Public-school reforms : a few remarks and suggestions on the mental, moral and physical training of youth / by M.A.B.

  • M. A. B.
Date:
[1872]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Public-school reforms : a few remarks and suggestions on the mental, moral and physical training of youth / by M.A.B. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    19/38 (page 17)
    have been somewhat misunderstood. When I spoke of the boys spending their money upon trash, I did not refer to the ‘ sweetstuff,’ which all ‘ small boys3 are addicted to, whether at school or at home ; but in suggesting that the breakfast-tables should be supplied with something more than bread and butter—that is to say, with bacon, eggs, and so forth—it was my wish to point out that such a stretch of liberality on the part of the masters might prevent the boys making themselves ill with bad herrings, rank sardines, stale sausages, and such poison which they pur¬ chase for themselves, and consume in their own rooms.* It is the practice of the boys at some of the schools to take their breakfast at the ‘ tuck shops,’ where they regale them¬ selves on grilled kidneys, hot rolls, and who knows what else of the same description? Then, probably, by way of improving their digestion, they finish up with a visit to the plunge bath! How, sir, I do not think that my proposal for a resident sanitary inspector has been made a day too soon. There are many other matters which might come usefully under such supervision and direction — as, for instance, the condition of the dormitories, the heating and ventilation of school-rooms, and the clothing of the pupils— not an unimportant matter the last-named, as the peculiar style of dress required according to the rules of some of the schools, while it is inelegant, is at the same time not sanitary. I will now bring my remarks upon this subject to a close, and leave it in the various aspects in other and abler hands. My object from the first, in addressing you, was to point out, rather than discuss, the evils which have grown out of the public school system, and which so ur¬ gently call for reform. I am, Sir, yours obediently, A Parent. * The hampers of ‘grub’ sent from home are a great source of dyspepsia. A sensible schoolmaster recently issued a circular to the parents of his pupils, requesting them not to send dainties in such abundance. B