ATTENDANCES DOWN

Taranaki Daily News, 18 October 1934, Page 5

ATTENDANCES DOWN

MUCH SICKNESS AT AUCKLAND. EFFECT ON EXAMINATIONS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. An outbreak of influenza is causing some concern among education authorities at Auckland, as attendances at both primary and secondary schools are being depleted at the most important period of the year. In some schools over 25 per cent, of pupils are absent. Whooping cough also is prevalent. The outbreak is particularly serious in view of the nearness of examinations, especially matriculation and proficiency. At the beginning of this week 27 per cent, of the pupils of the Auckland Girls’ Grammar School were absent, although the position has improved slightly since then. At the Mount Albert Grammar School the average number of absentees over a fortnight was 80, while on one day 95 boys were away. The position at the Auckland Grammar School was worst at the end of last term. It improved for a week after the holidays and then became progressively worse until the week ended October 5, when an average of 90 boys were absent. Last Monday was the peak day at the Takapuna Grammar School, 112 pupils being away. Primary schools have suffered in the same manner and have had to contend with additional trouble caused by whooping cough. Dr. Hughes, medical officer of health, said the illness was not of a serious type and was quite natural at this time of the year.