How Many Teachers?

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 191, 9 May 1940, Page 11

How Many Teachers?

Sir,—-It is distinctly interesting to read in conjunction two articles widen appear in today’s "Dominion,” one entitled “Welfare and Children—the Teacher’s Part”; and the other, “Decline iu the Birth-rate, Disquieting Outlook for the Future.” According to the census figures, there were iu 1936 with a population greater by 400,000, about 15,000 less children under five years than in. 1916; and for the subsequent years 1936-39 the position worsened. Thus on the face of it it would seem that the children of the under five group had diminished by probably 30,000 in 1939 as compared with 1916. Thus in proportion in relation to teachers it would seem that there must exist a substantial surplus in staffing today. While the position with regard to the birth-rate is greatly to be deplored, where is there any possible justification from an economic point of view, for the “Slogan” (as they describe in of the teachers: “Give us the teachers. Make our classes smaller, and let the building catch up with us”? Meanwhile, the non-State-paid taxpayertoils along with an unbearable load. — I am, etc., B<>l ARE DEAL. Wellington, May 6.