TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 211, 7 September 1927, Page 11

TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.

INSPIRING SUMMER SCHOOL

CULTURE AHB RECREATION.

YEAR OF MARKED PROGRESS.

Activities of an important and varied nature received the attention of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute during its 1926-27 year. The annual report, which will be submitted to-morrow evening states that there i; continually increasing proof of the value of the institute to its members and of the need of its existence. Referring to the second summer school held at Cambridge last January, the report has the following statement: "It is obvious that teachers of all grades and types of school appreciate the inspirational and cultural value of the courses arranged by the committee, who, under the enthusiastic and able direction of Mr. D. M. Rae, vice-principal of the Auckland Training College, got together a panel of lectures, keenly alive to the possibilities of the movement and sparing neither time nor energy in their desire to stimulate interest in their subject. "That the summer school has come to stay is evident, and the fact that the Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, patron of the movement, honoured the school by delivering the inaugural address, sets the seal of recognition upon what has been regarded by many teachers as merely a 'refresher course, , but which is in reality a wonderful opportunity to combine culture and recreation." It has been decided to hold the next summer school at Nelson, and already organisation is well under way. In regard to the 44th annual meeting held in Wellington last May the report states that the Minister's speech struck a note unwelcome to teachers, when he mentioned the present need for strict economy. Since that meeting some rather unexpected methods of saving expense had been seen; a new scheme for the training of teachers had been outlined which did not meet with approval, and the institute's executive was closely watching developments. A campaign for increased membership was instituted at the latter part of 1926. The result was a net increase of about 133. It was intended to continue this campaign during 1927-28 with the view of reaching 100 per cent membership. While it must be recognised that all teachers could not agree on any given policy, yet it was true that only through strong union could the institute hold the position it had won, and any diminution in the strength of the institute must mean a lessening of the power of the teachers for mutual protection.