AN INJUSTICE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 5 September 1924, Page 5

AN INJUSTICE.

WOMEN .TEACHERS

BARBED PROM SOME POSITIONS

(BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, Sept. 4. The Auckland branch of the Educational Institute at the annual meeting was asked by the Department of Education for its opinion on the question of excluding women from positions in charge of schools of grade 3A and higher. A proposal was moved by Mr Murdoch to the effect that the meeting accepts the principle that ah positions should be open to male and female candidates, but considers that undei the p/resent grading system the highest graded candidate is not necessarily the most suitable.

As an amendment, Miss Carnachan moved: “That the practice followed in some education districts of advertising the highest position in schools of grade 3A and upwards as headmasterships not only unjustly precludes women teachers from promotion, but also prevents children from obtaining the best teachers.’ Several teachers contended that the grading at present in force gave absolutely no indication of the fitness of a candidate for any particular post. It might give an indication of his or her abilities, but not of fitness for any particular position. After considerable discussion the amendment was carried, being amended to read: “Not only limits the chances of promotion of women teachers, but may also debar children from getting the best teachers.”

Several members wanted to pass Mi Murdoch’s motion also as an expression of opinion on the general, question. and it was actually put to the meeting and lost on the voices.