TEACHERS REPLY TO MR ALGIE

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26745, 31 May 1952, Page 2

TEACHERS REPLY TO MR ALGIE

CRITICISM HELD UNFAIR “ STRONG EXCEPTION ” TO REMARKS (New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, May 30. A motion criticising the Minister of Education (Mr R. M. Algie) was passed by teachers attending the arinual conference of the Otago branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute today. The motion was that the institute "takes strong exception to those remarks made by the Minister at the annual conference of the New Zealand Institute, remarks that served to lower the status of teachers in the eyes of the general public.” Moving the resolution, Mr A. C. Notman said he had been astonished, as no doubt tnany others had been, to read what the Min ster thought of them as teachers. As long as he could remember teachMl had been fighting for status. *

He was astounded at the editorial comment of the Dunedin newspapers. “Neither do they understand nor do they wish to understand apparently the bas ; c factors of our case,” Mr Notman said. "I do wish they would take steps to find out what is being done lin the schools instead of publishing articles which are—well, they are laughable.” Mr D. E. White said that as a young teacher he wanted to compliment Mr Notman on the stand he had taken against the references in the press and by the Minister of Education. He would say that 99 per cent, of teachers did their best under unfavourable conditions.

Mr D. Forsyth said he felt that the Minister had been unfair. "However, we must remember that we are paid public servants and it is the right of the taxpayer and the free press to criticise. I do object to the Minister, who should have known better, making such unfa'r criticism." The resolution was carried with one “No” among about 500 voices.