HOUSING FOR TEACHERS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22515, 24 September 1938, Page 9

HOUSING FOR TEACHERS

* EDUCATION BOARD’S VIEW SUGGESTION FOR INCLUSION IN GENERAL SCHEME A suggestion that housing accommodation for teachers should be part of the Government’s general housing scheme met with favourable comment when put forward by Mr C. S. Thompson at a meeting of the Canterbury Education Board yesterday morning. The discussion arose after the recent survey of teachers’ housing conditions made by the New Zealand Men’s Teachers’ Guild had been mentioned in a report. “The survey contains very valuable information. obtained after much labour and thought,” said Mr Thompson. “I cannot see how the' Minister or the department can fail to take notice of it. It is clear that after many years something must be done to raise the standard of housing accommodation for teachers.” “The guild ought to be complimented on the report.” said Mr J. W Preen, adding that the information would be a 'uide both to the Minister and the board. Mr W. E. Banks said that the reason why the board’s district had so many unsatisfactory buildings in comoarisori with others was that 60 or 70 years ago there had been great progress in education, and buildings had been put up which were now falling into disrepair. Mr G. Benstead; I am pleased to see that in its recent buildings the board is trying to put up something really beautiful. The old type of house was like a bandbnjx and was a landmark in the district. “I can’t see any reason why the Government should not put teachers’ housing under the general housing scheme,” said Mr Thompson. In replv to an inquiry the secretary (Mr L. E. Rowley) said that teachers were to be charged for housing accommodation. Members expressed the view that the rent the teachers would pay would provide the interest return on money invested in housing. "There is not the slightest reason why teachers in New Zealand should not have as good living accommodation as workers,” said the chairman (Mr G. W. Armitage), amid a few humorous comments on the significance of distinguishing between teachers and workers. , , , ~ It was decided to congratulate the guild on the survey.