OTAGO WOMEN TEACHERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22070, 28 September 1933, Page 7

OTAGO WOMEN TEACHERS

ANNIVERSARY OF INSTITUTE Speaking at the twenty-first annual meeting of the Ottgo Women Teachers’ Institute, Miss M. MacKenzie congratulated the institute on having attained its majority and said that during the pioneer, uphill beginnings and in the subsequent years of effort and growth there were many hindrances to the fullest activity of the new organisation. But, arrived at the age of 21 years, it was possible that it would make a name for itself. The twenty-first birthday had a significance of its own. She wished briefly to refer to that bravo and plucky little lady, Miss Hooper, who was the first Otago woman teacher to emphasise the woman’s point of view. She had no part in organising the Otago branch, bnt, prior to its formation, she was the women teachers’ advocate, The Otago Women Teachers’ Association spent its early years in a critical period of history. Current events and conditions of living during those years had their influence upon it. The pioneers had a difficult row to hoe. It was no easy, unobstructed trail that they blazed. The members of the present well-estab-lished up-to-date branch, with its larger membership and other distinct advantages, had reason to be proud of their predecessors. Especially worthy of mention, at a later period, were Misses 0. Little, L. Sullivan, A. M. Andrew, Rodgers, O’Shea, Bonnin, Morris, Jones and Whitehead. Recognition was earned by dint of persistent effort, working late into the night so that some urgent and important matter might be published next day. The teachers of the present day had many noticeable advantages in comparison with their predecessors, as well as being already recognised, and established, and also affiliated with the Dominion Association, which was always a tower of strength. They should take a courageous and sensible part in discussions in their own home meetings. The best preparation for the more difficult field was intelligent and strict attention to the business of their own committee and association. They should determine to reach a more difficult standard and she believed they would succeed in a measure that would surprise themselves. She wished them every possible success, congratulated them heartily upon past brave achievements, and also upon present attitudes and endeavours.