TEACHERS' VACANCIES

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11873, 5 July 1924, Page 5

TEACHERS' VACANCIES

RECRUITS FROM HOME HON. VERNON REED’S ADVERSE CRITICISM. THE SYSTEM CONDEMNED (Special to “N.Z. Times.”) AUCKLAND, July 3. A chance remark concerning she difficulty of obtaining a relieving teacher led to a discussion at the Auckland Education Board’s meeting. It Was reported that a teacher had ai rived from Home under ah arrangement made by the department, and his most conspicuous action on arrival ivaa to lose hia money, which he left with his luggage. “Who sent him out?” asked a member. ‘ “The High Commissioner !” ves the reply The Hon. Vernon Reed candidly criticised' appointments made by the High Commissioner. In whatever capacity anyone waa wanted the London office usually sent the wrong person; they were mostly “duds” or misfits. Ho suggested that if the board was going to get into difficulties and othor boards were in the same position, an, arrangement should be made to have a separate, organisation at Home to recommend teachers. The latter were available, it was just a matter of getting the right selection. Mr Burns: Hie department has already provided for teachers from home. We are to have twelve.

Mr ROed added that he knew the calibre of the High Commissioner’s selections. and he was not impressed with them. Mr Patterten commented that at the present time the board was pretty well satisfied as far as the supply of teachers was concerned, but the board might take advantage of the presence at Home of . Mr F. R. Callaghan, of the agricultural section Of the board. He might personally interview prospective teachers. Mr Banks: Yep! He known New Zealand conditions. Mr Wells added that Protestor Adams, one of the leading educationists from Home, was arriving in the Dominion soon.

Mr Bums thought that thi© board had better make baste slowly, .and first find out how many teachers were really wanted. The Training College wus turning opt manv trainees, and it •might be found that there were not permanent positions 'for people from oversells. Dealing with the general position of relieving teachers he added that it was not feasible to have a big staff dangling their toes awaiting a position.

Mr Banks agreed that the other boards should be consulted, but-there should not be any baste in making a decision. The training ; colleges throughout New Zealand were providing from twelve to fourteen students this year, and it might he found that there was an excess. “As soon as one person who has been through the training college does not get a position, we will have a'row—a howl frpm the public,” he averred. It was decided to communicate with other boards on the subject.