LIVING IN TENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23083, 7 July 1938, Page 18

LIVING IN TENTS

PLIGHT OF TEACHEKS SERIOUS HOUSING SHORTAGE GOVERNMENT HELP URGED Tlio fnct that several teachers employed by the Auckland Education Board wore living in tents was mentioned at a meeting of the board yesterday, when a letter was received from the Education Department concerning the shortage of houses for teachers. The board .previously had forwarded to the department letters from tlio Thames Valley Headmasters' Association, the Orakci School CommiLtee, and tlio committee, head teacher and two members of the stuff of the Kaitaia District High School. The department stated that, ns requests for the provision of accommodation for head teachers wore so numerous, the erection of houses for assistants could not be undertaken, at present. Where a housing scheme was in hand tlio department would approach the Housing Department to enable teachers to obtain houses, and would ascertain the result of representations made by the Orakei committto that residences for teachers at the school should be provided in the Orakei housing scheme. "I notice that the Hail way Department is providing houses for employees in conjunction with the building proposals of the Government," said the chairman, Mr. T. 11. Wells. "I should think that if the Housing Department can do this for the railways it should also be able to undertake the same work for the Education Department.

"The shortage of houses l'or teachers is very serious, and a number of our teachers are finding it difficult to find residences. Several teachers are oven living in tents." Mr. W. I. Bowyer said ho knew of a teacher who had been forced to change his residence four times in a short period. The matter was referred back to the department with the request that it should co-operate with the Housing Department in providing accommodation for teachers, even where 110 housing scheme was at present in operation.