Training College Allowances

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 29, 29 October 1934, Page 11

Training College Allowances

Sir, —Through your journal I should like to draw attention to the position of prospective entrants to the training colleges. The general opinion ie that allowances to trainees should be small yet reasonable, but even the least statesmanlike consider £2O per annum ridiculous This country needs the very best products of its secondary schools in the teaching profession, people of personality, athletes and scholars. I ask you: Will people with real courage and drjve be content to exist on £2O per annum (6/11 per week) while their school companions earning sometimes £2 per week or more; people who have spent perhaps five years at college, at their parents’ expense, people who to achieve success must obtain a university degree which costs at least £BO-90? ' Who pays for this? The parents. Who keeps them in the meantime? Again the parents. Surely the Minister of Education realises that young people have some sense of independence, some sense of honour and some gratitude. Now with regard to the future, after two years spent in training college on the princely sum of 6/11 per week, the young teachers become probationary assistants. What does this mean? Does it mean probationary assistantships at the normal rate of pay, or docs it mean £72 per annum? The Minister does not make himself clear on this point. The handicap.of youth in this country was never heavier than it is at the present time. —I am, Pte.. “VISION.” Wellington, October 27.