CLYDE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 455, 6 January 1871, Page 3

CLYDE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

(To the Editor of the Di/nstan Times.) Sir:— An absurd letter, emanating from some mischievous individuals at Clyde, and reflecting, in unmanly terms, upon members of the Clyde School Committee ; has been permitted to appear in the ‘‘Tuapeka Times.” As my name is freely paraded therein, many friends have asked me whether I know aught of its authorship, or was a consenting party. 1 knew nothing of the scurrilous effusion until I was informed of its appearance in print. I read it with feeling of profound regret, that men who work earnestly for the public good should be so wantonly insulted. “ A youth ” and his friends ; men and citizens who “ though not clear of their youth, have yet some smack of age, some relish of the saltness of time ” ; should observe a little respect for the ordinary courtesies of civilised life, even when indulging their mischievous propensities by anonymous scribbling. This they have utterly failed in. In the first place the letter bears no evidence of their having satisfied themselves that tire absence of the Examining Committee from the schoolroom on the 22ud ult., could not be satisfactorily explained. Secondly in assuming the office of special pleaders for tfie “ almost exasperated ” teacher, they certainly never inquired whether 1 eared for their disinterested services ; and thirdly ; worst omission of all. they entirely neglected to consult the wishes of their fellow citizens. A very short time since many of the principal residents in Clyde signed a formal order to the pro. pnetor of the Tuapeka Times to withdraw their names as subscribers and advertisers in consequence of jSome alleged breach of faith in reference to Provincial Council matters. Scarcely has this round robin reached him when “ a youth ” and his friends, do their best or worst, to afford him a pretext for drawing a disparaging eon. trust between the public institutions of Clyde and Tuapeka. What can we term this? Inconsistency, “tupidity or malice? “A youths” letter, besides causing individual annoyance, is calculated to create misconception in the minds of many as to the result of the late examination. I therefore wish to briefly explain the mode of procedure. At the examination in 1809 fifty three pupils were present, and sixty two prizes were awarded, but even this liberal dispensation of reward* failed to give satisfaction. Shortly after taking charge of the Clyde School, in February last, I suggested to the Committee that competition lor a lesser number of prizes, of greater intrinsic value, would probably arouse a fueling of emulation among tlie pupils, aud incite theux.to more steady application to their studies. The suggestion was adoptee, and in making arrangements for the late examination, it was deoiued that the award of prizes should depend cbiefiy upon the skid exhibited in a series of competitive exercises. That is, instead of the customary oral examination, wherein pupils are formally catechised; they were required to give, as far as practicable; written answers on various selected subjects. —the only really efficient method whereby the individual merits of each pupil can be fully tested. The examiners work was, as a matter of course, very tedious ; anil to an audience the pruccdings would have been extremely dry and uninteresting. It was also something new to the pupils, but I feel a proud satisfaction in stating that they worked with a will, and did their best, from the oldest to the youngest. The very boys aud girls who, as a rule, are contented with doing as little as possible, fairly astonished themselves aud teacher.

The examiners only awarded the prizes after much care ful deliberation ; and the result has been general satisfaction alike to parents and pupils. I have heard of no complaints, except from one or two who should have been the last to speak ; knowing that their children have been the least regular of any in attendance at the School. The annual election of a school committee is fixed for Monday next. It will be then seen who, amongst the few now so ready to find fault, will accept the responsibility of management. If 1 may be permitted to express an opinion in the matter, it is, that 1 think the residents of Clyde will have gooii reason to congratulate themselves, if the members of the present Committee can be prevailed upon to again take office. Yours, &c., Edwakd Ings. Clyde School, January 3, 1871.