WALKING TO SCHOOL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19508, 11 December 1926, Page 9

WALKING TO SCHOOL.

Sir,—l am astounded at tho half-hearted support given by the Grammar Schools' Board to a suggestion by the headmistress of tho Auckland Girls' Grammar School that tho City Council be asked to allow all school children in uniform to travel at half rates on the trams, 'Die' chairman adopts the extraordinary attitude oil taking the side ?>f the opposition, completely disregarding the interests of the children over whose welfare his board is supposed to exercise supervision. As fco the objection voiced by Dr. Roberton, that children ride too much, it is true that they need exercise—which is best gained in organised games in well-equipped playgrounds. But I should like to know whether "the vice-chairman uses a motorcar to save time. And did the girl who walked from Pan mure to Khyber Pass improve her health thereby? As it in the school day is already a long one. Children have no pioper mid-day meal and mothers who rogard their children's health would probably view with disfavour the thought of putting the breakfast an hour ahead. Again, many girls are ablo to help considerably with domestic duties before leaving to catch a tram. Under existing conditions all children are not treated alike. A well-grown child under 15 is often asked to pay full faro, while a senior, much smaller, may pass unchallenged —an injustice which would bo avoided if all school children wore granted the concession advocated by the headmistress. Ibis would merely bring Auckland into line with the other main cities of the Dominion, where all school children in uniform are given concessions at least equal, to that suggested and in many cases considerably greater. I 'hops that other parents will take the mutter up and that pressure will be hrou'gbt to bear on the* City Council to cause it to adopt this excellent proposal. We shoukl all bo grateful to the lady who has set the ball rolling. Disgusted Parent.