TEACHERS’ SALARIES

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1921, Page 4

TEACHERS’ SALARIES

NO MON El AVAILABLE I 1 OR

INCREASES,

WELLINGTON, May 11

Representatives of the Technical School Teachers’ Association waited on the Minister of Education, the Hon. C. J. Parr, with regard to the grading scheme and other matters. The speakers made it plain that they approved of the spirit of the principle of the new grading regulations, but desired to see certain anomalies removed relating principally to qualifications in reducing in expeanditure on education, particularly the technical branch.

The Minister expressed appreciation of the approval shown of the effort made to place technical school teachers on a better and more definite basis. liis desire was to see the regulations gradually improved and anomalies removed. He wished to see the grading officers adopt a benevolent attitude, as the scheme was just being started, especially with regard to old teachers. Mr M. McWilliams referred to the question of expenditure on education. They realised that economy was necessary, but it should be true economy. In view of the increased burdens taken by England in education, New Zealand should follow that lead.

The Minister asked if the figures had been compared. Mr McWilliams said he believed there was a greater percentage of increase in England.

The Minister: Have you considered expenditure per head? Mr McWilliams said he believed in New Zealand it was higher. It was usually so in a smaller country. They education, ns an insurance against social unrest. The seeds of Bolshevism did not flourish in Germany to the same extent as in Russia, because of the superior education of the people. Replying later to questions regarding salaries, the Minister said: It might be possible to adjust matters here and there, but I think I ought to tel] you quite plainly that with my inside knowledge of the financial situation of the country and the public finances, I am unable to hold out. any great hopes of increasing your salaries at the present time. It is fortunate indeed that we tackled the task last year. It was quite unnecessary for them to bring importance of. education before him. Some people say that “Parr is mad on education,” so you had better go to people that are not. A member of the deputation: What

about tho Minister of Finance? Mr Parr: I don’t think you had betther go to the Minister of Finance just now. I would not have his job for all the tea in China.