PROGRESS TOWARDS FORMING NORTH TEACHERS' FEDERATION

Northern Advocate, 15 April 1946, Page 2

PROGRESS TOWARDS FORMING NORTH TEACHERS' FEDERATION

A further stage in the formation of a Northland federation of teachers was reached on'Friday night, when a general meeting of the Whangarei branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute approved of a suggested date for the first meeting, and set up a committee to prepare a draft constitution. Mr T. R. Birdsall (Titoki) presided over an assembly of 21 teachers at the YWCA Lounge. A meeting at Kaikohe on May 4 was suggested by the Bay of Islands branch in a letter concerning the federation of branches of the NZEI. Each branch in the north was invited to send five delegates, and the Whangarei branch was asked to submit a draft constitution for discussion. It was decided to agree to the proposals outlined in the letter, the meeting agreeing unanimously that the proposed federation would be of considerable value in assessing and working to solve the common educational problem of the north. BIRD AND FOREST “We are particularly anxious to stimulate in the children of today a protective attitude towards our indigenous forest and bird life,” stated the secretary cf the North Auckland Forest Society in a letter suggesting that one of the society’s members address the branch.

“It is our further desire that schools be addressed on Arbor Day,” continued the letter. “The assistance of your association towards these objectives is sought.” Members agreed that the work of the society deserved their support ,and decided to invite one of its speakers to address the branch's next general meeting. A questionnaire on the effect of consolidated schools on children and their

education was sent by the Waipa branch of the institute, seeking the opinions of Whangarci members on the advantages and dis\ Wantages of the system. Several-members with experience of such schools in this district and elsewhere gave their views on various sections of the questionnaire, but as there was a large number of questions ,and the meeting was not satisfied that the voices of those present would adequately represent the feeling of the whole district, the secretary was instructed to ’send a copy to all members, and to invite those with experience to answer it. THE HOUSING SHORTAGE The harmful effect cf the housing shortage on the work of many teachers in the district was discussed in some detail. Instances were given of teachers who were compelled to live some miles away from their schools, and unavoidably arrived late and departed early by bus; of another, who. after living for four months with his wife and children in a motor camp, was forced by resultant family illness to apply for a position elsewhere; and of still others who were separated from their families for long periods. It was decided to communicate with the Education Board and Parliamentary representatives of the district, pressing for some assistance for members in such difficulties.

The remainder of the evening was taken up in discussion of remits to the annual conference of the New Zealand Institute in Wellington next month, and in instructing the branch’s delegate, Mr F. R. Hunt (Hukerenui) as to the feeling of the branch. Supper, arranged by the staff of the Whau Valley School, concluded the evening,