On This Day, 15 January 1917

Birmingham Daily Gazette

Monday 15 January 1917

CHILDREN ON THE LAND

A disgraceful action on the part of the Government was releasing working class children from the schools in order that they might engage in agriculture. Some 14,000 or 15,000 had been allowed to leave school for this purpose. The Workers’ Educational Association and the Labour organisations had tackled the question of education, and there seemed to be a real attempt force the pace, to remove the poverty bar and all class distinctions, and to give every child a chance to reach the top of the educational ladder. Several delegates suggested that as the attendance was small the discussion should be adjourned, and this of course was agreed to.