TIMARU HIGH SCHOOL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3322, 24 November 1883, Page 3

TIMARU HIGH SCHOOL.

[TO THE EdITOB.] Sib, —For the past twelve months I have been quietly “ laughing in my sleeve” at indignant editors, and others, who, without ever taking the slightest trouble to enquire into the real facts regarding the High School Bill, and my alleged life-membership on the Board under that Bill, have been pouring forth torrents of abuse upon the Government, the author of the Bill, and myself. At once it was proclaimed to the public,that in collusion with Captain Sutter I had concocted this nice little game to suit myself, and that he and the Government had lent themselves to this iniquitous piece of injustice, that it had all been done on purpose, and was a specimen of the underhand trickery to which we had resorted in connection with the school. Let me now, through your columns, inform all who hare been spitefully abusing me and grievously vexing themselves, that all ‘their abuse, indignation, and distress has been without cause. I knew nothing about the Bill until I saw it telegraphed that such a bill had been introduced. On becoming aware that it proposed an alteration in the constitution of the Board, I wrote suggesting that provision should be made to give the parents of children attending the school more direct representation. My suggestion was rejected. This is a full, true, and particular account of my connection with the bill. So much for the charge of concoction and collusion! Next you will find that the original Bill, as proposed by its author, made no provision for a Government nominee at all, and that against the wishes of the author, the Government insisted on retaining the connection with the school. So much for the charge that this seat was especially retaiued by Captain Sutter for my benefit. Then as to the alleged life-membership there is in reality no such thing. As so often happens with Jjills in committee,care is not taken when ,-au insertion is made in one place foreign to the original design of the Bill, to make the necessary provision of another place for the right working out of the iasertion, so in the High School Bill it was overlooked, when a Government nominee was inserted in the constitution of the Board, to make provision afterwards at the proper place for his holding his seat simply at the will of the Government. Thia defect, however, was

observed before an appointment was made, and I was written to by the Government asking whether I would consent to accept the appointment on the understanding that when they pleased, the Government were free to make other arrangements. I replied, and my letter is held by the Government, stating that whenever they asked me I would retire. This has been the only collusion with the Government of which I have been guilty. Rectifying (sic) so far as lay in my power and overlook any defect in the Bill. It has, perhaps, been a little wicked in me keeping silent on the matter so long, but as the attack was made so illnaturedly and without the slightest inquiry, the most abominable motives and conduct being imputed to myself and others, I did not feel called upon to set such opponents right. But now, having enjoyed my twelve months’ laugh at them, let me through your columns explode the whole affair.— 1 am, &c., Wm. Girlies,