RIGHT TO WORK

Hokitika Guardian, 7 April 1932, Page 7

RIGHT TO WORK

WOMAN TEACHER’S OUTBURST

“WE ARE PERSECUTED." "IIIWEY, April -5;" An impassioned outburst by a woman delegate, alleging “persecution” of ni'iu'i'ied women teachers, caused a wild sensation at a meeting of the council of the New South Wales Teachers’ Federation in Svdnpy. The president, Mr A. M'Guinness, had just complained of haring received discourteous letters from married women teachers. “I received this morning a letter that was rather offensive,” he said. “The federation has done every thing possible in the interests of married women teachers. I regret most bitterly that the people most concerned will not read the Press ancl the federation journal and find out what we have been doing for them. It is a pity to get letters now upbraiding tin federation." Mrs Hitchcock (Parramatta) (jump ing up' and speaking heatedly): A gentleman just behind me has made a very discourteous remark. -Harriet, women teachers have undergone persecution for weeks. The Press am public opinion have been against us We do not kno"' what is going to hap pen to us. We have been kept in suspense, and our nerves are frayed Members of Parliament admit that they know nothing of our side of the question. We cannot get our point of view published. “We have the right to work," Mr: Hitchcock added. “Because we marry you men desire to take from us tin work we love best. At the same tim we are expected to keep quiet. We an not to appeal to anyone lor help. M’ M'Guinness alone is doing his best foils. Nobody else is doing anything it our cause. We arc in a dcaporate stati of worry at what we have read in tin Press." Mr M’C'iiimies-s : 'l’lie federation ha< done everything it could do on behalf of the married women teachers. Dr Curry: As deputy-president of thr federation, I say to the married wonic teachers, that the federation is takinc every step that is expedient.