THREE SCHOOLS: ONE TEACHER

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25448, 20 March 1948, Page 8

THREE SCHOOLS: ONE TEACHER

BOARD MEMBER EXPLAINS DIFFICULTY An explanation of the difficulties of the Canterbury Education Board in filling teaching positions on the West Coast was made at a meeting yesterday morning by Mr A. E. Lawrence, chairman of the appointments committee. Under the heading Three schools: one teacher” protests of the West Coast provincial executive of Federated Farmers about the situation at Taraiflakau had been reported (in “The Press” last Monday), he said. From statements at the meeting it was yrt clear that only 15 children were involved. The Turiwhate School had four pupils, Taramakau six, and Humphreys five , “That may look as if we are simply trying to save teachers,” Mr Lawrence said. A minimum of nine pupils was required belore the Education Department would authorise the appointment of a certificated teacher It was difficult to maintain staff and buildings for such small numbers, but surely it was better to have instruction by a trained teacher than by one who perhaps, had gone straight from high school. The board would receive reports that there had been no applications for women teacher’s positions advertised at £275 to £355. in larger West Coast schools, and the problem in the country districts was e ven worse. His committee had been forced to appoint to some West Coast schools teachers 20 grading marks below those in comparable positions in other areas. “This is an earnest endeavour to provide these small schools with a trained teacher, where they had none before.” said the chairman (Mr C. S. Thompson).

Mr F. G. Armstrong said similar complaints had been made on Banks Peninsula. As on the West Coast, it had been said that this position in education would drive families to the towns.

“Actually this is an attempt to prevent these schools from being closed.” said Mr Lawrence.

The board agreed that its inspectors when visiting areas affected in this way should explain difficulties to residents and seek any improvements possible.