GAMBLING IN SCHOOLS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24715, 18 September 1941, Page 6

GAMBLING IN SCHOOLS

RAFFLES AMD ART UNIONS ALLEGATION BY CHURCHES BOARD NOT IMPRESSED " The board has done its duty in discouraging gambling in any form on the part of the children," said the chairman. Mr James Wallace, at the monthlv meeting of the Otago Education Board yesterday. The subject was raised by a letter irom the Council of Christian Congregations in which it was alleged that gambling through raffles, art miens, and sweepstakes was being encouraged by teachers. Speculation Encouraged "The matter of gambling and the encouragement of gambling amongst school children hv the teaching staffs of the schools under the jurisdiction of the Otago Board has been brought b?fore the council," the letter stated, ft was apparent that rallies, art unions, and sweepstakes of one sort and another were held and encouraged in connection with flower shows and other annual functions organised by the various schools in Otago. The secretary (Mr G. W. Carrington) said he had asked the co.ncil to submit evidence, and had received a further letter in which it was stated that the evidence it had was hearsay evidence, but very reliable hearsay evidence. Mr N. Colquhoun said he wishsd to say emphatically that no statement in the council's letter applied to North Otago. Mr W. M. Cooper endorsed this. Vagueness of Allegation

"I do not approve of general statements of this sort." said Mr D. C. Camsron. "If the council knows of any specific instances and can prove them the board will take suitable steps." "No one on this board is more opposed to gambling than I," said the chairman, " but I deprecate letters of this sort. A year ago we passed a resolution relating to the subject, and I believe the board has done its duty in the matter. Until specific instances are given, we should simply receive the letter." This suggestion was adopted.