SCHOOLBOY STRAPPED

Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1931, Page 6

SCHOOLBOY STRAPPED

PARENT LAYS INFORMATION CHARGE DISMISSED FEATHERSTON, Nov. 11. Expressing the opinion that the boy had been brought up in an atmosphere of disrespect, Mr J. Miller, S.M., m the Featherston Magistrate’s Court this afternoon dismissed’an information of assault brought by F. A. Austin, father ,of a pupil attending the F'eatherston District Boys High School, against E. E. C. Roves, hea buster of the school. The allegation was that on the afternoon of August 12 plaintiff’s son Leslie Austin, aged 12 year, was unduly punished by the headmaster. In his evidence the boy stated that three girls had nudged him a s they were, walking down the aisle during a drawing lesson. The teacher was out of the; room at the time. M hen they were coining back he gave them a : ‘‘horse-bite”. A “liorse-bite.” the court was informed, was a grip on the top part of the leg above the knee joint. When the teacher returned to the room one of the boys put up his hand and told him what Austin had done, with the result that lie was sent along to the headmaster’s office. The hoy in evidence detailed the punishment he said had been inflicted and when he went home hi s father took him to the police and a doctor, -besides Showing the marks on his body to two members of the school committee 'and 1 to others.

After bearing a good deal of evidence .the magistrate said it seemed to him that although the punishment was severe lie had to take in all the circumstances, and apparently the boy was of a misbehaving disposition. The schoolmaster had not been in the habit of thrashing him, and this was really the culmination of his misbehaviour. So far as the severity of the ounishment was concerned, Dr Sharp had given evidence that the strap was a humane one and no unflue force was used. His Worship said that he he could not help thinking that in this case the boy bad been brought up in ail atmosphere of disrespect When the father at home described the schoolmaster as “a br'i'e” ture could not IMP oe an -if :i ■•sphere-of di« respect. A proper attitude toward his master had not, Jiis Worship con-hde-’ed, lieen brought about in the boy’s mind. Taking these .circumstances into account he could not record a conviction.