THE SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 249, 14 October 1908, Page 4

THE SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS.

To the Editor. Sir—Permit me to tender you I lie best thanks of (.hose who take an intelligent interest in public affairs lor the outspoken article in your Saturday's issue anent the conduct of business by the .School Commissioners. J.t seems almost incredible that in the year I'.WS there could be found in progressive New Zealand such a relic of the Middle Ayes as is evidently to be found in the methods adopted, by this decrepit bouy. Why they have been suffered to exist so long is a mystery, but it is to be hoped tliey will now receive the attention their actions have justilied. No doubt they mean well, but there is all ■the difference between intent and ac tion. The Commissioner of Crown Lands is certainly deserving of much sympathy, for it must be absolutely impossible for him to reconcile the methods of the Lands Office with that of the Commissioners. Could any sane person, for instance, possibly imagine that the Lands Commissioner would tolerate the entry of such a minute as that which you state was recorded by the School Commissioners' secretary? Why. sir, had Messrs. Malone's letter been inspired by the ollicial in question it could not have been more carefully backed up than by such a miuute. But what Can be said of a chairman who allo.vs the Press to <be ragged for the. faithful performance of a public duty'; As to the letter itself, apart from its absurd f intimation that they had no wish to suppress information or to press their complaint against you. it "will hardly improve -Mr. Malone's candidature fori a seat in the House. That, however, is |of little importance. The main point is whether or not the proceedings of this Board are of public interest, aud, if so, have not the public a right to full information as to dealings with public property? To cnulend that 'Jie particular business in question was taken in committee without such action living recorded in the minutes could on!y lie justified oil the sole, ground that th'secretary bad failed to perforin his duties. It is a poor choice of evils. Yon are to be congratulated 011 the public spirit, evinced over this matter, and should the result of your action be lU.; ■application of the necessary remedy then I am sure you will be amply repaid for the uncalled-for pillorying.--! atn ; &c„ OBSERVER.