TEACHERS’ SALARIES COMMISSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 173, 2 August 1901, Page 3

TEACHERS’ SALARIES COMMISSION.

IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION. TWO SCALES SUGGESTED. [liy Telegraph Press Association.] Wellington, last night. 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, tho Commission has prepared two schemes, described as Scale I and Scale 2, the difference between thorn being that in tho second there is an increase in the amount proposed as salaries. In schools, with an average of more than 20 tho Commission strongly recommends the adoption of Scale 2, which would necessitate raising tho capitation to .£4 2s Gd. liy this means allowances to boards could be increased to a capitation ef 12s, with the addition of X 250 to each district with an avorago attendance not exceeding 8,000.

It was agreed by the Commission that women in many instances do not receive payment commensurate with tho work they perform. The members of the Commission, though divided on tho question of granting equal pay to men and women, unite in thinking that under tho existing circumstances the principle cannot bo fully applied. It has, however, been adopted as far as relates to all schools with an avorago attendance not exceeding 550, 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. Tho aim lias been to provide salaries likely to attract teachers of increased capacity and training. A new feature is now presented by introducing into tho staff an assistant teacher. AVliile either of tho two scales will benefit the largo majority of teachers and schools, more particularly in smaller districts, it has been founci impossible, especially under the scaio, to avoid reducing a few salaries, but it is recommended that the reduction shall not take effect until tho closo of two years, unless in the meantime there is a change of teachers. While not prepared to adopt a gouoral system of deduction for deficiencies in certificates, the Commission recommends that tlie salaries of uncertificatod head teachers and assistants bo reduced ton per cent, provided such salaries do not in consequence fall below .£BO a year.

The Commission stale that they are in accord with a number of witnesses who consider that the least satisfactory part of primary education in New Zealand is tho pupil toacher system. Tho scales submitted show a reduction in the number of pupil teachers from 9G2 to 6SI, which reduction can be effected gradually as opportunity occurs. The payment proposed is equal to tho highest now allowed by any Board, and the duty of giving instructions to public teachers has been allotted to head teachers and assistants without special remuneration. Thoy think, further, that tho qualification required for entrance should bo greater than a mere pass in the highest standard of a primary course ; that the ago of candidates should bo raisod ; that if possible the period of apprenticeship should bo shortened, and that a uniform system of examination should bo instituted.

Finally the Commission report ; (1) That scalo No. 1 conjos within a JG-1 capitation. (2) That scalo No. 2, estimated on a 214 2s fid capitation, fulfils the conditions that will in our opinion greatly benefit primary education. Therefore we strongly recommend its adoption. (11) That the scalo come into operation on the first day of January, 1902. 4. That two years be allowed for the adjustment of salaries in certain cases. 5. That a modification of tho system of certificate of teachers bo adopted.

6. That tho pupil-teacher system bo nmonded. 7. That training schools for teachers bo established, and that, pending the introducing of a a general scheme, existing institutions receive special consideration.