ILL-MANNERED CHILDREN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26774, 18 May 1948, Page 6

ILL-MANNERED CHILDREN

Sir,—l was not surprised to read the complaint made by "Elderly” concerning the rude and ignorant behaviour of a certain group of children. I have been a resident of St. Clair for many years and it is only the past year that the peace of this lovely district has been to a big extent destroyed by this rabble of unruly children—reminiscent of the backalleys of East London rather than the well-housed and cared for (?) children of the select district of St. Clair.

Many besides myself have been so molested. It is a pity the parents of children such as these do not try to teach them a little gracious' behaviour instead of allowing them to run in the streets calling out names at pedestrians, bullying other children and. generally making themselves objectionable,—l am, etc., Control.

Sir, —I am of the opinion that “ Make an Example ” is one-sided in his (or her) letter. The schools are not always to blame for the misbehaviour of some children in this city. It is quite often the upbringing they receive at home. The modern trend seems to be that children be sent off to the cinema to be out of the way of their parents during holidays. I can point out many a school that uses the " strap ’’ regularly. The constable “ Make an Example ’’ introduces would do far more good by interviewing the children's parents on a more sound and disciplined upbringing.—l am, etc., Other Side.