DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 March 1928, Page 3

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association,

RISE IN PAY

CHRISTCHURCH. March 29

flic award of the Arbitral ion Court in the ’! ram way employees’ dispute gives certain increases to the men employed in the Christchurch system. The Tramway Board paid a number of the permanent waymen more than the award rates, because they were doing their work well, and the Board wished to encourage them to continue. The new award makes these voluntarily given increases obligatory. An increase of a penny an hour has been given to the majority of (he conductors and motormen in the service.

SCHOOL TRAGEDY. PAHTATUA, March 29

There was a large cortege at the funeral this afternoon of the lad. Leslie Millrid Murphy, the victim of the Pahiatna explosion in the science room of the High School. Deceased was a popular, bright and promising student. with an excellent physique, and exemplary qualities. There were many beautiful wreaths, including those from the staffs, the pupils of the Pahiatua and Eketalnma District High Schools, and also from the pupils of the Pahiatna Convent School, the local School Committee and the Church of Christ. The Education Department and the Education Board were repiesented by Senior Inspector Strachan. and Mr Thomas .Moss, respectively. At the graveside, the secondary hoys, deceased's classmates, also a number of old hoys, formed a bodyguard. An impressive burial service was ((inducted by Pastor J. J. Franklin, of the Church of Christ, Ralmoiston North. Rev. G. W. Fenwick (Anglican) also took part. The tragic occurrence lias evoked great sympathy.

PROPOSED CONFERENCE. WELLINGTON, March 30.

A deputation waited on the Minister of Education urging a Conference <>f Educational bodies to discuss the problem of substitute teachers and the constant changes in teaching staffs. The speakers laid stress on the injustice to children of constant changes, which kept pupils hack and prevented the team spirit among teachers. Figures were quoted in support.

The Minister admitted there was no argument about the bad results of constant changes, hut ho pointed out thev could not prevent retirements and sickness. He could not go to Cabinet without knowing what it would cost to ensure permanence. Mr Strong (Director of Education) said the principal complaint was in regard to substitute teachers and it was a fact that the changes had been more frequent than the Department anticipated. and it leaked, as if substitutes should he made to remain for a year, as with proha tinners. Every year 020 vacancies occurred by death, retirement or marriage and then places had to he filled. The Department wa.s endeavouring to grapple with the retardation of children which was due to many causes. The Minister agreed t> arrange a Conference ns requested, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE. DUNEDIN. March 00. The School Committees’ Association received a letter from the New Zealand Educational Institute suggesting relief of unemployment of teachers lull reduction of the size of classes, hut resolved that in view of the large vote for education and unsatisfied demand for now buildings, the Association could not support the proposal.

DEATH FROM SCALDS. ROTORUA, March 30.

A hoy. AA'illie. the five-year-old son of l.ete. fell into a hot water drain. No person witnessed the occurrence. The hoy wa.s walking about afterwards and was taken home, dying Lhis morning as a result of severe scalds.

.MOTOR DRIVER GAOLED. DUNEDIN, March 30. At the Police Court. AVin. Foster for being intoxicated while in charge of a motor car at Palmerston, was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment. On the day the offence was committed accused was convicted on a similar charge. Charles Dyhrherg. charged with obtaining £ls from Edward Thomas Langstaff at Wellington by false pretences, was admitted to twelve months probation and an order was made for restitution within seven days. An order for the suppression of the name was refused.