SCHOOL TEACHERS.

Wairarapa Age, 4 February 1927, Page 2

SCHOOL TEACHERS.

EMPLOYMENT OF MABBIED WOMEN. AUCKLAND BOARD DISCUSSION. AUCKLAND, February 3. The appointment of teachers and the employment of married women in the l>ofcssion were discussed at a meeting cf the Auckland Education Board. The chairman, Mr. A. Burns, considered that educational qualifications should not in all cases be the main factor in the selection of candidates, as many candidates who were most suitable had not had the advantages of the specialised instruction of large secondary schools. Some splendid applicants were in the country, and they should be placed in positions. It was very disheartening for boys and girls who put in four or live years at a secondary school with the main object of becoming teachers to have their applications declined. This year the board had taken the liberty of appointing a few country applicants, but 'the regulations did not provide for this, and if the regulations were rigidly adhered to scarcely one country applicant would hpve been appointed. Mr. F. A. Snell considered the position was aggravated by retaining married teachers in the service. He said that the young people were put to a good deal of expense in qualifying, and it was not fair that they should be prevented from getting positions when married women, whose husbands were earning a living, were in the employ of the board.

Mr. Burns replied that the question was taken up by the Education Boards of New Zealand, and a request was made to the Department to have legislation passed giving the boards discretionary powers in the appointment of married women teachers. “The board docs not wish to make it compulsory for all married women tc resign,” said Mr Burns, in explaining the attitude of the Auckland Education Board. It was decided to send the chairman’s report and recommendations to the Department in Wellington. The secretary was asked to prepare ft report upon the number of married women teachers in the employ of the board.—(P.A.).