A TEACHER’S OLD AGE.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1757, 7 October 1879, Page 3

A TEACHER’S OLD AGE.

To the Editor of the “ Globe.' ’ Sib, —The teachers of New Zealand ought to feel glad that they have such staunch frfoudi as you especially, who from time to time bring befoio the public the most unfortunate position in which the majority of teachers ore placed, when they become incapacitated, either througn illross or ago, and thus are not able to fulfil tfcc onc-ous duties required from thorn. It is to be hoped now that the Oreyites arc defeated, that a Ministry may be formed, having the Hon. J. Hall as the Prouder, a gentleman who, there is every reason to believe, is a teacher’s friend, and who is no mere theorist in educational matters. Teachers believe that if this matter, i.e., provision made to provide for illness or old age for them, be brought before him, he will make the effort to place it on a workable basis, and, let us hope, bring it to a satisfactory conclusion. If at home the Government see the necessity of providing pensions for teachers, surely the Now Zea and Legislate e can not bo so unjust as not to allow that the teachers here have an equal claim upon it. Teachers have as grcit justice on their part to bo regarded as civil servants as the Custom officers have, from the very fact of their being paid by the Government, and therefore if it be right and just that the officers in the Customs have provision made for old ago, surely it must be a gross injustice to withhold the like privilege from teachers. It may he assumed all agree that the work of educating the young of New Zealand is of the greatest importance to the future prosperity of the country, therefore the greater reason why something ought to be done whereby teachers may not have to find themselves placed ;in such an unfortunate position as Mr Ray in applying for something to assist him to get home, in order that he may get assistance to maintain him in his broken-down condition, brought on through teaching in New Zealand. Will it not be a disgrace to our Government if this should take place. Let the teachers hope that gentlemen, like yourself, Mr Editor, will use the power of the Press to obtain for them that which will cause them to rejoice by knowing there is provision made for them when no longer able to teach, and that Education Boards may not have to reply to them in their declining health, brought on through, in many cases, mental excitement and excessive labor, “ The Government have no funds from which to grant pensions.” Your, &c., AN OLD TEACHER.