EDUCATION OF GIRLS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15130, 26 January 1917, Page 6

EDUCATION OF GIRLS.

OVERPRESSURE OF STUDIES. • (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, January 25. The question of the over-pressure of studies and the consequent risk of injury to pupils .in Girls’ Secondary School, 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 over-pressure in girls’ secondary schools.” Professor Chilton, the convenor of the committee, in presenting the recommendation said it was the outcome of a discussion at the Secondary Schools Conference, at which th© 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 available for girls have so minimised the risks of over-pressure that no injury to the health of candidates for University entrance examinations is likely to occur, provided judicious care is exercised by the headmistresses of girls’ secondary schools.” The Committee desjred 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 investigation. Professor Segar moved as an amendment that the words “at some future time” be 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 curls’ secondary schools had' asserted that no over-pressure 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 rejected, it being considered that no necessity existed for investigation.