CORRESPONDENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 June 1923, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

REPLY TO MOTHER. (To the Editor). Sir.—Replying to “Mother.” I have to say that she must have been misinformed. The dismissal bell at *he Hokitika School is rung punctually at 3.25 each day, and if “Mother’’ cares to walk through the rooms any day at 3.30 she will be confronted mainly t>\ empty desks. A limited amount oi detention is allowed—never after -1 p.m. and then only in eases "her' pupils have neglected the work set them. As “Mother" did not chouse to give her identity. 1 must assume sin* is one of those mothers who, on account of late breakfasts, send their children to. school anv time between 9 ami 10. If mothers will observe punctuality at the beginning of the school day’s work there will he little need for its extension beyond 3.30. Probably, too, if “Mother” were to probe the matter a little more deeply, she would find that the at*.raetions ot basket ball, and hop-'cotch are the real reasons of her dutiful child's late arrival at home.

With regard to the compbtiui re excessive homework. I have to say that there is just as much truth in this as in the other. For older scholars, T favour a certain amount of homework, but have always limited the amount. No written homework which will occupy more than thirty minutes is set. hi conclusion, T should like to advise “Mother,” when she has another small grievance, that instead of ventilating it in the Press, -he might relieve herself of a great deal of brain fag, and he assured of more sympathetic treatment by a personal visit to the Headmaster, only let her come punctually or she may not find anyone lmt. the Caretaker in charge.

1 am etc.. T. TRVINE, Headmaster Hokitika D.H. School. Juno 29t!i.