LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Recently the Bunbury City Council library, my wife and I, together with quite a few other people were subjected to what can only be described as an audio nightmare.
Library users were bombarded by the screaming tantrum of a small child who for 20 minutes made it impossible to read, operate the computer, or discuss library matters with staff who were forced to stand by idly while the child’s mother or guardian carried on with complete indifference to the discomfort of everybody in the building and the emotional needs of the child.
The library provides for the toilet needs of youngsters and there are many facilities provided within the library to cater for the interests of small children.
The mumblings from the patrons appeared to indicate that a good 'paddling' would probably resolve the matter.
Upon returning home, I turned on the television and was greeted by Pope Francis who judging by his comments, agreed with myself and those library customers who had just had their morning spoiled.
His timely contribution confirmed that a firm but controlled ‘paddle’ had his papal blessings.
The incident at the library and the intercession of the Bishop of Rome took my mind back to my first visit to Mount Margaret Mission in the early 1970’s.
I was impressed by the record of the mission in turning out successful and socially adjusted aboriginal students.
I put the question to Pastor Ben Mason – “To what do you attribute Mount Margaret’s success in producing such capable students?”
Pastor Mason replied, “A missionary here at Mount Margaret would walk around the mission with a bible in one hand and a small piece of fencing wire in the other.
“If you were a good boy, you got a reading from the bible. If you misbehaved, you got a flick on the bum with the fencing wire.
“It did not take us long to realize that the bible didn’t hurt as much as the fencing wire.”
I never heard of any aboriginal person complaining about cruelty at Mount Margaret Mission and the number of persons that went on to become influential and valued members of the community bears witness to the fact that firm but considerate discipline could well be the answer to many of our current social problems.
Peter Stewart, Bunbury.
