TEACHERS’ SALARIES COMMISSION REPORT.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 2 August 1901, Page 3

TEACHERS’ SALARIES COMMISSION REPORT.

Fuller Details.

[Pu Psxss Association.]

Wellington, August 1,

The Teachers’ Salaries Commission report was laid on the table of both Houses this afternoon.

With regard to the proposed scales of staffs and salaries, the Commission has prepared two schemes, described as scale 1 and 8. The difference between them is that in the second there is an increase in the amount proposed as salaries in schoola with an average attendance of more than 2.

The Commission strongly recommends the adoption of scale 2, which would necessitate raising the capitation to £4 2s 6d. By this means the allowance to boards could be increased to a capitation of 12s with the addition to £250 to each district with an average attendance not exceeding 8,000.

It tM agreed by ibe Commission that vomen in many instances do not receive payment eommensurate with, the work fhty perform. The members of the Commission, though divided on the question of granting equal pay to men aad-women, unite in thinking that under existing circumstances the principle cannot be fully applied. It has, however, ■been adopted as far as relates to all \ bools with an average attendance not exceeding 30, and above this number the salaries of women teachers have been raised to approximate more closely to those paid to male teachers in similar positions. The aim has been to provide salaries likely to attract teachers of increased capacity and training. A new feature is now presented by the intioduction into the staff of an assistant teacher, while either of the two scales will benefit the large majority of teachers and schools, more particularly m smaller districts. It hM been found impossible, especially tinder scale 1, to avoid reducing a lew salaries ; but it is recommended that the reductions shall not take effect until the cioee of two years, unless in the meantime there U a change of teachers,

While not prepared to adopt a general system of deductions for deficiencies in certificates, the Commission recommends that the salaries of uncertificated head teachers and assistants be reduced 10 per cent, provided such salaries do not inconsequentially fall below £BO a year. The Commissioners state that they are in accord with a number of witnesses who consider that the least satisfactory part of primary education in New Zealand is the pupil teacher system. scales submitted show a reduction in number of pupil teachers from 962 to 681, which reduction can be effected gradually as opportunity occurs. The payment proposed is equal to the highest now allowed by any board, and the duty of giving instruction to pupil teachers has been allotted to head teachers and assistants with special remuneration. They think further that the qualification required for entrance should be greater than a mere pass in a high standard in a primary. Of course the age of candidates should be raised, so that if possible the period of apprenticeship should be shortened, and that a uniform system of examination should be instituted.

Finally, the Commission reports—(l) That scale M 1 comes within a £4 capitation. (2) That scale M 2, estimated on a £4 2s 6d capitation, fulfils the conditions that in our opinion great ly benefit primary education. Therefore we strongly recommend its adoption.

(3) That the scale come into operation on the Ist day of January, 1902. (4) That two years be allowed for the adjustment of salaries in certain cases.

(5) That a modification in the system of certificates of teachers be adopted. (6) That the pupil teachers system be amended.

(7) That training schools for teachers be established, and that pending the introduction of a general scheme existing institutions receive special consideration,