THE WAVERLEY SCHOOLMASTER AND THE SECRETARY OP THE EDUCATION BOARD.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XII, Issue 3628, 3 February 1880, Page 3

THE WAVERLEY SCHOOLMASTER AND THE SECRETARY OP THE EDUCATION BOARD.

» TO THB EDITOR. Sir,— l observed with regret in the repoit of the last meeting of the Education Board that certain of the members seemed willing to pass judgment on the dispute between the Board's Secretary and one of the teachers,Mr Scott, in a manner that would set at defiance every principle of justice and common sense. I know nothing whatever about the merits of this teapot quarrel, but it surely is only right to allow both sides to be fairly heard, and to bear in mind that Mr Scott'a version if reasonable, is entitled to at least equal respect to that of Mr A. A. Browne. If teachers are to be rebuked on the mere statements of a paid functionary of the Board, the best men on our educational staff will soon look out for other masters. It is easy to see that any fussy little individual might use his position to worry and annoy a body of educated men who are far more valuable servants to the publio than he himself is. Ido not say that such is the case now, but until a calm examination has been made into the merits of the case, it is impossible to decide whether Mr Scott ought to apologise to Mr Browne, or Mr Browne to Mr Scott. From the important nature of their duties and the necessity of their setting a high example to their pupils, the teachers should be requiredto show proper, but not Bervile, respect to the departmental officers. It is no less imperative that the Board's officers and all connected -with our educational administration, should treat with uniform and studied courtesy the teachers with whom their duties bring them into official contact. It is to be hoped that the Board will recognise the equal claims and positions of the outraged Secretary and the offending schoolmaster, and not be influenced by the common fallacy and prejudice that a teacher is but a poor drudge, who must be kicked and complain not if the aggressor happen to be a salaried officer of his department, lam prompted to make these remarks by a simple sense of justice, for if we wish to retain good teachers they must be treated with consideration by the responsible servants of the Board ; and if we are indifferent about keeping our teachers, then Mr Browne's services are no longer required. If Mr Browne has always been extremely courteous,and Mr Scott has been unwarrantably rude, there will be no difficulty in claiming for the man of civility protection from the insults of an exasperated but misguidedg uided aggressor. But let the case be fairly met* so that teachers may have no ground for complaint that they are trampled upon by one whose accidental position may give him the ear of those in, power. — I am, &c, Dux. [The matter referred to has been very wisely postponed till the next Board meeting, when we have no doubt it will be dealt with in an approved manner without fear, favor, or affection either to teacher or Secretary.— Ed. W. H.)