FINE NEW HOME

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 8, 4 October 1927, Page 5

FINE NEW HOME

TEACHERS’ CLUB OPENED

WELLINGTON BRANCH OF INSTITUTE Although the New Zealand Educational Institute has been in existence for many years, except for .small offices for the Central Executive, it has never had a home of its own, and the opening yesterday of a club room by the local branch of the institute was an important occasion in the life of the institute. The rooms are in the Employers’ Federation building on The Terrace The large chib room secured by the Wellington branch is very bright and airy, and has been made comfortable with a gay carpet, easy chairs, and facilities for writing, reading, and also for refreshments; tea is to be served by a rota of teachers in the afternoons.

The opening ceremony’ was performed by the Minister of Education (the lion. R. A. Wright), who was accompanied by Mrs. Wright. They were received by the president of the Wellington branch (Miss Magill) and the New Zealand president (Mr. H. E. Combs) Miss Magill, who presided, in welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Wright, said while it was the first time the Minister had visited the room, they hoped it would not be the last. It was a proud day in the history of the Wellington branch of the institute, for while they had received every facility possible from the Education Board in the holding of meetings they bad long wanted their own home. One of the aims of education was the development of personality, and it was expected that their own club room would help in this, for in the past the social side had been rather neglected by teachers, although they had to thank past presidents and committees for the work done which made this development possible. The position was near Parliament and near the Department’s offices. They hoped to have members of Parliament there often, to learn from them and to teach them. They hoped if it had to move, the Education Board would come near also. Play was not the only object of their home, they hoped to establish study circles for the various aspects of educational practice, and in this they hoped for the help of the Training College staff, the director, and inspectors. They also hoped to have a library, and it was hoped the club would help towards a fuller life and advance the work of teachers throughout New Zealand, for it was for all teachers, not only those in Wellington. In conclusion, the speaker assured the Minister that it was the desire of the teachers to help the Department in all ways ■ Mr. Combs said that that was a beginning, and be hoped in a few years they would be In a position to have something much more pretentious ’lhe creating of a communitv spirit would serve further and greater ends in the interests of education. It would build an esprit de corps ynd help the cause of education in helping the teachers. The New Zealand Executive were glad to assist the local branches by helping on this work.

Mr. Wright, m declaring the room open, said he supposed when any or. ganisation moved into permanent quarters it was a matter for congratulation. He was sure it would be of benefit to teachers, whom he knew had certain difficulties and were subject of criticism. However, the teachers to-day were in a very strong position, though all their difficulties were not solved. He was glad to hear that all teachers could benefit from this permanent home, and he expressed the hope that it would be a useful and pleasant place for al! teachers. He wished it all success.

Mr. Strachan, head inspector for Wellington, apologised for the absence of the Director, Mr. T. B. Strong, and As-sistant-Director, Mr. Bell, and on belialf of the Department wished success to the new venture, ..which he felt sure would be of great benefit to the teachers.

Mr. Webb spoke on behalf of .superannuated teachers and said he had always felt it a distinct loss to local branches, that the institute had no permanent home. If the venture proved as successful as the president had pictured, he would feel his thoughts long ago had not been idle dreams. Teachers to-day had much to be thankful for; they were in a very strong position compared even with ten vears ago, but lie did not think their difficulties would ever entirely disappear, though with such easy approach to the powers-that-be thev should nearly do so.

Mr. IT. A. Parkinson, secretary of the New Zealand Institute, thanked Mr. Wright and'the other visitors for attending, and paid a tribute to the committee and those who had helped to get the room furnished. He felt it marked a definite step forward in the teaching profession, which in the past had not had sufficient consciousness of its professional entity. Mr. Fisher briefly thanked the president for the work done in getting the room furnished and ready. Apologies were received from Mr. T. Forsyth, M.P., chairman of the Education Board( and Mr. W. W. Bird, In-spector-iu-Cliief, and a congratulatory telegram was read from Mr. Hall, vicepresident of the N.Z.1i.1., Auckland. Among the official visitors were Mrs. Strachan. Sir Jolin and Lady Luke, Mr. Fraser, M.P., and Mrs. Fraser, Mr. R. McKeen, M.P., Mr. Stewart (secretary Tiducation Board), Mrs. Cowles, Mrs. Stewart, Mr. Grundy, Mr. Gill, and superannuated teachers. The ladies each received a posy of flowers from the committee. After the speeches Miss Mary Cooley gave a recitation, and afternoon tea was served. The room was decorated with beautiful flowers, chiefly pink and white blossom and crimson rhododendron. Besides the large club room, the offices of the institute contain a committee room and secretary’s room, and there is a small

kitchen for serving tea. The president mentioned the need of a piano, which it was hoped to purchase when funds permitted. ________