"DRAWING THE LINE."

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 234, 26 June 1908, Page 2

"DRAWING THE LINE."

TEACHERS' LEAVE OF ABSENCE. DISCUSSION BY EDUCATION BOARD. Quito unexpectedly, an animated discussion took placo at tho Education Board's meeting yesterday, over tho question of granting leave of absence to certain teachers. There were several applications, but the debate was confined to tho merits or otherwise of a certain three. Two of theso were mado for reasons of University work (six months and four months respectively were applied for), while applicant No. 3 desired three weeks' leave in order to accompany tho 'Varsity football team-to Australia. Mr. A. H. Vile wanted to know if there was any precedent for granting leave to teachers who desired to tour with a team of footballers. If not, then he asked members to consider whether a dangerous precedent would bo established by tho granting of this particular request. This sort of thing tended to disorganise the teaching staff. : Captain M'Donald agreed. He did not approvo of teachcrs being granted leave of abscnco for athletic purposes. He was iiot sure', in fact, that leave ought to bo granted t-o teachers in order to attend the University. If they extended this privilege to one or two, they must be prepared to treat all alike. J.r every teacher who attended college lectures, and who was preparing for a degree, applied for leave of absence, the whole.system would bs disorganised. Mr. J. G. W. Aitken, M.P., thought that every encouragement should ha given to teachcrs who desired to improvo their statua. Ho moved that the first two applications be granted. ' 1 Tho Secretary (Mr. G. L. Stewart) pointed out that teachers in such cases did not receive salary, and their emoluments wero devoted to the payment of relieving teachers. Mr. Vile said that the employment of re. lieving poachers did not compensate for tho temporary disorganisation of tho school work. Tho motion was passed. ' The Board then dealt 'with the "sport's" application. I. Mr. Vilo strongly objected to permission being' given teachers to leavo their work in order to go on tour with an ".All Black" or an "All White" team. There was a; principle involved, and ho contended ihat-the principle should bo upheld. Captain M'Donald concurred. ' . Mr. Field spoke in favour of tho application, and agreed that they ought to be proud of the fact that one of their teachers had been selected to accompany the team. " It. was finally agreed, on- a division, to grant tho application, Captain M'Donald alid Mr. Vile dissenting. . '