SCHOOL TEACHERS AND THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 203, 16 May 1918, Page 6

SCHOOL TEACHERS AND THE WAR

EDUCATION BOARD AND CI CAMP,

An interesting discussion aroso at tho Education Board's mooting yesterday regarding the leave , of teachers called for special training in tho 01 Camp. It was decided that the iward had reached tho limit of efficient relieving supplv, and tho disorganisation of tho schools affected and the high cost of training were- such that, in tho opinion of the board, tho withdrawal of those teaehtrs for trial training was not justified. It was decided to apply to the military authorities for exemption in such cases. Apart from the need of the board for the services' of tho men its recent experience, ib was stated, had been unfavourable, nud one or (wo instances were mentioned. The headmaster of a two-teacher school was called up early this year. Tho board wont to the expense of bringing a substitute teacher from a distance, and within -i few weoks tho teacher relieved was discharged from camp. In another instance a teacher volunteered, and was rejected, owing to a recognised defect, but ho was subsequently drawn in ft l»Hot % and passed. He underwent nine months' training in camp, and was discharged last month. The board is of opinion that in such cases the best war service is being rendered by such teachers discharging their school duties. It was reported to the board that its appeal in tho case of its senior woodwork instructor, Mr. E. Howe, had b;en disallowed. In view of the fact that over 120 of the noard's staff have undertaken service and that the board has lodged no appeal except in the cnao of Second Division men, and only then whin absolute necessity required the course, the board was of opinion that the present rejection is unreasonable, and unanimously decided to renew the appeal.