SCHOOL SMOKING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22853, 7 October 1937, Page 12

SCHOOL SMOKING

RESTRICTION LIFTED DISAPPROVAL EXPRESSED HARDSHIP OF PROHIBITION EDUCATION BOARD'S DECISION Rescinding its resolution prohibiting teachers from smoking in school grounds or buildings, the Auckland Education Hoard yesterday replaced it with a resolution expressing the strong opposition of the board to teachers under its jurisdiction smoking during school hours. Notice of motion in this direction had been given by the chairman, Mr. T. U. Wells, at the last meeting of the board.

Mr. Wells said he did not think that teachers smoking in the presence of children was a good example to primary school pupils. From teachers' organisations, seven letters of protest had been received, while 43 had come from school committees. Nine out of the 43 objected only to the restriction after school hours. Therefore of the 660 committees in the district only 5 per cent had made any objection. Question of Example

"It has been suggested that teachers should be allowed to smoke in common rooms but that is giving an advantage to thoso who have them," said Mr. Wells. "I am not prejudiced against smoking and am a smoker myself, but I think it is quite out of place in or about a school. I do not think it is asking too much of our teachers to restrict their smoking. They occupy responsible positions and are copied more than they realise." The question of small country schools was raised by Mr. W. J. Campbell, who said teachers in such schools were on duty the whole day without a break. That meant that they would be prevented from the relaxation of smoking until they left late in the afternoon. It was to be regretted that the moral tone of schools had been brought into the matter; it was this that was causing teachers most concorn. He thought the moral tone of Auckland schools was as high as ever it had been. Utmost Care Urged The following resolution was then carried to replace the one passed on May 5: —"The board expresses its strong disapproval of smoking in school buildings and school playgrounds from the time that pupils arrive in the morning until they leave in the afternoon, and the board urges that the utmost care be taken by all concerned to guard against the risk of fire by smoking on school premises." It was also decided to rescind the original resolution on the grounds that total prohibition of smoking on school premises would impose a hardship on teachers and handicap committees in their promotion of social gatherings for the purpose of raising school funds. Both resolutions were carried unanimously*.