THE TEACHING PROFESSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13481, 7 May 1907, Page 6

THE TEACHING PROFESSION

LOSING ITS ATTRACTIVENESS. *A MOURNFUL CONCLUSION." [BY TELEGRAPH, correspondent.] : '■■"''' : ■''■' Bcnejdix, Monday. In an interesting report submitted to the Southland Board of Education. Inspector Wyllie stated that of the 21 candidates for pupil-teacherships examined by him, only two were boys. He was again forced to the mournful conclusion that :- the teaching profession was losing, or had already lost, all attraction for the brightest of our boys. No doubt one of the main reasons was to be found in the growing disinclination of our youths to study. It had to be borne in mind that study in the case of pupilteacheis was a burdensome addition to the daily labour of teaching, and. was carried on, often with indifferent success, amidst depressing and irksome circumstances. • At the examination Inspector. Wyllie took the opportunity of pointing out to the candidates that those who had not passed a public examination had little chance of being appointed. Apart from the , recorded success at - such examinations, there was little to guide the Board in gauging the mental ability and literary qualifications of the applicants since testimonials from teachers were in some cases biassed, while those from clergymen, as a rule, were optimistic. ■ TEACHERS WANT MORE PAY. [BY telegraph.—press association.] Lvvercargill, Monday. A large and representative meeting of teachers at Invercargill to-day passed resolutions expressing profound dissatisfaction with the present scale of salaries, in which average attendance is the sole determining factor. The leading principles for an improved scheme . were i affirmed, the chief being periodic increments for length of efficient service, and on such an adjustment as would raise the pay of the rank and file of the profession. . ' . ; t