AUCKLAND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13287, 20 September 1906, Page 6

AUCKLAND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS.

INCREASE OF STAFF

APPROVED.

AN ASSISTANT DIRECTORSHIP.

In conference with the Board of Education yesterday morning, Mr. George George, director of technical education, suggested the appointment of an assistant director at £350, rising by £20 per annum to £500; science master, at £250 woodwork instructor, at £200; instructor in painting and decorating as the Board's foreman, at £3 10s a week, plus £40 for evening classes.

The Chairman (Mr. Bagnall) said it was certainly an unsatisfactory position that there was no understudy who could take Mr. George's place temporarily, and it would be a step in the right direction to have an assistant director. There were some details to consider, and one point was that the Board had already obtained from Home a good many of the masters, and he thought it might now expect to get some men in the colonies trained in the colonial universities. The Board should surely be able to get a science master in New Zealand. ..

Mr. George said it might be a good plan, to send Home the conditions to the Board's agent, and instruct him to call for applications, provided no cablegram to the contrary were received before a certain date. The schools particularly required a good woodwork instructor, as cabinetmaking was a very important' industry, and the wood work had not been as satisfactory as the plumbing, owing to the difficulty in getting a man specially trained. He had gone into the whole question, and there was no difficulty whatever about the financial position. The Board would remember that he had worked out details of all previous appointments, and had been right in each instance. The conditions might go Home by next 'Frisco mail. "*

The Chairman commented on the salary of the assistant director's position, He did not think £350 was too much, but the question was the increase to £500. Mr. George: Well, it is spread over a number of years. It is very necessary that a man placed in this position should have the. right amount of training. Mr. Edgcumbe said the principle underlying these proposals was a right one. ' The Board recognised the ability of Mr. George, and it would be a privilege for the man appointed to work under him, for thereby the assistant director would be acquiring further education. If, at some future time, Mr. George should accept some other position, the assistant director would be so trained as to have a good chance of the position of director, or of a similar position. ' .j The Chairman: Unless the Government alters the capitation the financial position will be all right. Mr. Harris: Mr. George has always been right in his recommendations hitherto, and that makes me inclined to support him in this. Mr. George: If I'm not right, you can take it off my salary; I'll agree to that. The Board resolved, on the motion of Mr. Harris, to approve generally of the recommendations, and that the matter of detail be left to the chairman and director..,