CAREER OR MARRIAGE

Grey River Argus, 23 September 1936, Page 5

CAREER OR MARRIAGE

FEMALE SCHOOL TEACHERS.

A VICTORIAN QUESTION.

MELBOURNE, September 19.

If the teaching service is made ton attractive for women they will be uisinclined to leave it for matrimony. That was the diplomatic line of retreat beaten by the Minister of Education. Dr. J. R. Harris. M.L.C., when asked by a deputation yesterday to make more places in the higher grades of classification available to women. Claiming that the number of promotions promised had not been provided by a bill now before Parliament, women teachers held a large indignation meeting a few days ago. when the decision was made to approach the Minister. The women teachers won to their cause the Director of Education, Mr. J. Mcßae, who was a member of the deputation, but the Minister was adamant. He said he had ascertained that 75 per cent, of the women who entered the teaching profession resigned very early to be married. “Those of' us who are still unclaimed treasures feel that we should get some reward for a lifetime in the Education Department,” retorted a member of the deputation. “You must enjoy teaching then,” replied Dr. Harris, “because the men have no hope against you women if vou set your minds to it. I want to say to men and women who want better facilities for promotion that .1 have noticed that when a position is vacant and the most senior application is notified he or she frequently neglects to take the promotion. It is absurd to talk about your love of the work, and about service and duty, when you will not even accept promotion because it means transfer from one suburb to another or to the country. Thar dpes no suggest the wonderful spirit you have indicated. “There appears to he a little lack of discipline in the department.” continued the AHnister. “The teachers should be compelled to take the promotion that they say they want. Then there would be a stronger case .Cor the women, who are the worst offenders. T will promise no more than that I will have the requests of the deputation and its arguments placed before the Cabinet.”