TEACHING PROFESSION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 134, 8 May 1945, Page 8

TEACHING PROFESSION

STAFFING AND PAY. (Press Assn.) WELLINGTON, May 7. Addressing the New Zealand Educational Institute Conference, the Minister of Education (Air Mason) -aid that 70 per cent, of the male primary teachers iri the Dominion had respond-, ed to the call for war service. It was too many, in his opinion, but nevertheless it was a splendid record. Despite the war, there had been considerable expansion in educational development. He mentioned particularly the school library service, which now supplied 70,000 books to 40,000 students, the film library service, physical education, and arts and crafts. There had 'been a lag in building, but every effort was being made to overcome it.

Referring to last year’s conference, the Minister said important developments were to be expected from its work, especially in adult education, for which the grant had been increased from £12,000 to £17,000, also, an improvement in rural education. The Minister said he had ordered an investigation into the size of classes and it was hoped to increase the number of teachers shortly.

“We hope to create 450 new (caching positions and under the" new staffing scale there will be ample demand for them,” Mr Mason added. “Soldier teachers will be glad to know that.” Tlie Minister said he was negotiating with the organisations concerned for the setting, up of a committee to consider teachers’ salaries and a report was being obtained on grading. It was also proposed to complete the system of free text-books. Everything possible was being done to safeguard the positions of soldier teachers who would, if necessary, be* given facilities for refresher courses or acting as observers ip schools. The Minister said the raising of the school age had caused some strain, but the innovation had been a great advantage. He felt that if it had been delayed until sufficient teachers and buildings were available it would never have bftin done. He was proud of his part in the raising of the school ’age, which had been commended abroad.