Minister Replies To Teachers

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31360, 4 May 1967, Page 9

Minister Replies To Teachers

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 2.

More secondary teachers were needed, but the problem could be solved only when approached realistically, the Education Minister (Mr Kinsella) said today.

Referring to proposals submitted by the Post-Primary Teachers’ Association, he said large numbers of teachers would be needed to implement the association’s scheme. It was estimated that the association’s proposals, if fully impleemnted, would require an additional 1500 teachers, Mr Kinsella said. A large sum would be required to provide the additional classrooms needed for these teachers.

“The supply of teachers has kept pace with the expanding

school rolls, but I am fully aware that more secondary teachers are needed,” said Mr Kinsella. “This is a problem that can be solved only when approached realistically.” The Minister said he had asked the association to reconsider its proposals and submit them in order of priority. The Education Department was ready to discuss the scheme at any time, but it was well to remember that the staffing increase proposed would cost more than £2 million in salaries alone, Mr Kinsella said.