HEADMASTERS MEET.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 143, 16 May 1930, Page 7

HEADMASTERS MEET.

SALARIES DISCUSSED. . WELLINGTON, May 16. Dissatisfaction with the salaries at present paid to senior headmasters was expressed at the annual meeting of the Primary Schools’ Headmasters' Association yesterday. The secretary, Mr F. W. Moore, of Palmerston North, said that the association’s claim to improved salary conditions at the top had not been disputed in any quarter. Three successive Ministers had acknowledged that the senior headmasters were underpaid, and the present Minister had repeatedly stated that the position was indefensible and would be remedied as soon as the finances would permit. Members considered that in view of the concessions gained in recent years by other branches of tho Government service, the senior headmasters were entitled to first consideration. Since 1920 there had been no increase in the maximum, which stood at only 26 per cent above the rates paid in 1914. several members emphasised the lack of inducement to improve efficiency resulting from the present system. Many headmasters reached the maximum before the completion of 30 years’ service, and in the remaining ten years or more had no hope of advancement. The disparity between primary and secondary salaries was also the subject of considerable discussion. It was stated that the duties and responsibilities of the headmaster of a large primary school, together with the less favourable conditions under which he worked, warranted a claim for equality with those in equivalent positions in the secondary and technical services. It was decided that the incoming executive formulate a policy for the year, and investigate the Thornton salary scale as a possible solution of the difficulty. Officers were elected as follow: President, Mr L. F. de Berry (Dunedin) ; vice-presidents, Messrs W. A. Swinbourn (Palmerston North) and W. F. Abel (Dunedin); advisory members of executive, Messrs H. F. Penlington (Christchurch) and F. W. Moore (Palmerston North).