Prompt Implementation of Instruction

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26639, 9 December 1947, Page 4

Prompt Implementation of Instruction

NO TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS YET

Immediate implementation 'of the Government’s decision to close the schools as a precautionary measure against the spread of infantile paralysis was given in Dunedin yesterday. All schools, primary and secondary, in the city and suburbs have now closed, and as a result of an announcement broadcast by the Otago Education Board similar action was taken by the country schools. In most of the secondary schools informal prize-giving ceremonies were held. Effect was given to the Government’s decision in an order under section 76 of the Health Act which was issued by the district medical officer of health, Dr G. O. L. Dempster. This prohibits children from attending school, whether private, public, kindergarten, or Sunday, and from congregating at any place of amusement, etc. No travel restrictions as yet have been imposed. It is to be emphasised that there as yet has been no case of poliomyelitis in the South Island, and that these measures, precautionary in their essence, are applied as a preventive against the possible spread of the disease.

The secretary of the Otago Education Board, Mr C. R. McLean, was advised yesterday morning by telephone by the Assistant Director of Education, Mr A. F. McMurtrie, that the decision to close all schools immediately had been confirmed. Teachers are to remain in their schools until Friday, according to the departmental edict, and during this period they will complete their reports and returns for the year and prepare schemes of .work for next year. Primary pupils assembled at their schools yesterday morning and collected their books and other belongings, after which they were immediately ' dismissed. No primary school break-ups will be held. The secretary of the Otago High Schools Board. Mr C. J. Martin, said that all the official ceremonies which had been set down for the end of the week had been cancelled. All the pupils were* dismissed from their schools yestetday. and most of the boarders would be for their homes to-day. Teachers had been instructed to - remain at their schools until the original break-up date, which, in most cases, was Thursday. The King Edward Technical College was not affected by the decision. Day school classes for the year ended on Friday, and the evening classes termin ■ ated as far back as November 7.