TEACHERS’ TRAVEL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22363, 23 June 1947, Page 2

TEACHERS’ TRAVEL

QUESTION OF LEAVE H.B. BOARD DISCUSSION “I think that would bo too tough altogether—we will only alienate them, said Canon G. B. Stephenson at a meeting of the Hawke’s Bay Education Board in Napier on Friday, when consideration was given to the question of refusing leave of absence to teachers wishing to travel overseas. Advice before the meeting disclosed that the department had agreed that it was desirable because of the teaching shortage to refuse prolonged leave for teachers to go abroad. The view was expressed, however, that it was difficult to prohibit teachers from going overseas. “The employing board can, of course, refuse to grant leave.” the departmental letter added, “but on the other hand, it is felt that if it were a deserving case the board would be able to appoint a temporary teacher for the long period of leave required by the permanent teacher. This would avoid a succession of relieving teachers.” “Serious Position” Mention was made of several teachers in the Hawke’s Bay district wishing to travel. Mr. A. H. Sivewright urged that leave be granted for fear of losing the services of the teachers, but Mr. H. S. M. Quigley held that it was to be deplored that just as soon as teachers became useful the hoard faced the prospect of losing them. “Quite a lot, I understand, are going,” added Mr. Quigley. •‘We cannot put a stop to it, I know, but it is a serious position.” “You cannot stop any teacher from extending his experience by going overseas,” said Mr. L. E. Mills. “After all. the country is going to benefit in the end on the teacher's return. I think we should accept the position and leave the matter open to the teacher. You cannot stop a normal man’s ambition to improve himself by overseas travel.” Exchange System

Mr. Sivewright explained that he had in mind the wider adoption of the exchange system. “By this means,” he said, “we could control the situation. Mr. W. Tucker also spoke in favour of exploiting the facilities provided by the system of exchanging teachers. “Mr. Sivewright has hit the nail on the head,” said Mr. Tucker. “I suggest we hold off a bit and see what teachers are available overseas.” Canon Stephenson spoke in support of this view. “We will only alienate the teachers if we refuse them leave,” he said. The matter was left in the hands of the senior inspector, Mr. A. H, Dcnne.