“INDIGESTIBLE STUFF”

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11660, 26 October 1923, Page 7

“INDIGESTIBLE STUFF”

BOYS PICTURES ANI* ICE CREAM. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, October 25. Mr »). Gaughley, Dilector of Education, at a meeting with the Canterbury teacher?, to-day, strongly criticised th.'. apathy of the modern schoolboy in undertnkirg dean, wholesome sport. He deplored the growing preference for pictures and ice cream, which he described as mental and physical undigestihle stuff. This matter was introduced by the discussion of subsidies asked for from the Government for the payment for material for games. A GROWING DANGER. Mr Caugbley said there was a growing danger of too much spoon feeding of children in this inspect, and if sub-f-idies wero granted, it would amount to more than those 'present would think. The department had to consider which were most i> resting needs and the provision of suitable habitations for teachers for instance, was of far greater importance He asked how many boys to-day relied on themselves to provide their own sport; how many could spin a top, make their own kites or stilts. WOULD NOT HELP THEMSELVES. Now' they had to be cajoled and persuaded to take an active part in games, and everything had to be provided. Some schools even bought the jerseys in which boys played football, f.nd the next thing would be the provision of football boots or a motor-car to take them to a match. He deplored the money wasted on frivolous pursuits considering none, or little, was forthcoming from the children themselves to pay for their own games.