Corporal Punishment.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XIV, Issue 680, 6 February 1894, Page 3

Corporal Punishment.

The Education Board had this subject under consideration at last meeting, and disposed of it as follows : The Hon W. Montgomery moved, pursuant to notice, after amendment: ‘ That, for the future, neither cane nor stick be used in the schools, but a leather strap, one and a half inches broad ; that no pupil be struck on tbe head or neck ; that corporal punishment be not inflicted on girls over twelve years of age.’ He said some of the most valued masters maintained that some corporal punishment was necessary in order to preserve discipline. If girls, however, disobeyed their teachers, they should be (Mr Montgomery considered) sent home, and not received in the school again until an apology was forthcoming. Mr Perryman seconded the resolution, and asked if the mover would agree to have the punishment confined to the left band. Mr Saunders was inclined to think that the delicate hands of children should not be struck. The application of a strap to the lower part of the back was tbe best and safest form of punishment. He would also have tbe Board provide tbe straps and not let masters obtain whatever sized leather they pleased. The Chairman was not in sympathy with the motion, although he would vote for it with a certain amount of reluctance.

After some discussion, the resolution was carried.

Tbe Hon. W. Montgomery then gave notice to move—* That if a girl above the age of twelve disobey the order of the teacner, and persist in such disobedience, the teacher should send the girl home, giving her a note stating the circumstances, to her parents : make an nr-fj m the register, and report the occurrence to the Chairman or the School Committee ; tbe girl to ba received back into the school on making an apology and promising good conduct in the future.’