The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 46

Staffs of Head and Assistant Teachers

Staffs of Head and Assistant Teachers.

Head Teacher: Male. Head; Teacher: Female Male Assist. Teachers Female Assist. Teachers Total. Scholars in average attendance. Victoria: Emerald Hill ... 1 1 1 2 5 398 Footscray ... 1—2 2 5 368 Maryborough ... 1 1 2 2 6 390 Hawthorne ... 1—2 2 8 367 Beechworth ... 1 1 3 3 409 Ballarat No. 720 1 1 1 2 396 New Zealand: Ponsonby ... 1 1 1 8 11 389 Newton ... 1 1 1 8 11 371 Kanaeranga ... 1 1 3 7 12 379 Thorodon ... 1—2 3 6 380 Invercargill ... 1—2 2 5 384 Hokitika ... 1—1 2 4 384

We observe that, while the Board asks our advice as to possible reduction of expense in the schools under cur charge, a sub-committee of the Board has prepared a report on the same subject, recommending still more sweeping reductions in the payments and staffs of schools, than those which have already been effected, in order to reduce a deficiency of £1793 in the Board's finances. This they propose partly to effect by the wholesale dismissal of the trained assistant teachers now employed, and the substitution of what are called "junior as istants"—or in other words, of pupil teachers whose term has lately expired. As an example of the operation of this scheme, we find, from the schedule of the staffs and salaries as now proposed to be engaged and paid, that the Hokitika School, having a present average attendance of 375 is to be officered by two adult teachers (the head teacher and another) with four of these so called juniors, or elder pupil teachers, and four younger pupil teachers. The proposal therefore amounts to this—that one sixth (namely 375 scholars attending the Hokitika school) of all the scholars under the Hoard, are to be taught by two adults, with the help of eight young people who very recently were scholars themselves, and whose average age is not 16 years.

The two trained teachers who are to be thus dismissed are to be generously offered the refusal of the posts of junior assistants, at an average salary of £75 per annum, instead of their present pay of £130. These ladies were both invited from Victoria, years ago, with a stipulated salary of £140

The Hokitika School is now earning for the Board, from the Government, (at £3 15s for every scholar in average attendance) the sum of £1398; of this sum the Board propose to pay back, in salaries to the teachers, only £834

The present total daily average attendance in Westland is 2007 scholars. These will each earn for the Board, from the Government, £3 15s; or a total of £7526. The amount proposed to be paid out of this in salaries, for the teaching of these 2007 scholars is only £5722. The difference is the considerable sum of £1804. Where is this £1804 to go to? Why is it to be taken from the schools and teachers who have earned the money?

We compared also, this schedule of proposed staffs of teachers, with that actually in force in North Canterbury at the present timo, The North Canterbury Board state that they have adopted the very lowest possible staffs, consistent with efficiency.

This reduced and lowest possible scale is as follows:—
100 scholars—2 adult teachers.
200 scholars—3 adult teachers.
300 scholars—4 adult teachers.
380 scholars—5 adult teachers.

But the Westland Board propose to give the Hokitika School two adult teachers for 373 scholars.

We find it difficult, without using undesirable expressions, to convey our opinion of these propositions. The scheme in one aspect, seems like the boyish effort of some junior clerk employed in the Board's office. In another aspect it looks still worse. Such proposals cannot be seriously discussed. To assent to them would be a betrayal of the trust reposed in us. As trustees for the public we believe we should better consult their interests by closing the schools altogether. If the exigencies of the Board require such sacrifices, it is clear that the Westland scheme of education has collapsed, through the shameful misuse of public funds which has taken place.

Coming next to the grants paid by the Board to School Committees, we have to state that the amount paid is far less than the amount paid to Committees in any other part of New Zealand, and is less by more than one half, in several cases. It is proposed to give the School Committees in Westland, with 3143 scholars, the total sum, amongst them, of £537 10s. The following table shows the sums the other Education Board's distributed amongst their School Committees during the year:—