PUBLIC OPINION

Taranaki Daily News, 16 September 1940, Page 8

PUBLIC OPINION

MAVIS A. JOBBINS.

VIEWS ON CURRENT TOPICS

TEACHERS' SALARIES (To the Editor.)

Sir,— In a recent letter to your paper I made a statement concerning Mr. Smith which he has since shown me to be incorrect. Remembering the salary paid young teachers in the years 193435 to be quite inadequate. I thought I could reasonably draw the inference that the then Minister of Education had done nothing to improve oui- lot. I was under the impression that Mr. Smith assumed office at the beginning of 1934, but it appears tliat he did not become Minister until November of that year. He has pointed out that during his tenure of office he was instrumental in securing an increase of salary from £60 per annum to £92 per annum, and later, immediately prior to the general election of 1935, this rate was raised again to £112 7s. In the light of these facts it is obvious my previous statement was unjust to Mr. Smith. This being the case, it is clearly my duty to withdraw that statement, and I am pleased to do so, as I would not intentionally misrepresent anvone. — I am etc.,

Uruti, September 9.