REMARK RESENTED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26933, 19 November 1948, Page 4

REMARK RESENTED

“ KEEPING TEACHERS IP TO MARK” REPORT ON EDUCATION BOARD MEMBERS SPEAK OUT A statement that “periodic visits to schools would have the effect of keening teachers up to the mark,” made by Mr A. C. Stephens in his report on education to the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, was warmly assailed by members of the Otago High Schools’ Board at a board meeting yesterday. “Very unfair,” “not in good taste,” “ungracious,” and “a slur on headmasters” were some of the terms used to describe Mr Stephens’s remark. The board decided by four votes to two to express its disappointment to the Chamber of Commerce that such a statement had been made.

The acting chairman, Mr G. G. Stratton, who opened the discussion, said that the Chamber of Commerce had been in a critical mood about education in Dunedin. Mr Stephens’s statement that periodic visits by Chamber of Commerce members would keep teachers “ up to the mark ” was most unfair and not, he thought, in good taste. It was a slur on headmasters. If it was anyone’s task to keep the teachers up to the mark, it was the department’s job. Mr Stephens’s statement was very ungracious, said Miss L. S. Morton Bishop Fitchett: What is the “ mark ” referred to?

He had found during his experience as an inspector that teachers were an earnest, conscientious group of people and 95 per cent, of them could be trusted to keep themselves up to the mark, said Mr R. R. Hunter. He thought Mr Stephens would be quite willing to withdraw his remark, which probably was given a wider interpretation than he intended. Mr Hunter added that the report to the Chamber of Commerce, with some parts excepted, was quite reasonable. Teachers would welcome members of the Chamber in order to acquaint (hem with modern trends in education. . Miss Morton moved that the board write to the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce expressing disappointment at Mr Stephens’s statement. Bishop Fitchett said that if the matter was taken further, the board would onlv be advertising the original remark. The Chamber of Commerce had a right to criticise education because its members felt the effects of education.

Professor T. D. Adams: I think we are making too. much of this. I agree that the particular remark was unfortunate, but this discussion will only underline it.

Miss Morton’s motion was carried. Professor Adams and Bishop Fitchett voting against it.