TECHNICAL SCHOOLS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 January 1921, Page 3

TECHNICAL SCHOOLS

CONFERENCE OF TEACHERS WELLINGTON, Dec 29. | * The annual conference of the New Zealand Technical School Teachers’ Association was concluded to-day. A letter was received from the Dean of the Dental Faculty soliciting the support of the association in his opposition to the appointment of women dentists having only two years’ training, and contending that women should byemployed only as trained nurses. It was resolved that the association supported the efforts of Dr Pickerill to obtain trained and qualified dental treatment for school children, blit that it objected to any movement which would prevent the appointment of qualified women dental surgeons. The following resolutions were adopted after discussion:— ‘•That the secretary circularise-man-ual training instructors, pointing out that, since manual and technical school teachers are being graded under one scheme ,it is advisable that teachers of both branches should form one associa tion.” In connection with this resolution, it was stated that steps in the direction of amalgamating with the association had already been taken by the Auckland manual training (gathers. “That the Government be urged -to allow superannuation on the best three years, and that no deduction be made on account of payment for overtime.” •‘That the association organise for a 1021 conference of teachers of engiitoeriu and arrange for papers and discussions upon courses and teach-

ing methods in such subjects this to he the forerunner of similar conferences on all technical subjects.” This proposal was warmly supported bp delegates, and it was agreed to appoint a committee consisting of three members to devise the best means and time for bringing together such conference. “That the Department be urged to acclernte the preparation of syllabuses of s work in technical subjects, especially one in motor mechanics, in order that technical schools may he ready to give instructed to apprentices who may wish to take advantage of the recent Arbitration Court award, and that an engineering instructor selected by the association and a representative n f the motor garage proprietors he consulted as to the form of syllabus.” “That in the classification of teachers 8.A., B. Sc., should rank as high as M.A. .or M.Sc.” •‘‘That the Education Department be requested to provide motion picture machines and films on educational and technical subjects for all technical schools.’ 1

“That the association affirm its strong conviction that compulsory day continuation elases should be initiated as soon as possible.” “That the association recommend that wherever possible evening class timetables should be arranged so that classes do not begin before March Ist or continue after October 31st in each year.’.’ “That the Secretary communicate with the Secondary Schools Association expressing tiiq hope that amalgamation will be carried out in the near future.’’ ‘That technical school teachers should be represented on the Council of Education by one male and one female teacher elected from their number.” “That the next annual meeting Inheld in Wellington.” “That the Education Department be urged to grant higher intermediate and lower leaving certificates to technical school students in the same manner as they are now granted to students of secondary schools,” The following remits to the annual meeting of the New Zealand Education Institute were adopted:— “That the Education Department be urged to make day continuation classes compulsory to the age of eighteen.” “That the New Zealand Educational Institute consider the advisability of taking steps to merge tlie institute into a union.” “That teachers have at least one representative! on education hoards or boards of governors.” “That a syllabus of work be drawn up for technical schools, and that the Education Department lie urged to grant leaving certificates to technical students.”

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr. R, J. Thompson (Ashburton) ; vice-president Mr F, W. Martin (Wellington); secretary, Miss Robertson (Wanganui) ; executive Miss Wilson (Dunedin), Mr Jones (Christchurch), Mr H. A. Jongs (Auckland), and Mr M’Williams (Wellington) ; representative on the executive of the New Zealand Educational Institute. Mr M’Williams.