SERVICEMEN PENALISED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26616, 12 November 1947, Page 6

SERVICEMEN PENALISED

SPECIALIST COURSES AT COLLEGE CONCERN EXPRESSED BY R.S.A. Concern that returned servicemen students at the Dunedin Training College were not being , given the opportunity for specialised training was expressed at a meeting of the Dunedin branch executive of the Returned Services’ Association last night. Mr D. L. Wood, who gave a report for the Rehabilitation Committee, said that a deputation had been received from the students concerned. It appeared that because of the acute shortage of teachers, fewer students would be accepted for the specialist courses and the returned servicemen would be deprived of their chance by circumstances over which they had no control.

In explanation, Mr Wood said that students spent two years at college and a further year as probationary assistants in schools, but some were selected for further training during the third year in one of the six specialist courses. Selection for these courses v/as eagerly sought because of the higher standing to be gained in the profession. He considered that as only a small number of students was involved it would not materially affect the staffing of schools if the full number were chosen next , year to be specialists. After several members had expressed concurring opinions regarding the returned students’ position it was decided to approve the Rehabilitation Committee’s recommendation that the question should be taken up with the Training College authorities and the Education Department.