SMOKING IN SCHOOLS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22833, 14 September 1937, Page 13

SMOKING IN SCHOOLS

Sir, —Many parents will heartily agree with the letter of "Children First." The teaching profession has a great responsibility ? not the least being the teaching of discipline. Marks are given by inspectors, 1 believe, for "personality and discipline," and yet we find protests being made because teachers cannot discipline themselves for a few hours from a .pipe or cigarette. What value their lessons on selfrestraint. What use the wall charts showing that smoking is harmful to health? We hear that "Mr went outside the gates this morning for his smoke, because lie could not do without it." It is not the board's restriction that impresses the child, but the fact tliat the teacher has not sufficient personality to discipline himself. Headmasters with large staffs should ponder well over this aspect. It is a matter of deep concern that the Children's Courts are so full of delinquents in these days. Can it be due to the lack of these qualities (self-restraint, or discipline and personality) being taught, not only in the home, but also in the schools? If so, surely it is right'that those responsible for tho administration of the schools should take their _ duties very seriously, and if a tightening up of regulations is necessary, enforce them unflinchingly. Parent.