Are We Degenerating?

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3610, 10 February 1906, Page 2

Are We Degenerating?

(to editor of manawatu herald.) Sir, —There may have been mothers and fathers of the schoolchildren engaged in Wednesday’s affair, who perhaps were inclined to believe that the affair was of a trivial nature, and for that reason I was pleased to notice that your editorial columns took the matter up, and it Is to be hoped the responsibility of proper control will evidence itself to those parents who may be over fond of allowing their offspring too much liberty* There is nothing more trying, to my mind, than the lot of a school** teacher, many of whom I have known to receive severe scathing from aggrieved parents, who do not happen to approve of their particular children receiving just punishment. Personally, I was pleased to notice you took the subject up as you did, for you have dispelled the idea that the affair was exaggerated. The children certainly deserved sever© punishment, and I feel sure no well-minded person interested in the welfare of children under their care, would approve of the action of the school-children in taking charge of one of their teachers as they did last Wednesday. I feel sure your article headed “Are We Degenerating ” will do much good and wake diligent parents up to their responsibilities. I am hoping tc learn that severe punish* ment was administered to children guilty of the charge, for being an eye-witness to the affair I am honestly of opinion they deserve severity. “Are We Degenerating,” may seem a harsh term, but you were certainly justified in expressing your feelings in that tone. Thanking you for space, I am, etc., Approval. Foxton, Feb. loth, 1906.