TEACHERS OF NORTH CANTERBURY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2526, 13 May 1882, Page 3

TEACHERS OF NORTH CANTERBURY.

A misapprehension having apparently arisen as to the date of the meeting of teachers that was convened for this morning in West Ohristchuroh school fell through, there being only two gentlemen present; but it is understood that a teaoher in Ashburton district has sent out ciroulars suggesting a meeting for next week. The object of the movement is understood to be, generally, to form a central teachers' association, to meet in Ohristohurch at such intervals, monthly or loss frequently, as may be arranged, the association to be the principal branch in North Canterbury, and one with which tho smaller distriot associations might be affiliated. Such topics as those relating to classifications and salaries might be disousßed, and an opportunity would be afforded of promoting a periodical interchange of ideas bearing on educational matters. A subject in point might, for example, be the setting of tho annual examina-tion-papers for pupil-teachers. At present the questions put to candidates emanate from a dozen different sources, each District Board preparing its own papers, whioh consequently vary in difficulty. It is, therefore, impossible to make a fair comparison between the respective passes and failures of different sohools. This difficulty, it is olaimed by some, might be obviated if one set of papers were simultaneously issued right through New Zealand, probably from Wellington through the Infpeotor General, Mr Habens. Again, from a more looal point [of view, as concerning North Canterbury, the Board in this district has an annual competition for half-a-dozen scholarships, open to fourth year pupil-teachers and to bays and girls attending High Schools. Manifestly, tholattor, sitting under able teachers, and. having all their time at their own disposal, possess an incalculable advantage over the pupil-teachers, who are occupied five or six hours a day in instructing others; and the object of the foundation of the scholarships is liable to be defeated, that objeot being that fourth year pupil-teaohere, on gaining scholarships, might be in a position, pecuniarily, to remain twelve months at the Normal school f orf urther general trainiog, and to attain tho additional instruction essential to securing a teachers' certificate. The question, then, of the propriety of debarring those attending High schools from competing for fcholarships be entertained at such an association as that under consideration, such boys and girls not neoesßarily ever intending to qualify as teachers, and the result of the debate would probably be submitted to the Board for consideration.

An alternative object, however, has been suggested, and that is to form an educational institute for INorth Canterbury, to meet annually or half-yearly, and to be attended, not only by teachers, but also by any of the outside public who take an interest in educational affairs. The scope of suoh an institute would be leas confined, and those who favor it maintain that it would be loss likely than would a Teachers' Association proper to be misused as a court undor whoso notice petty grievances would continually be taken.