APPOINTMENTS TO SCHOOLS.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10262, 3 February 1899, Page 6

APPOINTMENTS TO SCHOOLS.

TO THE EDITOB. Of THE FBE^S.

Sir,—Wβ have heard a good deal from time to time with regard to appointments under the Board of Education, and the desirability of establishing a proper system of selection. Complaint* hare been frequently made that qualifications and fitnee* are) not taken into account, bub the named are picked out by the Board or its inspectors in some mysterious and reculiar manner. Until one has had actual experience, one would naturally suppose that the names sent on to a School Committee were taken im partially from the list of applicant*, and on the ground of merit alone. Unfortunately a recent case proves conclusively that the above complaints are only too well founded and the facts are such as to demand a strict enquiry from the .Board. An assistant mistress was required at New Brighton, and numerous applications were sent to the Board. Six of these names were chosen and forwarded to the Committee, but to the surprise of some members, the names of several applicants whose qualifications were superior to any of the six were not included, very strong opinion* were expressed, and a resolution was proposed that the Board should be asked to add these particular names to the list. But partly from fear of friction with the Board and ignorance as to procedure, this resolution was negatived. The Chairman himself moved that the appointment be made from the names submitted, and this was finally-carried. It seems to mc that there is no encouragement for our teachers to work hard and obtain high class certificates, if they are to be deliberately shut out from appointments in this manner. There is evidently a screw loose, and I think the Board should find, out where. The procedure adopted on behalf of the Board in this, case is either in accordance with the usual approved course, or it is not. If - is, then in common justice to our hardworking and successful teachers the sooner the method is altered the better. On the other hand, if there has been any underhand work it should be exposed. Not many years ago it was the practice to send on the .names having the highest certificates and the best reports, but a change has apparently been made. Trusting that this matter will be enquired into, and the blame put upon the right shoulders.—Yours. &c,

PARENT.