BACK-BLOCKS TEACHERS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 265, 3 August 1920, Page 5

BACK-BLOCKS TEACHERS

Sir,—Mr. T. Forsyth, chairman of tho Wellington Education Board, has called | upon tlio l secretary of tho Neiv Zealand Educational Institute to enlighten the public as to wlmj; the institute litis done for tho bock-blocks teachers. _ While Mr. Parkinson is on the job, I would like to ask him what tho samo institute has done to secure the removal of tlio 5 per cent, deduction from the salaries of young teachers who have nnpfcd the Departmental examinations, but who are under tho age. of twentyonoP Their salaries were, and aro, low enough without any such, deduotion; but I cannot recollect that tlio institute displayed any surprising diligence in advocating tho removal or this iniustico. Another phase of the institute's activity (or lock of it) might also $e of interest to the public. Soldier teachers were, for the most part, .tho younger members of tiro profession, and were culled from the ranks of tho 'low "paid." Tot it does not seem that the N.Z.E.L has dietiimuished itself in the interests of such toaohers, ospecially re their grading and their salaries. Had it dono so, fowor returned toaohers would have left the service. Mr, Forsyth's original eta torn cut seems 'to be quite justified) on the face of tne matter, and will remain so witil tfc® in*

stitute renders an account of its doings rewarding the matter In issue. I write as an ex-teacher, tat though j tho profession is discarded, tho desire ' to see injustices removed and improve' ' i ni»nts effected still remains. Hence my, ! Mmblo support of tlio chairman's state- ' incnts.—l am, ctc.. N. A. FODEN. i Hawera, July 29, 1920. :