SCHOOL MATTERS IN PUKEKOHE EAST.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 705, 10 February 1922, Page 5

SCHOOL MATTERS IN PUKEKOHE EAST.

(To the Editor)

' Sir, —If readers of the “Times’’ have been led to think that the resignation of the late head teacher of the Pukekohe East school was due to the action of the hostile party there, it is well that that idea should be corrected. His withdrawal was due to Dr Douglas, of Hamilton, who strongly advised the step.. Two other doctors, were consulted afterwards, and they both agreed that his advice was wise. He knew nothing of the latest tactics the hostile’ party had decided to make use of till Ist February. Impartial people who know how head teachers have been treated in Pukekohe East in the past will understand that the treatment, which fthe late head teacher has experienced, is no new .thing in that district. His predecessor, a lady, fared as bacily as he has done, and the same threat of sending children to other schools was made use of against her. Her predecessor became so (tired of his experience as a teacher there, that he threatened he would resign if the Education Board would not move him from the district. The Board acceded to his request. Yet, in spite of the efforts of the hostile party the head teacher had a majority of the parents and pupils friendly till the end of his connection with them. Out of forty-four (44) parents in the .district only seventeen (17) yielded to pressing solicitation and signed a petition to the Education Board for his removal. Finally, since the hostile party sent their resolutions, etc,, to the Prime Minister, the Minister for Education and Mr Bollard, it is fitting that they should have the chancd of learning a little of what can be said on the other side. —I am, etc.,

PUKEKOHE EAST HOUSEHOLDER