SCHOOL FEES FOR PENS AND STATIONERY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1652, 27 October 1887, Page 2

SCHOOL FEES FOR PENS AND STATIONERY.

j .-,i Auckland, Oct. 25. The recent caning incident et the Newton riiast School, where a child was punished severely for non-payment of the> quarterly fee for staiion j ry, is attracting considerable attention, and it is pmb'ab'e that the matter will be enquired into by the Board of Education on Friday. It is stated that enquiries have revealed thftt the case is not one of unwillingness to pay the money, but of absolute inability, limes j not having been prosperous with tlie family. Clause 68 of the regulations of the Auckland Education Board state that teachers must arrange to provide stationery for their pupils, who shall pay a small charge to cover the cost. The rule has. not worked altogether smoothly in Newton richool, and the matter has many limps come before the Committee for consideration, The regulation was passed in order to ensure payment of fees by pupils, but it 6<>ems that in miny cases teachers are out of pocket by it. When paren'B can't pay, the master credits the amount as paid, and it is said Mr Coatee himself has lost money in this way. Teachers of schools and others here generally view the system of charging for stationery as a vieious one, >nd open to gr ft ¥" »pu f ' p , puk the caning of the little girl's hands is condemned by them as unjustifiable.