LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2970, 6 January 1917, Page 8

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

TEACHERS AND THE BALLOT

Sir, —At its last meeting tho Wellington Education Board unanimously passed, without discussion, a resolu-, tion to tho effect that, as a board, it would not avail itself of tho right to appeal against the conscription of teachers in its service. Why without discussion ? When education is, and will be, of such paramount importance to tho nation, surely tho matter was of sufficient moment to warrant the hoard discussing the "question whether, as tho body to whom education in this' district is entrusted, it was serving the best interests of tho Stato in allowing teachers, without protest on its part, to be taken'from their duties at such a time as the present. No doubt the members of the board wore actuated by patriotic motives, but would it not have been quite justifiable for them to, consider fully the results of their resolution? Some time ago tho Minister of Education spoke of tho scarcity of teachers, stressing the fact that tho source of supply was then seriously depleted. Since then the ranks of the teachers have been further reduced until now it is a matter of great difficulty to secure relieving teachers of any sort. No one who realises the vital part- education is going to play I in the future- will contend that it is a wise proceeding to allow education in this country to bo jeopardised. It may be said that the schools could be "kept going" by adopting various expedients —-grouping under one teacher classes previously under separate teachers, 'utilising the services of retired teachers, etc. But would not such expedients tend to reduce the efficiency of the education imparted? The heads of several other Government Departments havd availed themselves of the right to appeal on behalf of their employees; yet when the Education Board is offered the samo privilege it declines to take advantage of it The rime will come when the board will ho faced with the choice between reconsidering-its decision, and allowing education under its charge to be very detrimentally affected.

Tho number of teachers, in New Zealand who are eligible and .fit for service amounts, at the outside, to a few hundreds. The point to my raiud is this: Will the addition to the strength of the Forces owing. to x!io absorption of these few hundred men be commensurate with the loss to the educational machinery of the country in efficiency and driving power? Already the teaching profession is well represented at the front. Will the remaining eligible teachers not bo performing better'sor/ice for the State by remaining at their posts'? The men and women of to-morrow are the scholars of to-day, and at no time in history has the need for education been felt as it will bo felt in the near future-. The nation best prepared will stand tho best chance in the; struggle. In tho case of clergymen called up, it seems that the Minister of' Defence will, on request, furnish a certificate of exemption on the ground l that the calling up of such ■men is contrary to the public interest. Surely the work of the teacher is of' equal importance. Decs the Minister of Defenco not con?ider education to be of sufficient importance'to warrant his issuing similar certificates to teachers, whoso work is of truly national importance? , Tho whole question is one which the educational authorities would do well to consider' from all points of view. Thanking you in anticipation, I am, etc., BETTER LATE 'THAN NEVER. [This letter has been delayed in publication.]