COLLEGE BOY CONDUCT.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 April 1939, Page 6

COLLEGE BOY CONDUCT.

(The Editor.)

Sir, —Doubtless flattered by the deserved applause of the local public upon carnival occasions, a noticeable uncalled-for levity, on the part of some of the elder boy students of Wairarapa College should not be allowed to continue to the detriment of an institution whose first business should be to inculcate a “love of discipline” in not only school but the everyday life of those of its growing number who will someday provide its exemplar citizens—well educated, well disciplined and well behaved. Chief among noticeable defections in this respect is the “mob psychology” of those of its proportionately small body of offenders who—notwithstanding lectures given by our local traffic inspectors and others—still persist in monopolising a whole street —seldom less than half its width —in a riot of ribald laughter and apparent delight at seeing the frights and general inconvenience caused thereby. Going out of their way to put the “wind up” the aged and even some poor inoffensive canine crossing the crowded thoroughfare, they are not averse at times to making intended audible facetious remarks upon the supposed peculiarities and dress of citizens and of such a nature as presupposes no great respect for their own parents who may have been overheard indulging in similar humour within their adolescent hearing.

To meet a bunch of these ill-man-nered and traffic-undisciplined elder College students at a road intersection during lunch hours is a nightmare and a good lesson in what is not the most desirable conduct by any means. The absence of the Prefect’s cap may have a lot to do with this and should be rectified.

You have full permission to hand my name on to the Principal of Wairarapa College, who will doubtless be in the best position to alter this state of affairs. Meanwhile —I am, etc., “OBSERVER.” Masterton, March 31.