LAST week, because the sticks that children were throwing to try and dislodge conkers were threatening to damage passing cars, one local authority was chopping branches off chestnut trees.
This week another wants to ban conkers from the playground.
Yet another piece of the natural world -- that which is crucial for the happy and healthy development of children -- has, in effect, been taken out of play. Meanwhile, more and more of the material world such as cars, oil, pollution -- that which destroys children -- is being brought into play.
How many children have been killed or seriously injured by conkers since the end of World War Two? Ten, 20, 30? How many have been killed or seriously injured by motor cars? At least 300,000.
Freedom was won for grown-ups and for motor cars perhaps, but certainly not for children. It is no wonder so many end up losing their way.
ALLAN RAMSAY
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