THE HOKITIKA STATE SCHOOL.

Kumara Times, Issue 2109, 2 June 1883, Page 2

THE HOKITIKA STATE SCHOOL.

EXTRAORDINARY PROCEEDINGS. [prom our own correspondent.] Hokitika, June 2. An extraordinary scene occurred in the Hokitika State School yesterday. At about two o’clock in the afternoon, the caretaker informed the Committee that Inspector Smith had had his dinner sent up to school; that he had taken the keys of the front doors, and was in possession of the building. The Committee at once repaired to the School. They found notices, signed by Mr Smith, stuck all over the building cautioning all persons interfering with locks, Mr Rae tore down these notices, and went into the school and wrote similar notices, but signed by the Committee. After school was dismissed, the Chairman of the School Committee, Mr Jack, made a formal demand for the keys, which was refused. The Committee then informed Mr Smith he would be proceeded against for taking the keys that were in charge of the Committee ; and the Committee immediately proceeded to put new locks on the doors, and to lock up the building. When all was ready and secure, the Committee went to the x’oom Mr Smith was in, and informed him that closing time had passed, and requested him to retire. He declined to do so; and the Committee proceeded to gently eject him from the premises, which they did, locking all doors and gates afterwards. A summons will be issued against Smith, for the x-ecovery of the keys and expenses of new locks.