Correspondence

Feilding Star, Volume XI, Issue 136, 10 May 1890, Page 2

Correspondence

{.We are not responsible for the opinions ' of our correspondents.]

OUR STATE SCHOOL.

TO THE KDITOtt OF THE STAB. Sir, — All will agree that 'the above in-, stitution Is one of the most important in our midst, and as such its management, or the reverse, should be a fair subject for comment in your valuable columns. I purpose to make a few remarks, by your permission, called forth by your report of the last meeting of our new Committee. I wish to approach this subject free from prejudice. Along with many others, I supposed that both the teachers, who have been the cause of so much trouble of late, would be once more placed on their good behaviour and given another- trial. If that failed,, well — the nearest and^dearest must part. Doubtless the Board saw good reason for not adopting that course. Knowing both parties they could see no probability of their working harmoniously together, and having to see to the discipline of so many schools thought they would make a clean sweep of the trouble once for all. Those who know anything of the Board's difficult duties, and the improbability of the Committee agreeirife on any line of action, will readily see the wisdom ot the resolution arrived at. The report tells us that the head teacher received a letter from the Board and of his reply to. the same. Such important communications should be published along with the report. I go ' farther, and think that a brief and clear account of all the circumstances should be laid before the public ; such as the charges brought by the head teacher against Mrs Lissaman, and, if any, were proved to be real or imaginary. If such things were sure to get into print, would there less of them to deal with ? I think so. Without such a statement the public are shut up to the conclusion that, from the. Board's action, both were equally to blame. The Chairman said " It was a mistake to suppose that persons) who sent no children to school should have no voice in the matter." As to their haying a voice in the matter is certain ; whether they should have it will remain <a doubt in the ; minds of many. Their legal right is based on paying their share of school expenses. They cannot be so deeply | interested by a long way as the parent, consequently parents only are the proper persons to form a Committee. We are informed that the Chairman made a long speech, finding fault with the Board for not consulting the new Committee." "This looks rather invidious, seeing that the Chairman alone formed the new part of the new Committee. Again, if in the words of the Chairman, ''both teachers are efficient," why treat one so differently to the other? It oan't be because": she occupies a lower position in the school ! A Chairman should be impartial, if any.thing in such a case. His charging the Board with injustice" is apparently neither just or wise. The Board, however, is not likely to stultify itself by altering its resolution. The high-toned indignant resolution (intended to wipe oui the Board) is the best part of the business. Illegalities and irregularities are piled on, and they are coolly asked to receive a deputation on the matter. It is nice to see the ball kept rolling if the school was'nt suffering in the meantime. The pity is the Board gave such a long notice, as the school can't settle down to work for the next six months. The minority on the ' Committee deserve the thanks of .the parents for sticking to their convictions, and supporting the action of the Board. — I am, &c, A Parent of Children attending School.