THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1286, 21 June 1884, Page 3

THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

To the. Editor. Sir, —As my name has been brojght very prominently before the Ashburton public in connection with the Borough School, and as Mr St Hill asserts that it is out of consideration to me that the correspondence is kept back, 1 wish to say that I do not fear the* strictest investigation, either with regard to correspondence or Inspector’s report.—«l am, etc., A. J. H ARB AND, Head Mistaess Ashburton Borough School. June 21, 1884. To the Editor. Sir,— There is nothing which creates suspicion or excites ( curiosity so much as an attempt to conceal, and hence one may pardon much of “ Householder’s ” indignation in last night’s, issue on the School Committee scandal. In cases like the one under notice little good is gained by secrecy, while much bitterness and illfeeling are engendered. The matter, too, assumes a serious aspect when it is stated that the head mistress is under notice of dismissal, and if this statement is correct, it appears to me the sooner the whole details are laid before the parents the better will it be for all parties concerned. Referring to the letter Signed by Mr St Hill, it is possible he is better versed in journalistic practices and enterprise than most people ; but at the risk of being deemed presumptuous and meddlesome, I venture to hint that the newspaper which will put before its readers so much of the so-called correspondence as immediately bears upon the delinquencies or otherwise of Miss Hatband will earn the gratitude of all those who desire fairplay, and who hold strong views on what some people choose to call “ a hole-and-corner business.” It would also be a practical carrying out of the motto incorporated in your leader heading which (I am told) is by interpretation, “ The truth is mighty, let it prevail,” and Would, at the same time, dispel o” confirm some ugly rumors which have gained credence in the Borough, In the meantime, dispassionate persons will delay taking up cudgels on behalf of any of the parties Concerned until the facts are brought to light. Then let us throw ourselves into the bieach, and go in vigo.ously for—

The cause that lacks assistance, And the wrongs that need resistance. I am, etc., Ohas. Dixon. , To the Editor. Sib, —Would you allow mo,' through your columns, to ask “Householder" whether hia sweeping charge of injustice against the School Committee does not strike him aa being rather premature. The only ground ha haa for condemning the Committee ia the secrecy of our action in regard to the bead mistress He will see, I think, that provHed that action was justifiable, a private communication to Mias Harband was the only considerate course that could be adopted. But of the justice of opr decision, “Householder” is not as yet in a position to judge. He haa seen none of the documents ; he is ignorant of the grounds upon which our conclusions were forced. Granted that the absence of publicity looks suspicious, still that is all; and “Householder” might very well, have contented himself with demanding and insisting upon the ( publication of all papers. Until then, 1

think, he should withhold his judgment. F-r my part, if Miss Harband desires it, I hope that all correspondence will be made pubi cas soon as possible, as I am s itisfied th t whether the householders endorse our conclusions or not, they will admit that those conclusions wore arrived at honestly and without bias.—l am, etc., B. a. Scott, Ashburton, J me 21, 1884.