NAPIER SCHOOLS CLOSE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 58, 24 March 1937, Page 4

NAPIER SCHOOLS CLOSE

Not Reopening Till April S EPIDEMIC PRECAUTION As an additional precaution against the spread of infantile paralysis in Hawke's Bay, schoois in and around Napier were again closed to-day, although no further case of the disease has been reported in Napier. Tlie decision was made by the Health Department and the Education Department following representations to the chairman of the Hawke's Bay Education Board, Mr G. A. Maddison, from officials of the British Medical Association. All schools afleoted will now remain, closed until April 5, ingtead of March 31, as previously agreed to. In a statement issued to the Press last evening, Mr Maddison said: "Representations have been made to me this afternoon from the British Medical Assoeiation, with a recommendation that I approaeh the Health Department and the Education Department fo close schools in Napier and the contiguous distriets owing to infantile paralyaie being prevalent in Hastings and surrounding areas. The doctors consider the step necessary to prevent the spread of this terrible scourge. "I consequentiy conferred with the Health Department and the Direetor of Education, Mr Lambourn, an.d they deeided to close from to-morrow the following schools: Napier town schools, Taradale, "Westshore, Meeanee, Pakowhai, Fernhill, and Puketapu. In consequence of a case of paralysis reported from Porangahau, it has been necessary ' to close the school there, while the closing of the sehools will also apply to the Napier Boys' and Napier Girla' High -Sehools. "Private schools are not under the jurisdi.etion of the Education Department, but nevertheless I understand that the Department of Health is taking the necessary steps to close these schools also. 1 ' As f ar as can be ascertained, all tho schools in Hastings, Napier and sur? reunding distriets will Te-open on April 5, instead of Mareh 31, aa previously agreed. upon. ' ' I desire to impress upon all parenta the absolute necessity for preventing children from assembling in any numbers, and also for keeping them outside in the fresh air as much aa possible. They must particularly see that the children have head coverings and that the back of the neek is proteete.a. If is only by taking every precaution that this dreaded disease can be stamped out." It is not yet known whether it will be necessary lo provide for lessons in the papers. Three days only of this week will elapse before the Easter holidays begin, ancT aa schools would not ordinarily restfme until Tuesday the extra week may not be. counted. If it is found necessary to elose the sehools foc a further period? an announcement will be made regarding lessons, Mr Maddison asked that headmasters and school committees should take this announcement as officlal intimation that their sehools would close as stated.