CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 392, 21 March 1908, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by our correspondents. •"TO the editor]. Sir, —In re the flaxmilling question, it seems opportune to call attention to the inconsistency of the award, which provides that if a man leaves his employ, even without notice, he is to be paid up, and if he is discharged, he is also to be paid up. This, in a way, may read all right, but multitudes of cases have occurred lately when one man has not turned up to work, or if he has, something has happened to his temper ; the mill has to be stopped and seven or eight of his mates lose a day’s work. It doscu’l matter to the miller under existing pikes but it is quite common for a miller to have to take a man away from other woik to keep the wheels going round and thus saving the eight other men losing a day’s work. Then there is another factor. Some millers have no hesitation in taking hands from other millers and thus disorganising the work. The awaid should have provided for notice to be given on either side, if on'y a day. And it still further points to the fact that the Boa;d should have been composed of men who have “gone through the mill.” Perhaps after all the slump in prices may do good in more ways than one and both masters and men realise they cannot do without each other. It is hoped at least a few employers will be able to see their way to keep the industry alive by picking men who will stick to them. There are plenty of good men and now will be the time to weed out these who do not care whether both sides sink or swim. Thanking you in anticipation, —I am etc. Iv.mpx.ovek.

[TO THE EDITOR. 3 Sir, —What position would the boy that is receiving private tuition from the late Chairman of our local school committee be in if he thought of entering the Public Service. I understand that all applicants are bound to produce a certificate from the Inspector of schools. Again, is the late chairman acting within the law.—l am, etc.

Parent. The query asked by “Parent’’ may be answered by quoting the various sections of the Act: Clause 141 says that “Every child between the age of seven years and the age of 14 years, is hereby required to attend some public school.’’ Clause 141 says : “ The parent of any child may apply for and receive from the school committee, a certificate exempting such child from attendance in whole or iu part at school, upon satisfying the school committee or the chairman and one other member thereof, or the head teacher, that the child is under efficient and regular instruction elsewhere.” Clause 19 states: — “ Immediately on the receipt of the notice of the annual visit of the inspector, the headmaster shall post fur public information in a conspicuous place on the school premises, a notice that said visit is about to be made, and shall call attention of the children thereto. The parent of any child of school age, who wishes such child to obtain a certificate of competency must give notice of his desire iu writing to the head teacher at least three days before such annual visit.” Clause2ostates:—“The Inspector shall, at or about the date of his annual visit, arrange for the examination of such children.”—Ed. Heraed.J