CHILDREN ERR IN PLAYTIME, ’TIS SAID.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17881, 24 June 1926, Page 4

CHILDREN ERR IN PLAYTIME, ’TIS SAID.

LEISURE HOURS MUST BE PROVIDED FOR. (Special to the “Star.”) AUCKLAND, June 24. The necessity of providing additional playing areas in the borough was urged upon the Takapuna Borough Council last evening by a deputation consisting of Mrs N. E. Ferner, (President of the Auckland Play Association!. Messrs E. C. Cutten, S.M., C. M. Carter, J. W. Court and the lion George Fowlds, vice presidents. The deputation suggested that the council should fill in portion of ShGal Bay, one member suggesting that an area of from 50 to 100 acres could be used as playing fields. Mrs Ferner said that in spite of the magnificent beaches Takapuna did not have an adequate area for playing grounds- The State made elaborate provision for the care of children for five hours a day during five days of the eek, but made no provision for leisure hours. It found that much delinquency occurred during play time. When the children were taught to play games, there was much less delinquency. The deputation wished the council to make provision that every child should l*>e a partaker instead of an onlooker at games. The health of the children of Auckland was not what it should be and the education which the children got on the beaches was not the best. The Parks Committee recommended that a sub-committee with power to obtain an option at a nominal figure should be set up to consider the acquisition of Mr Napier's property, in Esmonds Road.