THE NORMAL SCHOOL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13096, 8 February 1906, Page 6

THE NORMAL SCHOOL.

APPOINTMENT OF A HEADMASTER.

FRESH APPLICATIONS TO BE

INVITED

The desirability of extending the scope of applications for the position of headmaster of the normal school was the subject of some discussion at the meeting of the Auckland Education Board yesterday. The matter was brought forward by Mr. G. L. Peacocke. who, in accordance with notice, moved, That the resolution of the Board, dated November 29, 1905, fixing B1 as the minimum classification of the headmaster of the normal school, be revoked; and that applications for the appointment be readvertised without restriction as to grade." Mr. eacocke held that the Board should widen the circle of applications for the position. By fixing B1 as the minimum grade they were simply debarring those teachers in the Board's sen-ice who held D 1 certificates from applying, although they might be better teachers than those with the degree. If a man was qualified for such a position as regards experience and personality. the fact that he also held a degree was an additional qualification. Mr. Milnes, principal of the Training College, had said that a man with a university degree. without the necessary experience and personality, wa-s not worth a snap of the lingers, and he (the speaker) thought, in face of tiiis, they could not do wrong in extending the sphere of applications. It had been hinted that he had a personal motive in moving in this direction, but. this was not so. He was actuated merely by the principle that he thought teachers with D 1 certificates—an honourable rank on which no slur should be castshould be given a chance. He did not think that the Board should prevent them from applying alter they had served many years under the Board.

Mr. G. Edgeeumbe pointed out that the Board's decision was arrived at after it had been submitted to a conference, or which Mr. Peaeocke was a member.

Mr. Peacocke explained that at the time the decision was arrived at he was a new member of the Board, and his reason for not bringing the matter up was because he had not quite got into the run of things.

Mr. J. Stallworthy said he could not support the motion, seeing that they had before them the fact that both the chief inspector and the principal of the Training College were satisfied they had the man they wanted. As regards teachers holding D 1 certificates being made eligible, he would like to say that they could have got their degree had they wanted it.

Mr. R. McKenzie said that if they were to invite applications again he did not see that they could get any better than they had. Unless Mr. Peacocke wanted to press the matter as one of principle, he would like to see him withdraw his motion.

Mi'. Peacocke: I do press it as a matter of principle. Ido not think it is fair that teachers holding D 1 certificates should be excluded from the chance of applying.

Mr. A. R. Harris supported the motion, and said he could not understand why more applications; had not been received for the position. His own opinion was that they could get people as highly qualified without a degree as with a degree. He did not think that there was anything wrong in calling for fresh applications.

Mr. H. J. Greenslade also supported the resolution.

The secretary (Mr. Vincent E. Rice) pointed out that there was not much time to receive applications, the opening of the school having been fixed for March 5.

The motion was then put and carried, Messrs. Stallwortby and Edgecumbe being the only dissentients. It was decided to make the applications returnable in a fortnight.