Southland Education Institute

Southland Times, Issue 17082, 3 November 1902, Page 2

Southland Education Institute

The monthly meeeing of the Institute was held on Saturday in the Education Board Buildings. The attendance of teachers was much larger than usual, a circumstance due, doubtless, to the importance of the questions to be discussed. The President, Mr Hardy, occupied the chair. The committee appointed to examine the voting papers for the election of delegates reported that the following teachers had been selected :—Mr IV. H. Clark, Mr W. G. Mehaffey. and Mr A. L. Wyllie. On the secretary intimating that the increase in the number of members warranted the Institute in sending a fourth delegate, it was decided to appoint Mr T. E. Gazzard, who come next on the list. Mr 1). S. McKillop read a paper on the grievances of a country school teacher, and received n hearty meed of applause for bis effort. The paper was written in a racy, sarcastic vein that could not fail to afford considerable merriment. It was suggested that it be published in the Otago Doily and the Southland Times. No criticism was made, ns teachers were eager to proceed witli the discussion of the Superannuation Bill and the proposed new scheme of classification.

The secretary gave an outline of the superannuation measure. He pointed out that the payments that it would entail were in excess of those required in the Civil Service departments, and that the benefits afforded by it were noticeably less. lie thought that some amendment should be sought in this respect. The general features of the measure were such as should commend it to the support of the Institute. Other speakers indicated minor points in which they deemed alteration might with advantage be made. The general impression, however, seemed to be that even as it was the bill would confer substantial benefit, in the majority of cases, and a resolution was carried that hearty support be tendered, and that Parliamentary representatives be urged to secure the passing of the measure during the session of 1903.

Not much time was left for the discussion of the proposed regulations for the classification of teachers, but Mr H. McNeill spoke strongly against them. He contended that there had not been any demand on the part of teachers for such a change as the regulations contemplated. The effect of the change would, fie considered, be highly detrimental to the profession. The value of University degrees would be discounted, and there would be less incentive to teachers to secure higher literary attainments. It would be a bad day ft>r education when decreasdd importance was attached to the culture afforded by our colleges and tested by the examinations of the University.

Mr Mehaffey followed n support of the proposed change. It would come as n source of satisfaction to the great bulk of teachers, and would not, he thought, cause any less importance to be attached to the work of the University. It placed first importance on skill and experience in ‘teaching, and no one- could doubt the wisdom of such a principle. It would remove the absurdity that at present was in operation, that of placing a teacher of ripest experience the same footing in respect of classification as a teacher of no experience at all. It would simplify the position of rank in the profession, and it would open up to teachers a new avenue for preferment. Hitherto the only avenue had been the University, and the Senate had so hedged it around with restrictions of a vexatious and burdensome character that only teachers residing in or near University College towns could avail themselves of the examinations. The proposed regulations would enable studious teachers Co gain preferment without recourse to the University ; although the advantages of graduating would still be such that all who could would select that mode of securing higher classification. He would, as a delegate, give his strongest support to the proposal, doubted not that the Council to meet at Napier would give it approval by a substantial majority. Mr Clark moved thg adjournment of the debate.

(Per United Press Association). TIMARU, Nov. 1. The South Canterbury branch of the Teachers’ Institute to-day discussed the proposed new regulations for examination and classification of teachers. It was resolved, at the outset, to the effect that there is no dissatisfaction with the present system, which gives as much satisfaction as could bo expected from any scheme for classi’fication of so many teachers. Proceeding to details, objection was taken to making a reduction of the letter grade five to three, and four was suggested instead, and the values indicated. .Approval was expressed to higher values being attached to teaching ability, but objection was made to the limitation of the highest class to those able to manage a school of over 150, on the ground that the highest teaching skill was really required in single-handed schools—say 35 to 40. It was contended that it the syllabus of examination were adopted, teachers in small districts like South Canterbury would be unable to prepare for science subjects .(except improperly from books) unless further provision was made to enable them to, attend training schools or the University. The meeting strongly protested against tho provisions in clause 42 for lowering a classification once gained. It was agreed to withhold an order given for the provident fund, pending the sitting of the Council in January, and a question suggested by Otago be put to Parliamentary candidates was adopted : "Whether in favour of the teachers’ superannuation and making its provisions at least as liberal as those of the railways and police schemes.”