COUNTRY TEACHERS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 133, 18 March 1939, Page 4

COUNTRY TEACHERS.

YOUNG MEN’S DIFFICULTIES. EMPLOYMENT OF MARRIED WOMEN. (Per Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH, March 17. The restriction of young inen from completing country service in schools because of the employment of married women teachers was discussed in committee at to-day’s meeting of the Canterbury Education Board. The matter arose when a letter was read from the secretary of the New Zeaiand Education Boards’ Association (Mr W. I. Devoll) quoting a letter received from the Southland Education Board, which stated : “Under the new .salaries’ regulations, all teachers are I’equired to complete three years’ country service before they are eligible .to apply for A Grade positions. Women teachers are able to obtain this service in sole or assistant positions, but men are restricted to sole positions. Since the 1938 amendment, two women teachers in this district have married and have remained in the \ service. One is in a sole position with a residence. This teacher is not likely to seek promotion, and is, consequently further restricting young men from completing their country service. It is anticipated that further cases of this description will occur. ’’ Before the passing of the Act in 1938, individual education boards had power to determine whether women teachers when married could remain in the service. The Southland Board in its letter to the New Zealand Association said it was of the opinion that, discretionary powers should he reintroduced. Members - of the Canterbury approved of the Southland letter.