UNEMPLOYED TEACHERS.

Southland Times, Issue 21431, 27 June 1931, Page 10

UNEMPLOYED TEACHERS.

To the Editor.

Sir, —The final paragraph of a letter by “Sympathiser’’ appearing in to-day's issue relating to unemployment amongst teachers, in so far as it refers to inactivity and lack of sympathy of the New Zealand Education Institute, merits a reply. I have, therefore, been instructed to place the following facts before those aliected and the public generally:— 1. Immediately unemployment became rife among teachers, the N.Z.E.I. proposed to the department that it would be no more expensive and much more valuable to employ these teachers in schools rather than have them sent out as labourers. This representation was made at least two months ago, and the institute’s executive has not ceased to bring pressure to bear on both the Education Department and the Unemployment Board to adopt this measure of relief. Its advantages are obvious.

2. The annual conference in May set up a special committee to investigate the position and to formulate some scheme whereby the institute could help its members. That committee of teachers is most generously devoting time and energy to explore as thoroughly as possible any avenue through which sufferers may be assisted to positions. 3. At the instance of a member of the N.Z.E.I. it was agreed that the first business of the standing committee of the New Zealand Federation of Teachers which meets on June 30 shall be consideration of the unemployment of teachers. 4. It must be clear to any right-thinking person that the institute cannot force a remedy on the authorities. The institute finds itself confronted with the difficult task of convincing the department and the public that unemployment of teachers is false economy; that any restriction of the education system that checks the education of the young must be later paid for by the state of which they become members. Already unemployment has reacted in the growth of classes and massed instruction is replacing individual education. Thus, in a few short months, parents are willing to allow politicians to do untold harm to their children and rob them of teaching facilities for which both teachers and parents have fought so long. 5. No teacher out of employment has been asked for an annual subscription to the N.Z.E.I. Payment is made through the employing board and it is obvious that the board cannot deduct membership fee from a teacher unemployed. Further, the institute is anxious to retain membership of all teachers employed or unemployed and to this end lias agreed to grant all rights and privileges to unemployed teachers until such time as they are employed and able to pay membership fees. In conclusion, "Sympathiser” may rest assured that the claims of unemployed teachers are being pressed to the fullest extent of the institute’s powers.—l am, etc., GEORGE F. GRIFFITHS, Secretary, Southland branch, N.Z.E.I.