CORRESPONDENCE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 164, 9 July 1878, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the 'Evening Mail. Sib— l have waited patiently for the full development of the plot—" this plot of deep design"— loug lain, carefully elaborated which has at last, after a most wearisome and painful travail, come forth as the last dying effort of the Nelson Town School Committee to annihilate poor me ! "This plot hath a history, Sir!" which, if but known, could not fail to awaken the most lively commiseration for at least two or three of the members of the Committee, who through many anxious sJays and sleepless nights, so heroically endured the labor of perfecting it. Now, as we have the whole thing before us, emphasized by the glowing report of the first division of Bridge-street School, I the poor unfortunate wight, the object of so much solicitude, appeal to you to be allowed to say a few words auent the matter. lam refused a hearing by the authorities, thus proving that teachers have no Court of Appeal in Nelson. I therefore appeal by your favor, to public opinion. ' But before I proceed to deal with the case itself, perhaps you will allow me a few words in reply to the comments which you deemed it your duty to make on the innocent act of my boys in making their little offering of respect. lam really sorry there should appear anything in the address of the boys that bear 9 the semblance of disrespect to constituted authority. Honor the kin"- br all means, but as kings are neither infatlible nor immaculate, it is sometimes justifiable to criticise their doings. The conscience of the world with an ever deepening conviction ratifies the terrible act of Cromwell. And Sir, I am very confident, were all the facts' known, this utterance of my boys would be justified- If no oue else knows it, the more thoughtful among them know that never have they been taught heretofore as they have been with me. This circumstance I trust, will be accepted as their excuse' if such be needed. I would, however, fain hope that there are not many persons whose sensibilities are refined to so nice a point as yours, or who look through the same medium as you do at this matter. A somewhat long experience of the duties of the editor's chair has, I trust, made me ! sensible of all the responsibilities involved I in the position, and the painful duties which ! it occasionally demands. lam sure you find no pleasure in. rebuking boys, much less would you seek to repress or prevent the expression of their indignation against that which they may deem, even if mistaken in their view, to be unjust and unfair, much less would your chivalry allow you to strike a man already smitten. Now, holding this opinion as to the sentiments which must actuate a high principled editor, I am very sorry that I altogether fail to sympathise with your criticism. lam sure I am quite impartial; there is no looker on in Nelson more unbiassed than I am, and, in my opinion, you have attempted to make a mountain out of a very small mole hill ; men's motives I leave, and so I leave yours' In your foot note to " Fair Play's " letter you say if there was a general feeling that I ifl n un£airI J dealt with, that feeling would have found expression at the annual m» c £ ng £ Action of Commifctee. Allow Safe tS y m H itwa3at speciarreql^t t&afc the matter was not mooted there /It

Ms^with great aiflleu%, However, I conUf prevail on sorrie to keep silence. I wasurged^ py, several to attend: the meeting and. state my , own case, and even to allow myself to fee Py&o. nomination as a candidate. And, SuV I j. c .^^| u F e y&U the feeling was that strong that Had the election been conducted in the usual way not one of the old Committee vouln have been re-elected, but the different method of proceeding saved them. You must allow me a further opportunity of dealing with the actidn of tile CdmtUittee. . ; ■ ; . I am, &c, ] W. Price.