BELITTLING SCHOOL TEACHERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 December 1918, Page 5

BELITTLING SCHOOL TEACHERS.

To the [Editor. Sir—Some time ago MrTrimW#, said at the table of the Education j Board: "Teaeliere are the stupidest j people in the country." Not satisfied) with this insult, he proceeded at the I meeting of the Board held last Thurs-' day to belittle teachers and charge them with culpable neglect of their duties., As Mr Smith pointed out, the Educa- t tion Act distinctly says that the mat- ! ters under discusion were the, duty of the committee. The question then arises is this: Is a man who knows so little about the contents of the Education Act a fit and proper person. to !be a member of an Education Board? Fur-. ther, is anyone who shows such distinct ; animus against employees a fit and proper person to be a member o£ any public body? What would be thought if a member of the Borough Council should take every opportunity of irisultisg the Councillor's employees! Does Mr Smith ever stop to think that there is a call from the public for' improvements in education? Does he really think that he is helping the,eausij by his actions? Or is he toadying to conlmittees for their votes? Does he know anything of the pay received by_ teachers or of the conditions under which they work? The public should certainly note that so long as such. men are on any .public ibody or are members of Parliament, so long will any. . real advance be delayed. One of two things is necessary for progress, either such men should change their attitude, or they should most certainly never be ■ elected or re-elected. —I am. etc.. ~.j YESfDEX / New Plymouth, Dec. 21. 1916.