ONEWHERO SCHOOL FINANCE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 390, 9 July 1918, Page 3

ONEWHERO SCHOOL FINANCE.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—l was in hope that Mr. Glasgow would have availed himself of the oportunity afforded in my last letfAtto expunge his fair name of the cast upon it, viz., of making statements devoid of truth, and thus end this controversy. But instead of dealing with what most people would deem essential, he prefers to leave such severely alone. His ability for making discoveries is unquestionable, and I doubt not that the energy expended in unearthine those Biblical characters—his latest discovery—was considerable. But it appears to me that if he would concentrate his energies on those school accounts, and dig up something in the form of evidence, of which he is in dire need of to assist him to vindicate his reputation for veracity in connection with his statement as to the amount of debts lie left owintr. such would be more to the point, and should he succeed certainly more to his credit. My statement, "that debts contracted by his Committee were allowed to be owing for practically twelve months, and then handed on to their successors." he chooses to style "terminological inexactitude." The term sounds rather big and learned. I'll admit, but to apply it to a simple truth, as Mr. Glasgow has done, is hardly likely to convince anyone that his knowledge is anything but superficial and his scholastic attainments the most meagre. If he feels it incumbent to use.these big terms, commonly called " jaw breakers," to cover up his guilt, might I suggest to prevent a repetition of such flagrant abuse he would find the acquisition of some such standard work as "Walker and Webster" of valuable assistance. For further confirmation of my statement I would refer Mr. Glasgow t<> the item in the expenditure of HI/?/- for repairs to school paths. His request for enli<_'htenment 011 that cheque is surely an admission of ignorance. The books of the Committee aiv at his disposal, and I would refer him to them. I consider lift- ton short to attempt his instruction even in ordinary school finance, and 1 simply add that he is welcome tu 1 lie honour of drawing that cheque, but I defy him to reduce the amount of debts owing as stated by ine with in aid.

Tlif i-niix"' of this discussion Mr. Glasgow attributes to my failure to afford an opportunity to draw up a report, and he further accuses me of burking all reference to his charge. Such is not the ease, and his assertion is on a par with most of his other statements. The real cause was the underhand method adopted in exhibiting the cheque butt to those ignorant of the position, instead of going straight to his accusers, as anyone with a spark of manliness in him would have done. And as to burking any reference to my alleged failure to afford an opportunity to frame a report, I would inform Mr. Glasgow ♦that there was no necessity for so doing. But since he is endeavouring to mislead, I will deal with it, and I trust to his satisfaction. It was at a full meeting of the Committee that Mr. Glasgow suggested framing a report, but not one word was spoken by any member in support of his suggestion. Therefore, although a suggestion of Mr. Glasgow's, I, a3 Chairman, felt under no obligation to accede to his request, considering the rest of the members did not favour it. So the inaccuracy of his statement is apparent. Hut even hail an opportunity to frame a report been refused, is that any reason why he should have- had so little respect for the truth as to make the statement he did as to the amount of debts he left owing? Surely the state of the financial affairs was disgraceful enough without adding insult to injury by denying the responsibility! The leading of the latter part of Mr. Glasgow's letter, dealing with my challenge, simply disgusts one, for a greater piece of shifting and prevarication is inconceivable. The issue was a simple one, viz., whether his -lateiiieiit as to the amount of debts iie left owing was correct, or my statement? After evading the point throughout, and endeavouring to shelter behind one lame excuse after another, he informs me that his treasurer can supply a correct statement, hut evidently only if the householders desire it. and that at the next annual meeting. He requires plenty of time to prepare it. but no doubt lie could ma:iage it if put to it. But I note that Mr. Glasgow does not say that -' i. 11 -tateiiunt will support his contit; as to the amount of debtowill On the contrary. I ,-tate ent(•h.\l i' ally that -lich a .-tateineiit v. •nil Ik- the undoing of Mr. (ila.-govv; hei.ie his teas.,n fur putting off the *• 11 h. iir. But why at this late hour -•'■. in the responsibility on to tie-Tie,-ore,? Is Mr. Glasgow his

lii' nthpieC.?, Jlll ■ 1 does lie, t||c Tl i ,4 aciv|* r»s| >« »i i 1»i 1i t y fur tini'l- ranee.s of Mr. (Ilas-ow- This, Sir. v' hat (hi- Yankee would ii'im " i-x- ---• iin- tin- limit." If the Treasure! ■I -• ny other iin in>><*r of tin- Ci.mmit i • is willing tn shoulder .-iich a re-•i-iiisjliility. tlii-y would l'l"'fitly sin - I'li-r mo. Mr. (ilas-ow states lie will I '*' s ..V.I if I ill, likewise, v.iiich implies a wish t«. *. trie the discus-dun in that way. I certainly il-sirc to end the font n.v<-ray, I.ut could not accept such a H. ttl.in.i:t To place the paltry sum of £5 as thivalue r,f one's reputation f„ r truthful-

ic-.ss is to me simply a.-fiiuinlirii.'. Hut apparently Mr. Glas-ow lines not

value hucll a trait, and if excuse,| from extricating' himselt from big untenable position, and demainlintr pro,,f of his statement, he would willinelv forfeit liis donation to the Red Cross Fund. I could surest a much mor, honourahle that Mr. Olasu'ow might have adopted, nauielv, that.

after discover,!!:: his statement was not correct, he should have withdrawn it and expressed regret, which would

have given the impression that he was at least honest in his intentions. The moat lamentable feature of the business is that, through the apathy of tho householders on the one hand and the presumption of an individual on the other, we are represented on the School Committee by one who. while legally claiming the right, morally has none since he has no children attending school. I do not propose to further continue this discussion, it having already been unnecessarily prolonged, but should Mr. Glasgow feel that his Treasurer, the notable cheque butt, and probably the balance-sheet that he mentioned, may hold a ray of light for him, I will concede him the whole assembly, and if he submits a true statement to prove that the amount of debts owing on '!oth April, 1917, was only about £2. as he stated, and apparently still affirms, I will forfeit the sum of £5 to the local Red Cross Fund. 1 have deposited the same with our local Postmaster, with instructions that when the above statement is produced, to hand my donation over to the Fund. I will allow this offer to stand for fourteen days from date of issue.—Yours, etc., W. KEYES. Onewhero. July 3, 1918.