MR MONTGOMERY AT WAIORONGOMAI.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 155, 22 May 1886, Page 2

MR MONTGOMERY AT WAIORONGOMAI.

Mr Montgomery, of the" Thames School of Mines Association, commenced his first course of instruction at Wniorong'omai on Friday evening, 14th inst., in tho old school-house, more recently used as a store by Messrs Laybourn Bros ; a building in every way exceptionally comfortable and suitable for the purpose, and provided with shelves, etc.. thus saving any expense in that direction. The average class attendance has been about a dozen, in addition to which several persons interested have dropped in during the day time. Several members have availed them. Helves of the opportunity to have eton c leßteil from various parts of the field winch will no doubt be conducive of goo,j'

and give encouragement to further prospecting. Whilst much benefit will undoubtedly result Ct'qm Mr Montgomery's visit, wo regret to state that a furtive attempt, almost amounting to " boycotting," has been made to hinder the good work, by some who, from their position, ought to know bettor. We consider such con* duct deserving of the strongest censure, and most contemptible ; and it is a matter foi regret that those capable oC lining their influence and power to deter from attending the classes some who would otherwise gladly go, should bo placed in positions which they are evidently too small of soul to fill with advantage to the community. Tho miserable excuse given is that the Public Hall has not been uaed for tho purpose oE holding the classes. We aro aware a petition purporting to emanato from members of! tho School of Mines (but with several names attachod of those not members), was at tho eleventh hour handed to Mr Montgomery, requesting him to use the hall, but this was only after all arrangements for using the -tore had been made. Besides, tho hall ia used for chutch services, and it would bo exceedingly inconv«nient to Mr Montgomery to have to pack up his things on each Saturday. We repeat tho plea of not using the hall is but n miserable excuse put forward t>y some who from the first have shown an antipathy to the movement. They will no doubt be highly gratified to know their efforts^ prevent a large attondanco nt tho claqaoq, and otherwise retard the benefits which should accruo from the course of instruction have been eminen(l3' successful. Mr Montgomery will closo his Waiorongomai classes on Wednesday next, and re-open at To Arolm on Sdtmday or Monday following.