MARRIED WOMEN TEACHERS

Hokitika Guardian, 23 January 1931, Page 5

MARRIED WOMEN TEACHERS

ATTENTION DRAWN TO POSITION,

EDUCATION BOARD’S VIEW

AUCKLAND, January 21

•'I am sorry to say that there will be a lot of distress among young teachers during the next few months,” remarked -Mr A. Burns, chairman of the Auckland Education Board, this morning, when, the Department advised that it wa-s not prepared to approve of the Board’s suggestion that the employment of additional assistants be continued until the end of February, when the position should be reviewed. The need of additional assistants, if any, would be considered as soon as the rolls in the various schools were known to the Board in February next, in view of the extent of unemployment among teachers, it was decided to draw attention to the number of married women in the service of the De-

pa rtment. TEACHERS WHO COULD RETIRE!, Mr Burns explained that the Board had £6O teachers to place in positions this year, It had already placed 30. Last year a similar position obtained, hut most of the teachers were absorbed during tin? first six months. It might be possible to repeat the performance this year, but many teachers would be out of work for some months, Every, effort would be made to meet the position. It was appropriate _ for him to draw attention to the number of teachers who could retire on superannuation. and thus relieve the situation. There were 16 men and tour women in the Board’s employ who had over 40 and up to 46 years’ service, and if a few of those would retire it would give fresh positions. MARRIED women in service. In addition, the Board had 131 married women teachers. A number of them were forced by necessity to work, but there were others who were not. Of course the law permitted ft, and the Board had to appoint married women to the positions. “Tf some of those women would leave the service we could place a good many of the unemployed teachers,” added Mr Burns. “I can assure members of the Board, however, that their officers are straining every effort to give everyone a turn at work.” Mr Rew said it was a pity the Department did not take a stronger stand in the case of married women teachers. One would think it w.oald do

something when so much unemplVyment existed. “I notice that the Minister for Education in New South Wales has taken the matter into his own hands.” said Mr Burns,. ‘‘lt- is jjust a question whether we are going to allow two salaries to go into one home. We have already passed resolutions asking for discretionary power.”