A “SLEEPY BOARD."

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2737, 24 May 1924, Page 2

A “SLEEPY BOARD."

MR AIT KEN CAUSES AN AWAKENING.

The usual placid calm of the Wanganui Education Board's procedings was somewhat disturbed on Wednesday evening when the chairman, (Mr W. A. Collins) took exception to a recent letter by Mr -T. Aitken in the “Chronicle,” commenting upon remarks by the chairman to a deputation representing the Wanganui North School Committee which recently waited upon the boil rd. The chairman said that if the letter had been written by any other person he would not have taken any exception, but Mr Aitken, if lie had a grievance, should have come to the board. Mr Aitken seemed to love to see his name in print, and appeared to pose as an authority on every subject. Mr Mclntyre contended that if Mr Aitken liked to write to the press he had a perfect right to do so, and the columns of the press were open for any reply. The chairman said he did not take exception to Mr Aitken’s views on the boundary question, but be did object to some of the remarks that Mr Aitken made about the board. It was practically a personal attack on the speaker. Mr Hemmingway moved that the board views with displeasure the action of Mr Aitken in writing what lie did. The speaker said that being referred to as a “sleepy board” was not adding to the board’s dignify.

Mr Fraser said that Mr Aitken’s remarks were in bad taste, and belittling the board in the eyes of the public. Air Mclntyre said that if Mr Aitken thought that the hoard was somnolent that was his opinion although it might not have been good taste. Air Laws said he agreed that personalities might have been left out of it. However, everybody knew that the AVanganui Education Board was a live body, ATr Aitken very briefly traversed some of the remarks be had made olid added that lie had no apology to give. The motion was carried, Air McIntyre recording his vote against it. Mr Aitken who did not. vote, remarked to Ah- AleTntyre: “You are the only sensible man. and T am unrepentant."—Chronicle.