PUPIL TEACHERS IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1279, 13 May 1880, Page 2

PUPIL TEACHERS IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE OAMARU MAIL,

Sin,—Would you kindly give me sufficient space in your valuable columns to lay before the parents and Schools Committee in particular, and the public generally, a piece of harsh treatment at one of our public schools, of which I was an eye witness. The facts of the case are as follow:—Yesterday morning, just before 12 o'clock, I happened to be passing the North District School, when my attention was drawn to a class of small boys, and another class of small girls, drawn up on the verandah in military order, in single file —boys facing girls—leaving access between either class for the teacher to pass to and fro. During the drill, to my surprise : and disgust, X noticed the com-mander-in-chief wax very wroth, and suddenly give the forces under his august command a practical illustration of his ■ power - and dignity as a commanderby drawing—not his sword —but his right hand, and forcibly striking a small boy on the right wing a vicious blow on the left ear, and following up the whole 'filo from right to left with sufficient so verity to cause each cranium to thud against its neighbor's. As a parent, I certainly think that something should bo done to prevent young lads abusing children in this un-called-for manner, for tlio teacher I refer to is but a lad, and one, I think, that should not be trusted with the authority to chastise, where so much discretion is required. But I will close for the present. Should any proof of the above charge ba required, lam at your service. And now, with thanks for your patienco, I remain, Caution - . Oamaru, 11th May, 1880.