OVERPRESSURE OF STUDIES

Southland Times, Issue 17933, 26 January 1917, Page 5

OVERPRESSURE OF STUDIES

DISCUSSION BY UNIVERSITY SENATE. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, January 25. The question of overpressure of studies, and consequent risk of injury to pupils in girls’ secondary schools, was the subject of discussion in the University Senate. The matter was introduced by a recommendation from the Entrance Examination Committee to the following effect: "That the Senate be recommended to make a comprehensive investigation into the question of overpressure in girls’ secondary schools.” Professor Chilton, convenor of the committee, in presenting the recommendation, said that it was the outcome of a discussion at the secondary schools’ conference, at which the following resolution was carried: "This committee of lady members of the secondary schools' conference is of opinion that the provisions for free secondary education now r available for girls have so minimised risks of overpressure that no injury to the health of candidates for university entrance examinations is likely to occur, provided judicious care is exercised by head mistresses of girls’ secondary schools.” The committee desires the conference to forward this resolution. The Board of Studies felt that it was not in a position to come to a definite conclusion upon it, , because, it had no information except that from persons more or less interested. The Board, therefore, passed a' resolution asking the Senate to make an investi'gai tion.

Professor Segar moved as dn afne'ndment, that the words “at some future date” he added to the recommendation. He did not see that there was anything to be gained from an order for an investigation, when the principals of girls’ secondary schools had asserted that rib overpressure existed. It was a known fact that many lady students took up the study of music and other accomplishments outside school work, and it was generally owing to these additional tasks that their health broke down. The amendment was lost, and the clause was rejected, it being considered that no necessity existed for investigation.