TEACHERS' SALARIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20288, 22 June 1929, Page 15

TEACHERS' SALARIES.

NEW SYSTEM DISCUSSED,

COMPULSORY TRANSFERS.

MORE INFORMATION WANTED. The viewpoint that teachers desired a simplified salary scale, but were not willing to place themselves under right of compulsory transfer by the Education Department, was advanced last evening at a largely-attended meeting of Auckland city and suburban teachers to discuss the proposed new salary scheme. Mr. Spenceley Walker, president of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute, presided. Mr. Walker suggested that discussion should be along three lines—compulsory transfer, whether payment should be on efficiency, and the differentiation between payment for men and women teachers.

Mr. A. J. C. Hall moved that the department should be conceded the right of compulsory transfer of teachers. This was seconded by Mr. F. E. Blakcy, who said that teachers did not need to fear compulsory transfers. They would not be extensive, as the department would wish to keep down expenses. The principle would supply a means of making a fair division between town and country -positions. Level of Public Service. Several points raised by teachers were answered by Mr. Hall. He said that compulsory transfer would apply to head teachers in many cases, and not merely to assistant teachers. The majority of the Educational Institute considered that appointments should be made by a board on which teachers would be represented. There would be opportunities of leaving unsuitable positions, as inspectors would be told to watch for good teachers in the country suitable for town positions. Mr. C. W. Boswell said that the director of education had stated that compulsory transfers would be used very sparingly. One of: the main purposes would be to strengthen a weak school. "If a teacher refused a compulsory transfer what would be the' penalty?" asked a teacher.

Mr. Walker replied that loss of increment in the positions held would bo the probable result. Applause greeted a suggestion that compulsory transfer would reduce teachers to the level of members of any public service. The speaker said that the institute had been fighting for years to establish the profession on a higher plane, and not to become part of the public service. The Right of Appeal. Mr. F. A. Garry said that teachers had been pressing for some years for a revision of the salary scale. The present system of computing salaries was complicated, and teachers, officials of the Education Board and the department often found it hard to calculate the correct salary. Teachers had asked for a simplified system, a rise in salary without having to be transferred, and the opportunity to gain a salary commensurate with efficiency. It was not fair and just to ask for these things and give nothing in return. Under the London County Council a system was in-operation which allowed rises in salary without transfer, but this did not make for paymeii;. on efficiency and the expense would prohibit its application in New Zealand.

The department had made an honest attempt to place a simpler scheme before teachers, Mr. Garry continued. Compulsory transfer had been made a "bogey." Compulsory transfers could be used very detrimentally and harshly, but he had sufficient faith in human nature to know that this would not be done. The department wished to stop the continual march of teachers from place to place. No scheme could make for more transfers than that in force at present. These were made at a definite loss to teachers, while under the new scheme the expenses would be paid by the department. There was also a definite desire on the part of £he department to stabilise staffs. Teachers had been granted the right of appeal if they did not wish to be transferred.

"A Game ot Draughts." "We do not wish to be bludgeoned into passing resolutions," said one lady teacher. "We are not yet certain what is" proposed." "The department knows that unless something is done to prevent the good teachers from moving into the cities the system is doomed to failure," said M«v Garry. "I believe that the scheme is an excellent one from the teacher's point of view."

An attempt to eradicate the personal viewpoint was made by, Mr. "A. Beasloy, who said that the department merely wished an expression of opinion from teachers as to the principle of the new scale. In regard to compulsory transfers some teachers thought that the department would indulge in a game of draughts and that it would be a continual cry of "Your move next." An assurance had been given that removals would be at a minimum.

Women Teachers' Vote. Replying to objections raised, Mr. Hall said that it was impossible to obtain a simpler salary scheme without conceding the right of compulsory transfer. Referring to a suggestion that the move would still further widen the gap between the primary and secondary school teachers liesaid that, the scheme built up for the primary schools would be used as a basis for secondary schools. One teachers' institute was aimed at, and under this a good primary school teacher could move up into the secondary schools. Speakers pointed out the lack of information available about the scheme, and an amendment was carried affirming the principle of -a simpler scale, but refraining from comment until further particulars were known.

Tho chairman then gave the meeting the opportunity to vote on the compulsory transfer proposal, a resolution being put that the right of compulsory transfer should be conceded to the department provided that proper safeguards were afforded teachers.

Various teachers spoke against the resolution, objection lying in tho fact that they did not wish to be forced to move from a position. The motion was lost, women teachers voting solidly against it. Other phases of .tho scheme were not discussed in view of the resolution to seek further information.