N.Z. Teachers Now Preferred by Board

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 747, 21 August 1929, Page 11

N.Z. Teachers Now Preferred by Board

POLICY DETERMINED VICE-PRINCIPAL APPOINTED Preference should be given to New Zealanders applying for teaching positions, if their qualifications are equal to those of overseas applicants, according to a recommendation passed this morning by the Auckland Education Board. Long discussion followed a motion brought forward by Mrs. V. Donaldson asking for preference to New Zealanders, “with qualifications practically equal to those or others.” This clause was not approved by several speakers, and the mover eventually amended the recommendation to have the clause read, “with equal qualifications.”

The recommendation came forward after an announcement from the Department of Education approving of the board’s recent recommendation to appoint Dr. H. L. Fowler, of Perth, Western Australia, as vice-principal of the Training College. The opinion expressed by the board today will go to the Board of Advice in Auckland for teaching appointments. DR. FOWLER OUTSTANDING Commenting on Dr. Fowler’s appointment, Mr. R. Hoe said that the new vice-principal’s qualifications had been outstanding and had appealed strongly. Fear that a recommendation with the clause, “with New Zealand qualifications practically equal,” would be regarded as parochial was expressed by Mr. H. S. W. King, who appealed for an Imperial and Empire outlook in appointments. “It would be parochial If we asked for deliberate preference for New Zealanders,” he said. “If one of our Rhodes scholars could be given a position such as this, it would be desirable.” “OBTAIN THE BEST” Mr. T. TJ. Wells: It is most important to obtain the best material irrespective of where the . applicants come from. Other things being equal, New Zealanders should be given preference. “We want the best material and experience, with the widest outlook,” said Mr. J. Boddie. “It would be a mistake to bind ourselves to New Zealanders because they are New Zealanders.” Mr. A. Burns, the Chairman: If this recommendation had been carried before the Board of Advice met, the board's decision would have been the same. Dr. Fowler’s qualifications stood so eminently above the others that we wrote for him. If a New Zealander were fit for any position, I would vote for him. It was made clear that the recommendation was actually to determine the policy of the board regarding teaching appointments.