DISTURBING THE OKATO SCHOOL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 212, 13 September 1901, Page 2

DISTURBING THE OKATO SCHOOL

CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE FINED The adjourned hearing of the case ia which the chairman of the Okato School Committee, James McCullum, wa3 charged with wilfully disturbing the Okato School by dismissing the scholars on the occasion of the Inspector's visit on the 3rd inst., was proceeded with nt the Police Court on Thursday beforo Mr. R. L Stanford, S.M. Mr. Roy appeared for the defendant whopleided guilty. Ho urged that a minimum fine would meet the case. Mr. Quilliam, on behalf of the' Education Board, pointed out the gravity of the offence and quoted a cane to show the illegality of the defendant's action, but as a plea of guilty had been put in he would not piass for the maximum penalty. His Worship said he had no doubt that Buch an action as dismissing the school was absolutely illegal. Such proceedings would set a bad example to the school children, and would be injurious to the discipline of the school. He did not wish to say anything th it would increase the want of harmony [that at present appeared to exist, as it ! was very desirable in the interests of education that things should work smoothly. He was glad that the de feasant had seen his way to pie id guilty, and- he thought the infliction of a fine of 10s and coats £1 12s would be sufficient.