High School Teachers.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 24, 21 August 1912, Page 2

High School Teachers.

To the Editok. Sir,- 1 am afraid that your somewhat condensed report (appearing in your last issue) of the discussion which took place at the last meeting of the School Committee, may convey a wrong impression, reflecting possibly upon the present teacher, aud I would thank you for the courtesy of a little space, permitting me to rather more clearly .state what actually took place. As reported, I stated in committee) " that there was a lack of confidence outside " and I desired any information that might bo calculated either to prove that there wore grounds for uneasiness or to re-assure me in the [ matter. I further said that "so far as I personally wasawaro, the present teacher was possibly fully qualified for the post, still this want of confidence existed. Why i"' A remark followed ' ihat :lie very best teacher could not be obtained at the salary." 1 then reminded the committee of a suggestion made at the annual meeting of householders re subsidising, and asked if the dilliculty (if any) could not be overcomo in that way. The chairman then stated that the Chief Inspector had said that even if a higher salary was offered it was questii liable whether anyone bettor qualified could be secured. I believe it to be a fact that very considerable improvement lute been evidenced during the [last few months both in attendance aud amount of work accomplished. Since the meeting I have obtained information which throws a good deal of light upon the subject, aud whilst I am of the opinion that a very big programme is being attempted, and that the pupils will need to be quite brilliant in their capabilities and decidedly persevering and determined in their efforts to assimilate all the knowledge attempted to bo conveyed. 1 believe they iu very capable hands. Personally, as a pan-lit and member of the School ('ommittoo, I am now reassured on this point Thanking you in anticipation of your kind indulgence.—-I all), etc., J. I'ILKINUTON. K\copt that Mr Pilkington now makes it i|iiilo clear that his remarks wen: not intended by way of charges against the teachers, but for the purpose o!'olici'ing information, his statement of the case does not differ at all IVom "iir report. Still, where further I e\pl malion seems lo be heeded we j are always glad to place our space at I the disposal of correspondents.—Ed.]