HIGH COST OF LIVING

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1920, Page 4

HIGH COST OF LIVING

NO PRIVATIONS FOR CHILDREN CHRISTCHURCH, June 5.

Close inquiries as to whether the high cost of housing had adversely affected the looks and health of school children, obtained some very interesting statements.

“We see no'signs of any ill-effects,” said the head master at Sydenham. “Of course there have always been a number of families who complain that they are unable, to buy books, but they know that the Government will assist them, and they play on that. Some time ago the Education Board discussed a proposal that committees should start a system of providing hot meals at the schools for children. Nothing came of the idea. It is impracticable as far as the children themselves go. They look as healthy and well clad as ever. Round tlie porches at the end of the week there are always many good caps and warm coats hanging up unclaimed. It is forgetfulness, of course, but it shows 1 think that there is no widespread hardship.”

The reporter, who saw many of the children, found nothing to support any theory of poor nourishment. Boys and girls were a well set-up type for the most part, with color in their cheeks iirnl the sparkle of health in their eyes. “The children hero are as bright and brisk as they were,” said the head master of a city school. “The High Cost of Living has riot affected either their health hr their clothes.”

' “People who have been bit by the Cost of Living make one particular effort,” said another teacher. “They take every care in the world that their children do not show it. They see that the kiddies are well fed and well dressed first, and then they cut down expenses on something else.”