STRONG PROTESTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 275, 21 November 1927, Page 10

STRONG PROTESTS.

AGAINST FINING SYSTEM.

SLUR ON PROFESSION.

SERVICES OF TEACHERS.

A strong protest against the proposal of the Minister for Education to institute a system of fines for teachers who offend against regulations is being made by the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute.

In explaining the reason for the protest, which is being sent to the executive in Wellington,' the sceretary of the Auckland branch, Mr. J. Armstrong, stated , this morning that the members are unanimous in feeling that this proposal, if put into effect, would constitute an unmerited slur on the profession, more especially as the great body of teachers give service in the cause of education far in excess of what they are required to give by the regulations. Mr. Armstrong added, further- that education boards already had the power to dismiss teachers for gross misbehaviour—a power which had "always been used, by the Auckland board at least, with moderation. Minor cases of neglect of duty, etc., could, easily be dealt with by means of the grading list, which was reviewed annually by the inspectors.

The teachers feel that the proposal to fine is both unprofessional and degrading. Protests have already been sent to the Minister, and to members of Parliament.

At a meeting of the staff of the Devonport School it was unanimously decided to enter a strong protest against the clause in the proposed. Education Amendment Bill empowering boards to "inflict a fine, not exceeding £10, on any teacher guilty of wilful disobedience or neglect of duty."

The opinion was expressed that such a clause is unnecessary and casts a slur upon the integrity of teachers in general.

TEACHERS BITTERLY HOSTILE

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

MASTERTON, this day.

The Wairarapa teachers are up in arms against the Government's proposal to include in the Education Amendment Bill a clause inflicting a fine not exceeding £10 on any teacher guilty of wilful disobedience to any lawful command, or of neglect of duty.

One resolution, passed by the teachers, referred to, the clause as an "undeserved slur," and protested against the gross injustice to the bulk of teachers of the Dominion that the mere suggestion of such method of punishment inflicts. Very bitter comment is made generally by the v

OPPOSITION TO PROPOSAL.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

WANGANUI, Sunday. The executive of the Wanganui branch of the educational Institute passed a. resolution protesting against the proposal to give education boards the power to fine teachers.