A Disclaimer.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 146, 21 August 1919, Page 2

A Disclaimer.

To the Editor. Sir, —As there is some busybody trotting about the Tirau district stating that I acted in collusion with the N.Z. Dairy Association in affixing the damages done to the Matamata-Walm-roa road by motor traffic, and that I annexed circulars, envelopes and stamps belonging to the Auckland Education board for my own private use I think it is duo to the public and to myself that the true facts should he stated. Just beforo the mooting at Matamata I was approached on tho railway station to come and talk tho matter over. This 1 decliued to do stating I was a member of the County council. From that day to this, except at county mootiugs, I have never discussed those matters with any member of tho Dairy Association. Wo made a very good bargain with tho Dairy Association and tho council unauimously thanked Mr Polilen and me for the work we had done. At tho last meeting of the council on the Bth August I was the first councillor nominated by the chairman, Mr Anderson, for a small committee to consider by-laws for motor-traffic. As to anuexing circulars etc., tho property of the Education board tho facta are as follows ; —As chairman of tho board I read to the board a statement composed by myself of the Educational requirement's of New Zealand. Mr Boddie immediately proposed that it should be printed and sent to every Member of Parliament in Wellington, and to every Education board in New Zealand. It was partly due to this circular that wo got the vote for school buildings increased to £400,000 and that we are now able (railways permitting) to increase the size of such schools as Pairere, Hinuera, Turanga-o-moanp. and dozens of others. The hoard required 100 of these circulars for its use and I wanted 200 for private use. I ordered the secretary to have 300 copies printed. Tho cost to the board was £1 7s 6d for the lot and I paid the board los for my share. These 1 took home, bought envelopes and stamps in Matamata, 'and distributed. —I am etc., E. 0. BANKS.