SCHOOLGIRL OF TO-DAY.

Otaki Mail, 9 November 1923, Page 3

SCHOOLGIRL OF TO-DAY.

A circular, full of criticism of til modem Australian schoolgirl, wns -is sued recently by the mistresses of. Fir bank, Korowa, Lowther, Hall, 'St Michael’s, and Tintern (Gleuf.orrie Church of England Girls’ Gramma: .Schools to parents of scholars (says tm Melbourne Argus). The circular, wliicl is the out come of a conference o: head mistresses held during the Christ inus vacation, refers to the irrespon sibilily of parents, the excessive pro vision of pocket money, and the lovi of a “good time” by the girls. “Everything should b'e done,” It states, “to lessen the all too-prevaleni luxury and extravagance common among schoolgirls. The question oi pocket money has always been a difficulty in the schools. This is an age of “nerves, ” a malady from which both old and young- suffer, the cause being the overcrowding of life. The feeling of strain has extended to th'c lives of voting boys and girls, with the result that we are turning out a race of blase young people, whose horizon, for the most part, seems to be bounded by the ■wish for a good time. The average boy or girl has a multiplicity of engagements from which to choose, and the late hours and greed for more 'excitement in every fresh pleasure are showing their bad effect in the schoolroom. The result of repeated indulgence in social amusements are often attributed to the strain of examinations or sports. The ideal of a disciplined life is not set before the adolescent. Self-gratifi-cation is encouraged to'such an extent that children are allowed even to choose their own schools, places of amusiemcnl,, friends, and holiday resorts. School teachers agree that the girls of to-dav arc harder to control

than those ten, or even live. years ago. the reason apparently being' that less discipline is exercised in the borne. The deference due to age and position is neither exacted nor offered. Schools arc urging parents to limit not only the number, but elaborateness of entertainments for the young. School life has a variety of interests, and while outside social life is- necessary, it should be limited to three entertainments a term. Such parties should take place at week-ends, and should close not later than 110 ’clock. There is no reason for the now custom of repaying hospital by return dances, each succeeding hostess trying to outvie, the other in novelty and brilliance.’ On the question of money, the circular states that parents should make a lix'ed pocket and dress allowance on a more modest scale than at present.