“WE ARE NOBODY’S BABY"

Taranaki Daily News, 11 February 1928, Page 12

“WE ARE NOBODY’S BABY"

YOUNG TEACHERS PROTEST

CHRISTCHUURCH, THEN DUNEDIN®

DISAPPROVAL OF THE INSTITUTE

“It is simply monstrous and the only description for it is ’gross muddles ment,”’ said Mr. G. A. Lyall at the annual meeting of the Taranaki branch of the Educational Institute last night during a discussion on the department’s action in redirecting Taranaki trainees from the Christchurch college to Dunedin. Two girls in hie school at Fitzroy had arranged accommodation in Christchurch and then, at the last moment, they found they had to go to Dunedin.

An emphatic protest against the aclion of the department in first directing training college entrants from Taranaki to go to Christchurch and later, after arrangements had been made, cancelling mo Christchurch direction and instructing the “unfortunate” candidate* to proceed to Dunedin, was carried on the motion of Mr. Lyall, seconded by Mr R. E. Thomas.

“We seem to be nobody’s baby, and no one wants us,” wrote one of the trainees.

“Would it not be wise to send that letter to the Plunket Society to see what they can do?” asked Mr. A M. Mills.

Last year, proceeded the letter, the young people were shipped off willy nilly to Auckland and were certainly not wetcoined there on account of overcrowding. This year they were told they must enter the Christchurch Training College. Many parents protested, but when it was made clear that it was mandatory they bowed with good grace and sought accommodation. Many of them secured suitable rooms and made all arrangements.

“Then, a fortnight or so ago, the bombshell was sprung that we must go to Dunedin,” proceeded the writer, "and it is only to-day (Friday) that many of us learnt we are to leave on Monday. It is not possible nor reasonable.”