THE GOVERNMENT GRANT TO TEACHERS. WELLINGITON. July 22.

Otago Witness, Issue 2471, 24 July 1901, Page 24

THE GOVERNMENT GRANT TO TEACHERS. WELLING ITON. July 22.

Mr Thomas Mackenzie, M.H.R., has had a long interview with the Minister of Kducatipn and the Inspector-general legaiding the distribution of the Otago £2500, voted last session as a bonus to teachers. The Otago Education Board did not concur with ■the department's proposals, hence the interview. By the department's proposals, between 30 and 40' of the smallest schools in Otago would receive no aid whatever, whereas increases would go to schools right up to the largest incomes. This Mr Mackenzie contends is distinctly contrary to the expressed wish of Parliament. He points out that whereas the higher salaried feachers are continuing their present salaries, many of the smaller back-countiy teachers are now receiving much less than they expected when they took up the work, Hiid also that the paltry payment extended to many of these schools is such that it will soon be impossible to obtain teachers !if any standing who will be content to endure all the hardships of back-block life

for the pittance now paid. There is a probability of the Minister favourably considering the member for Waihemo's representations.