Greymouth Evening Star. TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1943. TEACHERS AND TAUGHT.

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 May 1943, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1943. TEACHERS AND TAUGHT.

•THE present term holidays have been

made the occasion of annual conferences of teachers’ organisations, this interchange of experiences and desires being valuable to the cause of national education, as well as to the teachers, •themselves. New Zealand spends a relatively huge sum on the State system of education, but few are satisfied with the results. The teachers, despite the considerably improved conditions of service and the better type of school-buildings, have little difficulty in discovering grievances. Commercial employers, as the Mayor of Christchurch, reminded the N.Z.E.f, conference, are disappointed with the standard of efficiency in the three R's displayed by many juveniles. The scholars have never before been so well provided for, a “coddling” stage having been reached, and, yet, the extent of child delinquency is causing considerable anxiety. All. this is disappointing, and it is evident I hat there is still something wrong with the State education system, despite the many betterment efforts. The blame, may be fairly placed on the system, the teachers and the nation, generally. Recrimination would be inappropriate, and all efforts to improve national education must be co-operative. The administration has obvious defects, as the personnel of some. Education Boards and committees clearly proves. JNlany teachers do not seem to realise the responsibilities of belonging to one of the noblest callings, looking at the profession mainly from their own bread-aiid-bntter viewpoint, or as an interesting interval before marriage. There may be something lacking in the training of teachers. The nation must display more real interest in the schools, and not thrust on teachers duties mainly parental. The present situation does not invite despair, but rather keen regret that so far the harvest from the large, expenditure of time, service and money where State education is concerned, has not approached the bounteous. It was gratifying to note that the N.Z.E.I. eonl'ermice at Christchurch, last week, made some recognition that all is not well. The Auckland branch submitted a “children’s charter” that had much to recommend it, especially the emphasis placed on character-building. Some of the developments on the home fronts since 1939, in various ])arts of the British Empire, have been true causes for shame, and unless these social reproaches are removed, the future of the British race does not look bright. Morally, too many have not been able “to take” the strong tests applied, the worst feature being the fall-ing-off in feminine standards of conduct. Child delinquency is far too prevalent, and the charter made some practical proposals to cure this social, disease. Attention is directed to the danger of making the path of education too easy, encouraging softness where endurance and perseverance should be developed. It was refreshing to find so serious an effort being made by teachers to assist more Ihe taught. The conference agenda should not be confined to discussions on schemes designed to make the lot of the teachers merry and bright. Eor instance, what do parents think of the request that teachers, whose paid holidays are far in excess of what others get, should lie granted six months’ leave of absence on full pay alter 10 years’ service, or one year’s leave on full pay after 20 years’ service ?