OVER-STRAIN IN HIGH SCHOOLS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2987, 26 January 1917, Page 5

OVER-STRAIN IN HIGH SCHOOLS

. DISCUSSION AT UNIVERSITY SENATE NO NEED FOR INQUIRY By Telegraph—Press Association, Auckland, January 25. Tho question of over-proseure of studies and the consequenb risk of injury to pupils in girls' secondary schools was the subject of a diaoussiou in tho University Senate to-dny. The matter was introduced by a recommondation from the Entrance Examination Committee to the following effect: — "That tho Senate be recommended 'to make a comprehensive investigation into the question of over-pressure in girls' secondary schools." Professor Chilton, convenor of the committee, in presenting tho recommendation, said it was tho outcome of a discussion at the Secondary Schools' Conference, at which tho following resolution was carried:— "This committeo of lady mqmbers of tho Secondary Schools' Conference is of opinion that the provisions for free secondary education now available for girls have so minimised 1 tho risks, of over-pressure tliat no injury to the health of candidates for university entrance examinations is likely to occur, provided judioious care is exercised by the headmistresses of girls' secondary schools." Tho committee desired the conferenca to forward this resolution. Tho 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 loss interested 1 . Tho board had therefore passed 1 a resolution asking tho Senate to rnako an investigation. Professor Segar moved as an amendment: "That 'the words—-'at some future date'—bo added to the recommondation." He did not see that thero was anything to be gained from an order for an investigation when the principals of girls' secondary schools had asserted that no over-pressure oxistcd. It was a known fad 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 was rejected, it being considered that no necessity oxisted for an investigation.