ANSWER TO JOHN HALE IN REPLY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 155, 26 November 1914, Page 6

ANSWER TO JOHN HALE IN REPLY.

To the Editor, Sir, —Having courteously admitted above in your issue of 23rd inst., courtesy may allow my replies to questions, which though insidously couched, show improvement or fulsome swagger—a result probably of the editorial) appeal to "gentlemen." Good! The question can best be dealt with, perhaps, by a, simple truthful statement of events. As an aid towards checking the offensive and insulting conduct complained of, after various appeals bad been fruitlessly mado direct to Mr Hale, on behalf of other residents and my household, and in the cause of training and discipline I appealed to the beneficial influence of the Lower Mangorei school teacher. This appeal was impartially and readily responded to so far as power of jurisdiction extended. The ''youthful offenders" were, however, obdurate; and as a personal correction was considered out of place, inlluence was requisitioned to warn and impress the young larrikins. This course is often effective when other attempts fail. In this instance however, no good results occurred. The "chairman" (introduced by Mr Hale in < usual distorted style), was at the ; time,on behalf of committee and ill protec- 1 tion of the schools' reputation, contem- j plating taking drastic measures in dealing i with these recalcitrant scholars, and with j whom ilr Hale has shewn so much sym- j pa thy. Now for the "cause of the ' whole trouble.'' It lies in ill- Hales' error of judgment in putting these troub- , lesonie youngsters on a fictitious inunac- j ulate pedestal; and blindly believing j them to be incapable of offering insult j and offensiveness/ whilst lie liad repeated. and reliable assurance of such! In fact, he seems to have "run'' frivolous and irresponsible children against protests and appeals, from sedate and responsible neighbors and parents; and admittedly joined them and older working youths, in indiscreet and unfortunate continuance of conduct known to be molesting to neighbors in following their peaceful pursuits anil attending to their private affairs. Had Mr Hale joined in others around in checking and correcting misconduct, all would have been well. My legitimate attempts to have such misconduct checked, gave rise to .Mr Hales' violent outbreak, and resentment of what he called "interference!" Resultant law case, White v. Hales, the charge iu which was withdrawn upon Mr Hale giving in court quiet peaceful guarantees; the withdrawal effecting the "lenient and even generous' treatment referred to, since .Mr Hale was thus released from a serious charge. Whilst the resident magistrae commented favorably on the course taken, 1 now have Mr Hale twitting me with being "afraid of the result!" How is it possible to socially negotiate with such a neighbor, so loudly vaunting meanwhile, his love of British fair playl At a time of national crisis, as now, when leaders all round the Empire, social, political and military, are engaged in strenuously incalciilating good habits ni }outh and a law-abiding loyaltv and patriotism, can Mr Hale assure us that his tacit encouragement or orderliness in }outh will make them good patriots? tan lie assure that such encouragement won t implant in youth incipient defiance of law, order, and discipline; leading sooner or later in the of "ruffianism" or ultimately "criminal'' tendency? A false moral start given to a group of children may impart the impetus that may easily produce a ' gang of hardened misdeanicanants, and bring trouble tothe State anon. Then at such a time as at the present I sug- I gest to Mr Hale to come out of localisms and, cramped personal grooves. Play tile game with a national spirit and help those of us who are doin" what we can (my own sons, by the way, arc serving their country lovallv) to lead our young folk into forming attachment to, and taking a live inter" est in public obligations for the betterment of the; community generally. This 1 may seem a far away course to selfinterest, but it wilt lead there sure enough in time. Como out and try it, Mr Hale, and put your heel on" the ! spirit ot the shirker, whenever or whoreever you find it. l J lay the game direct, too, in preference to actinv covertly through the adaptiveness of others. I cannot answer questions that mean taking liberties with the names of others I know that Mr Hale knows who the other residents are, and that is enoughand as he is the man to shout round that 1 am 'afraid to answer," I will now •make a proposal. If .Mr llale wishes for a 'regularly conducted inquiry into "grievances," let him arrange a, simole and impartial honorary tribunal, before which, ,n a ii gooll faiUl; j wm any rcvelant que*'" •: with all desired C wMi f r ' ' " to tlle co »<lition whether lio < !>,. proved in the wrong, such one , mbiicly apologise to the other, and to subscribe two guineas to the Mayor's lVi'iotic Fund; such apology or penalty in no way to /interfere with any liability incurred through malicious attempt at slander or degradation of character. Xow Mr Hale with your love of British fair play Play the game." I have passed over all acrimonious and rusty stuff; but it is amusing to find Mr Hale using your columns to decry the "scribbling habit!" And as to the 20 years of Mr Hales' peaceful association with neighbors I iave made the acquaintance of most of nMl'® %- Bnd I,aVU llUartl MUe ot the question.—l am, etc BEXONI WHITE. .Lover uVlangorei, November 24, 1914,