THE RAILWAY RESTRICTIONS

Otago Witness, Issue 3413, 13 August 1919, Page 28

THE RAILWAY RESTRICTIONS

HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. PUPILS CUT OFF FROM HOME. Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P. (chairman of the High Cohool Board of Governors) mtervi wed the Hon. J. A. Hanan last week to point out to him that the present railway regulations will prevent the boarders at the secondary schools, more particularly those in the rectory, from getting homo during the term holidays, which will commence about the 22nd mst., and extend for about three weeks. This, ho said, was a question for consideration, not only from tho point of view of the scholars, but also of the parents who had to pay for their upkeep. He reoognised that other parts of tho dominion, as well as Dunedin, were affected. He understood that the serious position in which the Railway Department was placed would prevent the children from travelling. Tho Minister said that this was the third aspect of the case of secondary and technical school pupils that had been brought before him as a result of the curtailed train services. The first feature, represented to him a short time ago, was that of the difficulties of scholars in travelling to and from school daily and at week-ends. It was suggested that facilities should be provided at the expenso of the Government

by its meeting the cost of conveyance by motor cars or other means. The second aspect was in connection with the further curtailment of passenger travel unless they obtained permits. Under this it was represented that many school children would bo shut out. In connection with the first, he was pleased to say that the Cabinet had approved of the extension of the present, provisions for the conveyance and boarding of public school pupils to include in approved cases pupils attending secondary and technical schools whose attendance had been interrupted by the railway curtailment. In regard to the second matter, he had been in communication with the Minister of Railways, who had informed him that no restriction was being imposed in regard to conveyance of pupils by rail to secondary and technical schools. The Railway Department had specially provided for children travelling daily to school obtaining permits for a period of one month, or until the date of the expiry of tickets if shorter. When he returned to Wellington he would represent to the Minister of Railways the case brought under his notice by Mr Sidey. WELLINGTON, August 6. The parents of children in private boarding schools have been notified by the principals that the railways will not carry children home at holiday time.