The Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1917. CLOSING SCHOOLS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1670, 3 February 1917, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1917. CLOSING SCHOOLS.

IX reference to tlie instruct ion sent out by the Board to the larger schools in the Wanganui district to close every afternoon until further notice, we are informed by the Chairman of the Board that such instruction is to be carried out only if the weather and temperature in the (dass-rooms is detrimental to the children's health. Discretionary power is to be exercised. It would be manifestly absurd to close the schools provided the weather is favourable to the continuation of school work. We are of opinion that the Chairman’s action in safeguarding the health of the scholars is a wise one. On days when the heat is excessive it is almost impossible for the children to concentrate on their work in the stuffy class-rooms. The children become languid, and it is quite common to see the little ones dropping off to sleep. In the past during the hot weather it has been the custom locally to take the classes out in the open air and in the shade. The whole trouble is that the school buildings are erected on wrong’ lines both a.s to light and ventilation. Class-rooms should be open-air shelters, the outside walls movable shutters, to give warmth in winter and fresh air in summer. The local Committee has devoted a good deal of thought and money in improving the ventilation at the school, which should not have been necessary had the architect who planned the building understood hygiene and local weather conditions. The Board, however, is adopting more up-to-date methods in the construction of new schools. If proper buildings w'ere in vogue the

school work could continue without a break during the hottest weather without endangering the health or advancement of the pupils.