SALUTING THE FLAG.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18340, 2 September 1921, Page 8

SALUTING THE FLAG.

TO THE EDlxOh. Sin,—l would like to ask in fairness to the teaching profession, what would be the attitude of the Otago Education Board if the school committees were hostile to this act of patriotism. Let us not forget that back-block school committees are very resourceful, and would soon find some pretext for getting rid of the conscientious teacher. The Otago Education Board is far too ready to listen to any children’s tattle that emanates from.-the school committees, provided it comes with the full weight and responsibility of the chairman’s signature. The school committees are usually selfelected. Any “crank” con come along and get himself elected chairman or secretary of a school committee. No one will dispute his_ right to the title. The usual procedure is for two to form a quorum, and the meeting ' place is under a gorse hedge or a scrub_ shack, while the results of these barbed-wire deliberations are sent with all due solemnity to the board, the real issue at stake being carefully buried away. Where is the teacher that could do justice to the profession under the conditions obtaining at many of thdso backblock schools? Would'any member of the board send his own relative to a school where the sleeping accommodation would be in the same room as that in which the children' attending the school are accommodated. the only alternative being for the teachers to beg quarters where they know their room is preferable to their company. It is a well-known fact that the school committee meeting place is a sanctuary for the disgruntled individual who has a grievance to air. If he fails to oust the rabbit inspector ho still has the teacher to whom he owes a grudge.—l am, etc.. Puketj. V