The Feilding Star. Oroua & Kiwitea Counties Gazette Published Daily. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1896. PLAYING TRUANT.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 68, 17 September 1896, Page 2

The Feilding Star. Oroua & Kiwitea Counties Gazette Published Daily. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1896. PLAYING TRUANT.

Although in the eyes of too many parents playing truant is but a venial sin, yet the after consequences may be very serious. In proof of this contention we quote the following from the annnal report of the Commander of the New South Wales Training Ship, Sobroan, who has had exceptional opportunities of gathering evidence and forming; a reliable opinion on this very important subject He says : " After nearly a quarter of a century's experience, and after dealing with some thousands of boys, I am impressed with the fact that truancy is the most prolific cause of juvenile ciime. Nine out of every ten who come here owe their fall to this evil. Stamp truancy out and you will ultimately largely reduce crimeand empty tbe reformatories I and gaols. The neglected boy, if not taken in hand at proper age, too often takes a fearful revenge on society by ultimately growing up into criminal manhood " It is true that the local school committees do their several ;'fir(s in omlf-Mvoring to check the evil I by appointing Truant Inspectors to | enforce the compulsory clauses of the Education Act, but parents and guardians who are responsible for the care and teaching of youth after and before school hours should also give more aid than they do in assisting in the good work. It is admitted in every part of the civilised world that the New Zealand system of education is second to none in its entirety, whatever dencien- ' cies there may be in details, therefore those who materially benefit by its advantages should be its strongest supporters.