A POLICY WANTED

Marlborough Express, Volume L, Issue 288, 16 December 1916, Page 7

A POLICY WANTED

APPOINTMENT OF HEADMASTERS.

DISCUSSED BY EDUCATION BOARD.

[Special to Express.] WELLINGTON, Dec. 15. "That the Board rescind any resolution on record forbidding the appointment of first assistant as headmaster at other than sma,ll schools; also that in future appointments for [ill headma.sterships be made on merit rather than seniority," was the text of a notice of motion .standing in Mr 'Forsyth's name at to-day's meeting <of the Wellington Education Board. The chairman pointed out that the iirst part of the motion was incompetent, as there was no such resolution on record. /, Mr Forsyth then moved the second part of his motion, and in doingso lie sjud he was anxious to see the Boai'd lay down a. policy on which the appointment of teachers would be based. He criticised the present system and said that, in effect, all positions advertised were Jiot open to all teachers. Mr C-. London seconded tho motion, remarking that the proposal would be in the best interests of education. Mr Hogg said he would oppose the motion. Ho had been a member of the Board for a good many years and had never known the wrong appoint- i ment of a. headmaster on account of ] the consideration of seniority. To ; vnrry the motion would be to pass .avote of censure on the old Board. Mr Kebbel referred to the tendency of teachers to try to get to the towns and the consequent disability to the schools. The policy of the Board liad been that where first assistants aspired to headmasterships they should try the country first. Mr Wright said that the motion was by no means one of censure. It appeared to him, however, that there was no definite policy of appointing headmasters. The chairman: W re choose the best 'man.

Mr Wright: What about seniority? The chairman: Thai, is considered with other things. Mr Moss opposed the motion. The chairman emphasised the fact that in the past, merit and service liad been very carefully considered in the making of every appointment. I He said so without fear of contradiction, but at the" same time there were occasions when, by a freak of luck, a man got into a certain position, It „ seemed to him that the words "in future" in the resolution cast an implied reflection on members of the nld Board. He would suggest that Mr Forsyth, having gained his point hy bringing the matter vp } should, withdraw his motion. Mr Penny said he had been just siboufc to make the. same .suggestion to Mr Forsyth. Merit and seniority must, be considered in every case and the interests of the people were of paramount importance. Mr Forsyth, in reply, disclaimed :my intention of reflecting on the old Board or its executive officers. He simply desired a policy to be laid down so that the Board would not stultify its own actions. He did not feel disposed to withdraw his motion. On being put, the motion was lost by 5 votes"to.3. I