“OBNOXIOUS CLAUSE”

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 13 February 1933, Page 4

“OBNOXIOUS CLAUSE”

IN EDUCATION AMENDMENT ACT PROTEST BY NELSON BOARD Strong opposition to Clause 4 of the Education Amendment Act Bill, which gives School Committees poAver to suspend a teacher for neglect of duty or neglect of a lawful demand was ex- x pressed at to-day’s meeting of the Nelson Education Board and it Avas decided to strongly protest against that section o£ the Bill. After the Secretary had read that clause of the Bill the chairman (the Hon W. H. Mclntyre) said ; “The thing :s not justified.” He mentioned the position which Avould arise in a small backblocks place Avhere a committee migln shoAv partisanship against a teacher He declared the boards at present could discipline a teacher if necessary. It Avas pointed out A\dien similar legislation aauis before the House in 19?7 the board had protested against it, Mr J. H. Harkness on that occasion declaring that it was uncalled for. Mr Harkness said lie Avould move a simihr resolution of protest, “and make d strong,” he added. In seconding the motion Mr F. V. Knapp said it was surprising that a move should be made to put that poAver into the hands of school committees. Mr Harkness said all teachers Ave: e proud to think they Avere the servants of the board and not employed by the committees. The cause Avould result n a position in Avhich the board appointed the teacher and the committee could suspend him. The Chairman: “We’ve never had a : case in the Nelson board Avhich aa'ouLl justify such legislation. It is not in t lie interests of education to give committees such a poAver. It is au obnoxious , clause.” Mr Harkness: “We Avant to fight it and fight it strongly. The board and the committees have a work to do and there is Avork Avhich each can do best; the employment of teachers is a work which tne board can do best.” The matter of the clause taking away a poAver of the board and giving it to the committee was also pointed out. It Avas decided to protest strongly against the clause, to circularise the protest immediately to all boards in the Dominion auci to the Educational Institute, and if the Bill is referred to committee in the House to send a representative to give evidence against it.