CHECKING MISUSE

Southland Times, Issue 21097, 31 May 1930, Page 8

CHECKING MISUSE

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

EDUCATION BOARD’S RESOLUTION

COMMENT BY MEMBERS The Southland Education Board at its meeting yesterday passed the following resolution on the infliction of corporal punishment in schools: The board takes a serious view of the misuse of corporal punishment and expects teachers to understand and observe the correct relationship of such form of punishment to the government of the school. The board realizes that corporal punishment may at times be necessary, but holds the view that, if its practice is frequent, this is in almost all cases a sign either that the teacher has the wrong kind of personality or that personality is not functioning as it should. For the purposes of record, head and sole teachers are required to have all cases of corporal punishment duly detailed in a book provided for the purpose. This register is to be considered as a school record. The head teacher may delegate to or withhold from his assistants the authority to inflict corporal punishment, except that in no case shall such authority be given to a probationer.

The chairman, Mr A. W. Jones, who, in accordance with notice given at the last meeting of the board, moved the resolution, said that, while he felt sure members knew that only a very small proportion of teachers was open to criticism in this respect, he could count on their approval of the resolution. He read a letter from a highly incensed parent to show that cases did exist where corporal punishment had been excessive.

Mr S. Rice, who seconded the motion, said that nevertheless it was a pity that, for the sake of the one or two per cent, of teachers who failed to use discretion, such a regulation had to be passed. All members were aware that the great majority of teachers were most sympathetic in their control of the children. Messrs W. Carswell and G. F. Johnson also voiced their regret that such a resolution was necessary for the sake of the very few teachers who erred. They said they hoped that the other teachers would realize that the board was aware how very little cause for complaint there was in Southland. z The senior inspector, Mr W. A. Service, said that he could assure members that the teachers knew that laws and regulations were necessary to govern conduct. Just as the laws of a land were passed to deter the small percentage of people who might transgress, so would teachers realize the advisability of the by-law in question. There was a growing tendency in this more enlightened age to keep records of all severe punishments inflicted, and it was desirable that this principle should be applied in the schools as in the outside world.