“RAGGING” IN SCHOOLS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20501, 31 August 1928, Page 12

“RAGGING” IN SCHOOLS.

NON-EXISTENT IN AUCKLAND. (Special to Daily Times.) AUCKLAND, August 30. Inquiry as to the e.Ytent to which ragging is prevalent in the secondary schools of Auckland was precipitated by a report which was published some little time ago to the effect that certain boys at the Auckland Grammar School had had their heads submerged in water.. While not attaching overmuch weight' to the report the Grammar School Board called for reports from the Auckland, Mount Albert, and Takapxuia Schools. Reports were received from headmasters and housemasters, and at a meeting of the boa-rd the chairman (Professor A. P. W. Thomas) was able to indicate that the replies were of a satisfactory nature. “In my 30 years’ experience in Auckland,” Professor Thomas said to-day when questioned about the practice, “ I have never had any report of injury having been caused to a boy as a result of unduly rough practices in this matter. I believe that a high standard of conduct prevails in the Auckland schools.” It is understood there was a semblance of truth in the report of the head dipping incident, but it was nothing more serious than a frolic among highspirited boys. On this score the Grammar School Board is quite satisfied. The reply from one of the schools to the query whether there had, been any cases of boys having had their beads dipped in water was not without a gram of humour. The assurance was given that there need be no fear of such happenings, as the necessary facilities did not exist at that particular School. ■