To the Editor of the "Norta-Cuixa Datty News."
Str,—While sympathizing with those who complain of the new scale of school fees, I am unable to see why the schoolmaster is being attacked. Those who are affected will expect to find him qualified jand proficient.
The S.M.C. expects experience as well, but is not willing to pay for it. Consequently, there is much difficulty in obtaining teachers from home at present.
A well-trained teacher, besides' receiving a college or university education has spent three or more years of his life in training for his specific work. Why should his status be compared with that of a commercial employee who knows nothing of commerce until he begins to earn his living at it?
There are trained teachers with honours degrees in science and arts in the Council's service. Their qualifications are as good, academy ically, as those of most of the physicians, architects, engineers, bacteriologists and analytical chemists in this town. How do the salaries compare?
There may be teachers in the Council's employ who are not worth the minimum salary paid, but their employment arises from the fact that the poor salaries offered do not attract a sufficient number of qualified men. Al! the time it remains necessary for the 8.M.C. to engage unqualified people locally to fill the gaps, we shall continue to hear of such cases as that of the young man who was twice discharged from posts outside but finally settled down comfortably in the Council's service. If this goes on, will it be worth while sending our children to the schools at all?
The best teachers are leaving and, under present conditions, they will continue to leave. Will those who are found here in Shanghai to fill their places be good enough?
I am, ete., No Sonoormast#r,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.