EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16213, 26 April 1916, Page 8

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE.

AFFILIATION AGREED TO,

STATE SERVANTS' ASSOCIATION.

tBT TELEGRAPH.— ASSOCIATION'.]

Wellington, Tuesday. The Educational Institute, at its annual meeting, revised its constitution in the direction of giving the right of separa*e existence' to sub-branches of district institutes. ,

The annual report of the institute stated that, consequent on the passing of tho Education Act, tho number of education districts was reduced to nine. It was a matter for regret that this question should have been handled in so inadequate a manner by the powers that be; the least that could be said was that a beginning had been made, and that the institute had a certain measure of success to encourage it advocating still further reform. Recent legislation pointed to a widening acknowledgment of the great importance of the place education occupied among national functions. Acknowledgment was made of the action of the Auckland and Wellington Boards in promoting teachers while absent on military duty. Attention was drawn to the inadequate pay of teachers serving in the rankn. On tho motion of Mr. H. A. Parkinson, of Wellington, seconded by Mr. A. Erskine, of Wellington, the institute resolved, by 28 votes, to 27, to affiliate with the council of the New Zealand State Servants' Associations. Mr. Parkinson, in moving the resolution, stated that the objects of the council were:— • safeguard and promote the interests of, . State servants ; to protect and advance the economic interests of State servants; and to devise means of educating State servants and ' the general public as to the conditions and requirements of State servants. He urged that if they affiliated with the council they would have a better chance of having their grievances remedied and conditions improved. A united body like the council would carry much greater weight in regard to a question they, all had at heart—the insufficient pay of soldierteachers.

Several members objected that affiliation might at some time involve them in a strike, and urged that consideration of the matter be deferred to the next annual

meeting. Mr. Parkinson said the 'executive had carefully considered the question, and he could assure the conference that there was no bombshell in the constitution, and no fear of their becoming involved in strikes.

The mover and seconder, and Mr. A. N. Barnes, of Wellington, were appointed as the institute's representatives on the council.

The following officers were elected:— President, Mr. W. Eudey; vice-president, Mr. L. F. Deberry; secretary, Mr. H. A. Parkinson; treasurer, Mr. E. U. • Just. Non-official members of the executive, North Island, Mr. W. H. Newton; Wellington district, A. E. Erskine; South Island. Mr. 0. D. Flaraank. A remit was adopted urging amendment of iection 79, sub-section 7, of the Act, so that in the event of a school in grade 10 or a higher grade being changed in grade, no teacher shall suffer reduction in salary or allowance on that account. Other remits were postponed or referred to the executive.