THE EDITOR, Sir:

It is very alarming to see the number of children on the streets during the morning-time, on school days because they have been locked out at the school gate.

One morning I was moved with compassion when I saw a group of children on the streets; I asked 'why are you here during school day'? They said, the gate locked, Sir. I asked "what gate"? They replied, the school gate, sir. I said "why?" They said, "we were late when we got there".

I am very concerned about the great danger that faces those children on the streets in these times of molestation, and other violent crimes awaiting them.

Parents should see to it that their children get to bed early enough to wake up in time for school and the children must obey their parents in this regard.

As for the school authorities, I do not believe the lock-the-gate system is working well for the children, parents, teachers, and the general school system. For it has been going on for a very long time and it only exposes these children to great danger on the streets. They should try a system of "more work for latecomers" see how that works.

I am, etc.,

J.A. BAILEY

Dalvey P.O.

St. Thomas