WOMEN TEACHERS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 120, 19 April 1940, Page 9

WOMEN TEACHERS.

CONFERENCE PREPARATIONS. 1 The programme of activities planned for the conference of women teachers, to be held in Wellington next month, i was the subject of an address given 1 to the Manawatu branch of the Women [ Teachers’ Association by Miss Elsie ■ Andrews, of New Plymouth, in Messrs > Collinson and Cunninghame’s rooms, ; yesterday afternoon. Mrs J. Walker : (president) was in the chair and, in introducing Miss Andrews, said she , had been a good friend to the women i teachers and had done yeoman service > for women throughout New Zealand - in many spheres. Miss Andrews said she still retained ; ft keen interest in the association i though it was nearly five years s'nce : she had retired from the teaching profession. It had been with great pleasure she had received the request of Mrs Fuohy (Dominion president) to get in touch with branches and talk over the programme. The decision to bold an educational conference over three days apart from the Educational Institute was the biggest forward move since the association became a national ; organisation. There had been separate I societies of women teachers lor just I over 40 years. Men teachers would ’ agree that many reforms had been 1 brought- about by the women delegates. Miss Andrews stressed the fact that 1 the association was the only society in existence dedicated solely to the well-being of women and children in 1 the schools. By becoming members, the 1 women teachers would be standing in line with a.ll those who bad worked for better conditions in the schools. 1 Business matters would receive first attention at the conference so the first day would be devoted to spade work before proceeding with zeal into . educational subjects. A dinner would be held the first evening to which exteachers would be invited. After dinner “Educational Conditions Overseas” would be the subject of an adt dress by ’Miss M. Browne, warden of the Wellington Training College. Suggested headings had been achievements of women overseas in educational movements; what values were particularly stressed in education and any trends or phases the speaker would like to see introduced in New Zealand. Miss Andrews ventured‘to say that material values were too much stressed in this country. The second day would open with a discussion led by the Christchurch branch on the “New Education in Our Midst” and its headings; is it sound in theory; what were the hindrances and where was it leading us? Led by the executive the next discussion would bo “How to Make the New Zealand Women Teachers’ Association More Effective.” The mam point to be raised was how to make suitable contacts with other bodies and in civic affairs. The possibility of having standing committees in different centres would be considered. This would serve the dual purpose of making speakers. Another point to be considered was “What do you plan _ for the association?” Members bad a right to know by Quarterly bulletin or other means. “Barger subscription” was another heading. Other points would be the question of more educational conferences and whether they should be annual, and how to get more women at the annual meeting of the Educational Institute 1 . The afternoon speaker would be Miss Irene Wilson, principal of Queen Margaret's College. her subject,’ “Education for Citizenship.” “The Education of the Maori Girl” would be the subject of Miss Kinross, principal of Turakina Maori Girls’ College, with introductory remarks by Mrs H. D. Bennett a.nd Miss M. Lambie. Director of Nursing. “Country Services and Conditions” would open the third day’s proceedings led by the Auckland branch, which would give rise to discussions on accommodation, lack of cultural stimulus and the effect on curls from the cities in the lack, of cheerful companionship. Country servieo for women teachers meant years without promotion and the question of pay to compensate for disabilities. The cultural side of education would be stressed and visits paid to the museum and art gallery. Mr McKenzie giving an address on “Art Appreciation in Schools.” The pliysieal sale would not he neglected. and a film demonstrating exercises would he shown hv Mr Smithells. Director of Physical Education. Finally Miss Andrews herself would speak on “Education for Social Responsibility.” A vote of thanks to Miss Andrews was conveyed hv Miss E. Gills and seconded by Miss F. Ross.