FLUTTER AT FOXTON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1928, 18 January 1919, Page 3

FLUTTER AT FOXTON.

OYER GERMAN-MADE PIANO. AN APPEAL TO THE EDUCATION BOARD. [Wanganui Herald.] The usually quiet and peaceful little seaside town of Poxton has been greatly stirred these last few weeks, and the town has literally been divided into two factions, and the controversy is keenly proceeding. It is all over a German-made piano, and the controversy has been raised because the Committee has purchased one. The noise of the dispute has even invaded the sacred precincts of the Education Board, for last night correspondence was placed before members regarding this important matter, and there were indications that the smouldering sparks of the dispute would be fanned to another controversy. Fortunately, nothing of the kind happened. The genesis of the whole matter was placed before the Board by two ex-commit-teemen, who had resigned office because the German-made piano was purchased. A petition has also been circulated in the township protesting against the purchase, and has been signed by at least DO persons. It was stated by the. writers of the letter to I lie Board that a Ger-man-made piano was offered to the Committee by a local resident, who purchased (he instrument before the war. Despite emphatic protests from two or three of the Committee, who objected to German goods of any description being placed in , a public school, it was resolved to purchase I lie piano, and as a result the two undersigned resigned ns a protest. The two ex-members asked for the Board’s opinion on the following points: —(1) Whether the inclusion of Gorman goods in school equipment is consistent with the leaching of patriotism to the children by the staff? Whether, as a mailer of principle, iml in view of the necessity to provide an example lo the public, German goods should he excluded from all State ins! Rations, especially .-•('hools "! Whether (he Board has power to prevent the Committee from placing the German piano in the school, and, if so, will the Board inslrnct the Committee to (hat effect? Whether the Board will lay down instructions or recommendations lo School Commit Ices wilh regard (o the purchase of German goods in (‘((nipping schools?

Whether it can he taken ns a broad principle that teachers should instruct children to give preference to British ami Allied goods.' The leiler was signed by A. •). Kellow ami !». McMurray. The report in (lie loeal ]iaper of [he discussion at the Committee meeting eonlained some very inleresting little items, of whieh (he billowing are gems: —Said one speaker: “It would be sea nda lons for the children to sing ‘(Jud Save the King' accompanied by a German piano." Another held the opposite view, whieh he stated in this sage remark: “It would bo fitting that a. German piano should be made to play ‘God Save the King,’ and other patriotic airs." Continuing, this speaker said: “If Gorman-made goods wore not purchased, how was Germany to pay her war indemnity 1 ? In Foxton there were sold German pencils, German formalin tablets, and the lighting apparatus was Ger-man-made." Another Committeeman held the view that “in order to assist Germany to pay compensation it was necessary to buy German goods." The head teacher was present at Iho meeting when this momentous question was discussed. lie was asked by one section of the Commit-, tec to speak, but the meeting, not being unanimous, the chairman ruled that he should not he allowed to do so. The ex-committee men also asked the Board’s ruling on this matter! Discussing the first letter, Mr Pirani said he did not think the Board .could deal with il. At any rale lie epics!ionod the wisdom of doing so, for it would bo establishing, whal ho considered, a bad precedent. The writers were not members of the Committee. Mr Joblin asked it two householders could not approach the Board on a matter of such like. Mr Pirani replied (hat under (lie circumstances they were not in the position of ordinary householders, and had lost their locus standi. By dealing with the question, it was opening a great field for exploitation. The Board -would next have complaints that the pencils made in Germany were being used. lie thought the letter should he forwarded to the Committee for its version of the matter. Mr Joblin thought it was a credit to the two men to leave the Committee over the matter. He suggested the Board should show its appreciation of it. Mr Pirani: Better not. Mr Fraser said feeling- ran high in Foxton over the matter. Indeed, some of the staff had gone so far as to intimate that they would not play on the German piano if it were installed. ,It was decided to send the letters to the Foxton Committee for its version of the affair.