Massachusetts number one headache, the Teachers' Oath Bill, looms as a major issue in the gubernatorial contest this year, it appeared yesterday.

With the announcement by a small but politically active group of the Faculty, led by Kirtley F. Mather, professor of Geology, that they would work to send candidate James M. Curley back into oblivion, prospects for a lively campaign were definitely enhanced.

"The issue is quite clear", said Mather. "Saltonstall has pledged himself to work for its repeal, while Curley, of course is thoroughly in favor of the measure". Committing himself to personal support of the Republican candidate, the Geology I lecturer admitted that only lack of time had prevented that only lack of time had prevented organization of a Faculty committee to oppose the former Governor.

Ever since the bill was enacted under the Curley regime four years ago, Mather has fought openly against the legislation which requires all teachers and instructors to take an oath supporting in the constitutions of both nation and state.

President Conant led the fight two years ago to repeal the law with a personal plea before the House committee on education. After passing in both houses of the State Legislature the measure to remove the existing statute was vetoed by Governor Hurley.