OTAGO TEACHERS.

Southland Times, Issue 1634, 17 September 1872, Page 3

OTAGO TEACHERS.

♦ (to the editob of the times.) Sic, — I ask, a3 a special favor, space to refer to* a letter in the Otigo Daily Tiinas of the 11th inst., heade.) " Otago Teachers," and signed " Advance New Zdahmd," reflecting, coarsely, on the character and conduct of Otago teachers and school committees, and recommending, as a cure for existing evils, the estabiishmenc of a training college. As I hold that the source of a communication is of material weight in the determination of its value, I will supply your South-land readers with the information at my command touching that of the letter in question, merely remarking that I am not guessing or jumping at a conclusion. " Advance New Zealand," who, by the way, furnishes evidence of a want of elementary education, notwithstanding his " certificates," is the product of an unfortunate importation, as a speculation, by the committee of a side school, the article on arrival not beimr found equal to representation. tc Advance New Zealand," baring failed to fulfil his engagements, and, in many ways so acted as to make his new sphere too hot to hold him, has within a few months applied for appointment in at least four schools, but has been unsuccessful in each application, owing, probably, partly to its internal character and stamp, and no doubt to so-net extent to the fact that the committee by whom he is at present employed cannot conscientiously recommend him, although extremely anxious to part with him. Uence his attack upon Otagan teachers and school committees, revealing, as regards the former, malevolence and rancor at their success, and as to the latter, amazement at their gross ignorance, in failing to secure a teacher of his intellectual status and culture. Truly, the envy, impudence, and emptiness of "Advance New Zealand " are on a par with his pretensions. As to the pretended fads on which, his letter is based, they are simply fictions, and " A.N.Z." dare not sign his name thereto. — I am, &c, Thomas Pekeins. Eldon Chambers, Inrercargill, Sept. 16, 1872.