WOMEN TEACHERS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 44, 21 January 1926, Page 7

WOMEN TEACHERS.

POSITION AFTER MARRIAGE. EDUCATION BOARD’S DISCUSSION"’. „ The fact that tho names of married women were placed upon the Dominion grading list, making it appear that they were on exactly the samo footing as other members of the teaching profession, was commented upon in a communication received at yesterday’s meeting of the Wanganui Education Board from tho Auckland Board. The Auckland Board stated that it deemed it expedient that this state of tilings should be altered, and that married women should devote hemselveS to their homes and families. Cases where both husband and wife were earning substantial salaires were quoted, and support of their action in petitioning the department to effect amendments that would obviate the anomaly .was appealed for. Tho chairman (Mr W. A. Collins) stated that the matter had been brought before tho board on other occasions. Personally he was in favour of supporting the Auckland Board’s action. He knew of one or two cases in their own district where married women teachers were employed, and, while their husband could well afford to keep them, they neglected to do so, and, instead, dodged all over the country. Mr W. F. Durward said that he considered they should not lay down a hard and fast rule in regard to the matter. He was quite agreeable to support the Auckland Board providing a certain amount of discretionary power was loft to the boards. Mr W. R. Bimio urged that they should not support tho action of the Auckland board in this matter. The sole efficiency and grading, whether tho applicant was married or unmarried. There was every argument against attempting to diffex-entiate against tho married teacher. Speaking from experience in Palmerston North and district, he could say that the State had most efficient, married women upon tho staffs of the schools there, and it would be catastrophic to introduce a new principle like thjs in the appointment of teachers. He registered his vote against tho proposal. Mr Durward pointed out that there were cases where they might object, but he would not like to bo bound down by law. Tho chairman: Every case that comes before the board should be dealt with on its merits.

It was eventually resolved to support tho Auckland lward, but recommend that the boards be given discretionary power in the matter.