CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1913, 10 December 1918, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

THAT GERMAN PIANO,

(To the Editor.)

Sir. —I had no intention of entering into a newspaper controversy over the decision of the Committee lo introduce a German Bolini piano into the school, for my attitude needs no apology or apologists, nor is it necessary to, sling mud to make my case good. But, as the letter written by “International” in your last issue 'proves that this person 'must be more patriotic, a better worker, and more generous Hum either Messrs Kellow, Signal, Claris (for many of his remarks also apply to Mi' Fellow's co-workers), and, I presume, myself, or ho would not (to put it mildly) find fault with us so; it is therefore only fair and just that Foxton should know who ho is, so (hat advantage may be taken of his abilities and activities. If, therefore, he will authorUe yon to publish his name, I will he pleased to make,a donation to the school funds of one lon of low. Further, I challenge him to allow an independent commiltee to ho set up to consider which of u- : , he or J, has been the most practically patriotic hot): before and during (lie war. If the committee decides against me 1 am prepared to donate one ton of tow per month, until there is sufficient to buy a good British piano lor (he school. Such .erilieism and condemn:!lion could only come from a man who has done his “hit,” and therefore he should not he ashamed of his name. lie has now (he opportunity of proving hm pa-rliciilar brand of patriotism, of proving his right to criticise and condemn, of materially helping the scnool funds without monetary loss to himself, and of clearing you, Sir. for allowing such a loiter lo he published under a nom-de-phime. lu regard to (he piano question, you as chairman, consider you are in the right, whereas I differ from you. The people of Foxton responded splendidly to the call for money to reequip the school, and the amount obtained was beyond our most sanguine expectations. Therefore, in fairness to them, I suggest that they should be consulted,, and that a public meeting be called, and, Sir, if you are sport enough to resign from the Committee I will risk being “snowed up,” and will bo pleased to accept a .vote of the householders as (o whether your views or ours should predominate with Hie Committee. I will he out of town for a week or ten days, but immediately on my ret urn I will he most happy to fall in with anything “doing.”---I am, etc..

R. McMURRAY. [WE do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of correspondents. ]( is open for Mr McMurray or any oilier citizen to convene a public meeting and put the Committee on its defence. The onus is upon (hose making the charge. Mr McMmray’s generosity is commendable.—Ed,lf. J

In reference to the above letter. Mr Hornblow, Chairman of the School Committee, desires us to inform Mr McMurray that if Mr VfcMarray hands him a petition containing fifty signatures of householders calling upon him to resign from the Commit lee, he will be “sport” enough to how to their decision. Mr McMurray to have an ahsolnfely free l hand in Hie mat ter. Mr Hurnhlow points out that unfortunately the Ad does not allow lor an elect ion. in case of resignation, otherwise he would he pleased to a (lord Mr McMurray an opportunity to test the feelings of householders a! once.