WOMEN TEACHERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20006, 25 January 1927, Page 6

WOMEN TEACHERS.

QUESTION OF APPOINTMENT. PREFERENCE TO SINGLE WOMEN. (Peb United Pbess Association.) NELSON, January 24. The principle of giving preference in the appointment of teachers to single women a, against married women was confirmed at the Nelson Education Board meeting today. The question arose when the appointment of a teacher for a special class for backward children was under discussion. The hoard had sent a list of applicants to the department, which forwarded two names for selection, a married woman being placed first and a single woman second. The Chairman (Mr b. W. O. Smith) said that ns a general principle ho always opposed married women being appointed when they had husbands to maintain them. It was different if a woman wore a widow or had a sick husband to support. In these circumstances, the board had made exceptions. In answer to a question, the Senior. Inspector said that the married applicant had outstanding qualifications. Children, he said, should bo considered._ Mr Harris said he believed in the principle, but this was a case where an exception should be made. Mr Scantlebury moved and it was seconded by Mr W i'.kcns that a single woman be appointed The Hon. W H. MTntyre, who agreed with the inspector, said that the children should he considered, and he moved an amendment that a married woman be appointed. In seconding the amendment, Mr Harkness said he considered that an applicant with out?tandi"<r ability, whether married o? not, should bj appointed. On a show of hands, the amendment was lost, onlv the mover and Mr Harris supporting It. The chairman did not vote.