MANUTAHI.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 244, 11 August 1877, Page 2

MANUTAHI.

[most A COKKESITXDEXT.] August 9. The usual meeting of Improvement Society was Hold on Wednesday night. Mr Tulloch in the chair. Mr Lee read a very interesting paper on the subject of “ Whether, or not, corporal punishment should be used in our public schools.” The writer was in favour of a moderate use of the cane as preferable to any other mode of punishment, cither as a datorrant or corrective. Was strongly opposed to boxing children's cars, etc., as calculated to cause serious, perhaps lifelong injury, Mr ,D. Christie, who seconded, was in favor of a moderate amount of punishment. Thought it should not be administered in driblets, but enough at once to make it remembered for some time. Children’s natures should be studied. Mr J. Ginger thought it would be inflicting a wrong on the present generation to let the rising one off without its proper share of whacking. Mr Dawson opposed, and considered teachers should try to acquire sucl> an influence that punishment would be unnecessary. Any punishment should be such as appealed to a sense of honor ; though he admitted that a team of bullocks couldn’t drag up a sense of honor in gome boys. Approved of such correctives as that adopted by the lady teacher who stood little boys on their heads and poured cold water down the legs of their trousers. Mr Foreman agreed with Mr Dawson. Alter an animated discussion, “ Corporal punishment ” was carried, by a co us idera b1 c maj or i ty. Next Wednesday evening is to bo devoted to songs, readings, etc. A vote of thanks to Mr Lee, and the chair, concluded the business.