SCHOOL ACCIDENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21844, 5 July 1934, Page 15

SCHOOL ACCIDENTS

RESPONSIBILITY QUESTION •PROTEST BY COMMITTEE Refusal to be responsible for any of the sports appliances in the school grounds was expressed in a letter received from the chairman of the Wharehine School Committee, Mr. T. H. Witheford, received at a meeting of the Auckland Education Board yesterday. The letter was in reply to a circular from the board regarding accidents, to children through using playing equipment in school grounds, and disclaiming liability in the matter. "If there be any such appliances as swings on the property they will be dismantled," stated Mr. Witheford. "I. do not go twopence 011 your solicitor's finding. If you are not responsible you cannot .make committees responsible for anything -.erected for the amusement and education of the children. There is no difference between swings and similar appliances and goal posts for any game, or for wicivets for a game of cricket." The committee had a fair credit balance on hand, added the letter, but it would not go to any expense itself or be responsible for collecting the amount while the surplus was in the bank. If anything was needed in connection with education, then the system would have to supply the necessity. "Our teachers have been denied many things in the past, and hence a surplus," added Mr. Witheford "On many occasions the parents have had to supply things that are supplied by many of the committees of other districts. Our committee intends to keep an interest in the school in general, but will not do a hand's turn gratis while there is surplus cash in hand to pay for the job. "We will do nothing for nothing, and the people are behind us." No action was taken.