NETHERTON SCHOOL ELECTION.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4979, 26 May 1926, Page 4

NETHERTON SCHOOL ELECTION.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—I was present at the election of the committee for the Netherton school, and was keen to see the old committee go back; and no doubt I would have been rewarded in full if it had not been for the chairman bringing about life: own downfall. The president of the Ratepayers’ Association (who is a School Committee man) Asked a question regarding an account of £3O .which he was instrumental in obtaining for the school: ‘‘lf any information has been received by the chairman that the Education Department had relieved the school of the debt ?” Tne secretary rightly stated that he had no information. The chairman stated that lie. had no “official” information.. The questioner was pertinacious. The reluctance with which the question was; answered was obvious. The chairman produced a letter from the. Education Board secretary .stating that the amount was to be credited and the debit wiped off. Every householder s backed his* fancy, and was backing form. All the old .committee went back except “Charley,” who, I am sorry to say, was out of torm. But if he keeps sound (which , I hope he will.) he will s.tart a great favourite in the next year’s event. The contemperation of the committee proves “Householder” to be of an inventive turn df mind a transalpine scarecrow. CON.

Sir, —in reply to “Householder’s” letter of May 17, in which he says: ' “I w.as surprised to see about 20 or 30 men standing on the School bridge. Being of an inquisitive’ mind, I went towards them and mingled with the crowd to learn the reason of this unusua], occurrence. Ii soon found it was the annual election of the School Committee. The majority of those present were known to me. I also knew that their sentiments or interests, had nothing in common with the school or its welfare.” “Householder” Was entirely wrong, as l .the householders were perfectly justified; in attending the meeting a,nd looking after the welfare of their children.’ We also were on the bridge, and heard no* discussion pf (school affairs. The chief topics on the bridge were races and football. “Householder” says it became apparent to him that they knew who they were going to vote for or lf there had been a ticket before, can he explain .how aji the members nominated for seats received votes ? He also Stated that a member of the old committee nominated Messns Potter and Adam (chairman and secretary), and tha,t a deathly silence .fell on the room., They were seconded by a. member of the old committee, which, probably the secretary did not h'ear. “Householder” states that many of the ’ votes against Mr Potter were cast by men who did not know him. “Householder” is wrong, as ,tevery householder present at .the meeting knew, Mr Potter. ' 'The letter also stated that many- improvements hod taken place during Mr Potter’s chairmanship. These had emanated from his brain, and to him fell the responsibility of seeing them- through. Six members of the old committee were returned at the. election, which shows that the householders consider that, other , members of the old committee have brains as well as Mr Potter, and have done their portion of manual work for the school and grounds to bring them to the condition they are in at present. If “Householder” thouglitcan injustice..had been done why. was; he not man enough to get up at the meeting and say so, and not rush to the Press .with a of false statements.which he cannot substantiate ? C. A’. STEMBRIDGE, Secretary. P. L. HAROLD, Chairman. T VO WL'ES. y Member. i. For the Netherton School Committee,