Matamata School Committee.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 130, 1 May 1919, Page 3

Matamata School Committee.

'lo xiie Editor, Sir, —Monday night’s attempted election of tho Matarnata school committee was a:i event never to ho forgotten hy those present. For one thing it was ihe largest meeting of its kind over held in tho township, and its display of intellectual capacity and legal acumen was simply marvellous. It must also he noted that a vein of humour was distinctly in evideneo which wont far, if not tho whole length, in tho way of saving the meeting from all tho characteristics of a veritable Donnvbiook Pair. Six or sovon ladios graced tho assombleil and free born electors by associating with them in their far-reaching and pro. found deliberations. But one grieves to stato that it was tlioso latter that wero tho innocent causo of much contention. At tho start of tlio meeting tho question aroso as to the legality of womon voting along with their husbands in connection with tho election of school oonfmitleos, and it was pointed out that if they and their husbands were lit and proper persons to vole together for member of Parliament, Town boards etc., it logically followed that they might be safely trusted to choose who, in their opinion wore intelligent enough to sit on school committees. As you know, Sir,- on this ground the election continued, ballot pnpors wore givon to each and all prosent and tlio results of tho voting exhibited on tlio black board. At this point, about 9.30 p.m. in marched tlio members of tlio Town board, but alas! too late to vote. However, on tlio declaration of tlio poll tho chairman of tlio Town board, assuming a dramatic attitude and voice, delated tlio proceedings illegal, and therefore null and void seeing that the husbands and wives present had taken a joint part in tho election of the committeo. Now the atmosphere became distinctly electric. Motions and counter-motions flow in quick succession towards tlio chairman Olio of tlioso motions suggested that, tlio solution of the problem of wives voting with tlioir husbands on the present occasion bo loft to the decision of tlio official law authorities of the Crown. This suggestion was countered by an earnest advice to refrain from such a course as the legal authorities in question might be lod to think thnt a now and virulent disease had descended upon Matarnata. At tho mention of a now disease descending tho mooting, without panic, quickly molted into the darkness of the night, and the component parts thereof are wondering to this hour if Matarnata lias or has not a legally constituted school committeo. I am, etc. LIGHT & FOOTPATHS.