DEPLETION OF STAFF

Southland Times, Issue 24164, 28 June 1940, Page 6

DEPLETION OF STAFF

TECHNICAL COLLEGE TEACHERS

LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR MILITARY DUTIES

The effect of the release of members of the teaching staff for military training on the staffing of the college for certain periods was emphasized by the principal of the Southland Technical College (Mr C. A. Stewart) in his report to the Board of Managers last night. “War conditions are now raising serious problems in staffing,” said Mr Stewart. “We have already lost a number of part-time teachers who have joined the military forces: next week Messrs G. Hill, J. J. Buchan and A. G. Simmers, and t>ne part-time teacher will be going into territorial camp for a period of six months (so far as is at present known). These are all married men, with children, who are making a considerable financial sacrifice to meet the country’s needs. Their colleagues, and other teachers whom I have approached, are showing a fine readiness to relieve the position so far as evening classes are concerned. For duties as full-time teachers in the day school we shall apparently be dependent mainly on women teachers as was the case in the war of 1914-18. The main difficulty, meantime, will be in securing teachers for mathematics and science.” Mr Stewart added that 17 members of the staff were eligible for training; 10 of that number had commissions. He was trying to get relief teachers and had written to the Department of Education suggesting that it take the initiative in providing relief. Leave of absence was granted to Messrs Hill, Buchan and Simmers.