CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2014, 12 August 1919, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —When I wrote last re school matters, I had no idea of championing the cause of Methodism, as I did not bring that in as a subject in this controversy, nor is there any need for me to do so. Judging by some of the letters, there are others more able than I to deal with that aspect. But it is the aptly-named “common foe” designated by' that mighty atom “Achilles” that I am up against, and I will always be found on the side of those whose ideals and objectives on any subject are akin to my own, be their religion what it may. I asked the question, has the attendance increased by fifty? but it has remained unanswered, for this reason, that the average is getting lower, and if that phantom class does not soon roll up we shall have our school reduced to a lower grade. Re accommodation. I find on going back to the limes that the various halls were requisitioned, that the headmaster could only-find fault with the Anglican schoolroom. But I reiterale it is a poor sample of tactics on the part of the “common foe” (vide Homer’s hero, Achilles) to obtain their ends in (rying to discredit another who was working in the cause of education when his present critics were but in 1 the yapping and braying stage of mailers pertaining to education. We see the sudden shifting of the scene of operations to Ihe Masonic Hall, and Ihe fact that the chairman of the Committee could not resist Ihe temptation to squirt his venom at-their wouldbe victim, who is also one of the trustees. So the public can easily penetrate the reason- of the intrigues indulged in by that lit tie coterie, who must be reminded that they represent it section of the public not ihcrasolves —on the commit lee, and also (hat they will he required to give an account of their stewardship to the. public laler on. If school matters cannot be discussed in a rational manner, and wilh harmony, then the sooner the disgruntled element resign (lie heller. If they think the public are blind to their motive Ihe-y are mistaken. In conclusion, I would offer'the suggestion that Mr Pirani lie asked to give a lecture!te on the (‘are of canines, oi‘ how to work a frame-up, proceeds for extra accommodation, —I am, ole,,

E. G. MARTIN,

(To Iho Editor.)

Sir. — (I nearly wrote “brother”) I cannot help but congratulate dear “Achilles” on the joyful tone of his letter. lam sure he must have had a vision of a poAverful addition to his church, for judging by his happy vein, I think ho is at least a very joyful sort of felloAV, and hope his prophecy may yet be fulfilled, and that his fervent prayers may lie answered. Had the great Homer any Hie hero of his Iliad Avould again materialise in the Twentieth Century, I am sure his delight Avould have knoAvn no bouflds, and the prayers of the ’Greek poet would have soared heavenwards at the sight of his “Achilles” of Foxton describing semicircles and other gyrations too numerous to mention in a Avild hope of a conversion of a somcAvhat difficult subject to his fold. Yea, brothers, the daily labours of Air do Martin would make his addition to the brethren of any ilock a decided acquisition in dealing vvith the unruly members of: opposition flocks, and that 'is ahvays Hie tiling to keep one’s eye on. But, dear “Achilles,” I am afraid yon are too iatc, as I believe that the subject of your joy and hope is starting a church of his own, a soap-box for a pulpit and a bucket for a plate, for it’s a pleasure to hear Hie money jingle, and you can ahvays judge of the sincerity of Hie (lock by the results of the jingle. And now, “Achilles,” I must leave you, though I am loth to do so, with Hie fond hope that your shadow may never grow less, and your hopes may materialise! Alay yon live lo listen to an oratorical denunciation of the Avolves avlio Avould devour reputations of those in our little community avlio arc Avorking for all, for the pleasure of seeing (heir efforts reciprocated by the Avclfarc of the younger one:'-, Bo I I alee myself once again to my harp (not piano), to bring forth those dulcet notes so loved by Homer of lasting fame. Amen!—Yours, etc,, PERICLES.