, which gives, in this order, the average number of classes nightly, the average number of pupils on the register. average attendance and average number of pupils in camp: Monday 41 20.8 10.71 .85 j Tucsdav ... 44 19.36 11.63 .38 'Wednesday . 35 22.11 14.28 1.05 Thursday ... 40 19.32 10.8 1.15 Friday ‘ 15 27.2 12.3 1.73 Saturday ... 14 16.57 10.71 1.07