$2000 bill for man’s 'ruse’

Press, 8 March 1978, Page 4

$2000 bill for man’s 'ruse’

PA' Hamilton A British immigrant teacher who disappeared from his Tokoroa school after only four days teaching may have used the recruitment scheme as a ruse to get to Australia. James McQueen, aged 33, was recruited from Britain by the Education Department. He absconded from his position in Tokoroa a fortnight ago and inquiries bv the police and Education Department have failed to find him.

The headmaster of Tokoroa high schopl (Mr Tom Ryan) is deeply disappointed but still has faith in the overseas recruitment scheme. Mr McQueen was one of three teachers at the school recruited from Britain last year. He disappeared when he travelled to Auckland Airport, ostensibly to pick up some luggage. He did not return, but left a $l4O hotel bill in Tokoroa.

“It was pretty clear afterwards he had very little intention of staying here,” Mr

Ryan said. “I really think now it was one way of getting into the Antipodes — either Australia or New Zealand — against the immigration regulations.” Mr McQueen was to have taken 100 form 3 to form 5

students in technical drawing and engineering. He had been recruited on a salary of $6854. The school would be “very lucky” to find a replacement, Mr Ryan said, but a possible new recruit, also from Britain, would be followed up. An Education Department spokesman said a bonded teacher who broke his contract was liable to forfeit the total sum it cost to bring him to New Zealand. Mr McQueen was bonded for a three-year term and it cost more than $2OOO to bring him to this country.