TEACHERS' APPEALS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 45, 21 August 1941, Page 11

TEACHERS' APPEALS

REPRESENTATIONS TO BOARD

Further reference to the question of dealing with teachers who appealed for exemption from military, service on c. iscientious grounds was made at the meeting of the Wellington Education Board yesterday afternoon, when several letters on the subject were received.

A resolution forwarded by the Wellington School Committees and Educational Association asked that the board keep a record of teachers who had appealed against military service on conscientious grounds and who were known to be pacifists, and that no appointments be made until the school committees concerned had been notified.

The Newtown School Committee sent forward a similar resolution. The following resolution was forwarded by the South Miramar School Committee:—"That this committee strongly disapproves of any teacher being on the staff ot this school who has appealed for exemption from military service. Should there be any, the committee would appreciate the board's removing them without delay. If this is not done, the committee will be left with no option but to convene a public meeting to discuss the whole matter."

In the three cases it was decided to reply that .the whole question was being taken up with the Minister of Education, and the letters would be considered at a later date. A resolution from the Randwick School Committee asked for "the same consideration which was extended to Archbishop O'Shea for the exemption of school teachers and trainees from military service." The committee also asked the board to take a definite stand in regard to claiming exemption for itf teachers. ,

On the motion of Colonel T. W. McDonald, it was decided to reply that the board was not prepared to take the action asked for.