Caning and Physical Drill.

Waikato Times, Issue 12860, 6 May 1914, Page 7

Caning and Physical Drill.

DISCUSSED BY WAIHI PARENTS. WAIHI, Tuesday. The annual meeting of householders was marked liy a large attendance and prolonged discussion on education matters, and great interest was taken in the result of the poll, there being 15 candidates for nine seats On the committee. Mr Mcßobie presided.' A clause had been inserted in the annual report, making satirical reference.to the closing of the schools for the purpose of teachers attending physical drill classes at Thames, and alleging that assistants were indulging in the use of the cane in schools to a greater extent than heretofore, probably as the result of such drill. .Mr Potter moved that the clause l>e deleted. The secretary (Mr Sherson) explained that he had inserted the clause himself with the object of having the (piestion of flogging brought dire-'tlv before the notice of the householders. Mr 1). Johnston (retiring chairman) stated that the clause lia<l been included in the report by the secretary on the latter's own responsibility, on account of fre«|Uent complaints having been received alleging that undue punishment was taking place in the schools. "Masters," he said, "have the right to cane and flog as much as they like, and if taken to court, the magistrate says the punishment is more than the offence." Mr Johnston severely criticised the Board's action in regard to Wailii in not providing proper playing-grounds for the high school, etc., adding that the people had no voice in education matters other than "paying out." He understood that the Board had "tabooed" Wailii. The motion to delete tke clause was carried. A long discussion ensued on the <|Uestion of having a disestablished high school at Wailii. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the. Premier, to the Minister lor Education, and to the Education Board."