FIRE DRILL.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 2313, 20 March 1930, Page 4

FIRE DRILL.

Wo have to. heartily commend the headmaster and teachers of the local District High .School for the interest displayed by them in the matter of encouraging the children to guard against fire, by the exercise of tidiness in and about the school; also the protection of life by the exercise of fire drill. Fire drill can be placed on the same parallel with swimming in its value to the child, and we are strongly of opinion that more attention should be given to the matter in the schools of the Dominion than has been the case in the past. For a number of years the United Fire Brigades Association has urged upon the Education authorities the advisability of including fire drill and fire prevention as part of the ordinary curriculum, but while the department has expressed its sympathy with the object, it has not taken any definite steps to have the subject generally recognised. Fire drill is carried out in some of the schools of the Dominion, but is subject to the measure of interest displayed by the schoolteachers. The value of such instruction cannot be estimated. From time to time in late years we have read of disastrous fires thqt have occurred in various parts of the world, and it will be appreciated that much loss of life mightjiave been avoided had those unfortunates associated been impressed with the essential precautions against confusion in public places. The wastage through fires is a very serious matter—particularly so in this country—and the recognition of the seriousness of the evil and the importance of the exorcise of greater care in providing against outbreaks of fire should have a salutary effect on the community. We can only add that the rudimentary precautions against fire and the protection of life being taught at the local school may not only be of great value during the—pupils' school life, but oven more so when they take their places in the various spheres of occupation later on. Wo are certain, that parents of scholars attending the"local school will greatly appreciate the instruction that is being given, and the local school is fortunate in have on its staff a teacher who has had long experience in fire fighting, and one who possesses special qualifications for the imparting of instruction on this important subject.