SUBVERSION AND TEACHERS

Southland Times, Issue 24158, 21 June 1940, Page 10

SUBVERSION AND TEACHERS

Specific Complaints Not Made RESPONSIBILITY ON COMMITTEES (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 20. “Among many statements that have been made about communist and other subversive activities in this country were some to the effect that these have been manifested to an alarming extent among school teachers.” said the Minister of Education (the Hon. H. G. R. Mason) in a statement tonight. “No specific instance of subversive activity in the education system has been referred to the Education Department or to the Minister by any education board or any other school-govern-ing authority,” he said. Generalities /were of little help. He emphasized the importance of the responsibility which rested on the shoulders of the school committees, education boards and other governing bodies in cases like those referred to. Under Section 72 of the Education Act, it was provided that a school committee might recommend to the Education Board of the district the suspension, dismissal or transfer of any teacher. This power implied a corresponding duty to complain if there were proper cause. The school committee was in far closer touch and had a more intima!e knowledge than the Department or the Minister. If there was dissatisfaction with the conduct of any teacher or his influence, there was no justification for the people to bewail the fact that no remedy had been applied when they had not made a complaint, which they had a right to make. However, he emphasized the fact that he believed there was very little communism or subversion among the teachers. The proper procedure where a complaint was to be made, he said, was to make it in the first instance to the school committee of the primary school or the governing body of the postprimary school, giving specific information which could be verified and acted upon. If satisfaction was not received the Education Board or Department could be consulted. The Minister emphasized the necessity of not making complaints lightly because of the injustices caused by irresponsible allegations.