HOUSEHOLD SCHOOLS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 83, 9 April 1929, Page 6

HOUSEHOLD SCHOOLS.

In reference to a recent article in the "Star" stating that many teachers are unable to obtain appointments, I would like to ask why people in the country whose children are receiving education under the household school system have to put up with anyone who coin** along, qualified or otherwise. In these days when education means so much to the individual surely the country child is as much entitled to receive every educational advantage the State has to offer as is the city chiLL Rather than remain idle, some of these teachers, to keep in touch with things, would be prepared to take the household school, especially where there is an attendance of seven or eight. COUNTRYMAN*.

| [The following statement has been obtained from tho chairman of the Auckland Education Board (Mr. A. Burns): "The position in regard to the household system i s that where the number of children being taught is under nine the regulations provide that"these schools be termed grade O schools, or household schools. The teacher is paid £15 per year per pupil in attendance. These positions are not sought after by many teachers owing to the small remuneration. In most cases the settlers provide free board in addition to the amount paid to the teacher. If an established school is within reasonable conveying distance the board prefers to pay for the carriage of the children to the nearest school, but in many cases this cannot be done. Some of th? teachers employed in household schools are certificated, but others are not, although they are well qualified to give instruction in primary school subjects. The chairman knows of no school in the hoard's district without a teacher at the present time."—Ed.]