THE ORARI POSTOFFICE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1162, 8 April 1884, Page 2

THE ORARI POSTOFFICE.

TO THE EDITOR Sir, —l will ask you please to publish the Fostmaster-General’s letter to me of April Ist, by which you will see that I have written to him twice and urged the importance of having two daily mails to Timaru and Christchurch (he kindly granted my previous applications for two daily mails to Timaru) from Orari, and that he has very kindly carried out my suggestions, which I know all farmers in the district will greatly appreciate.—l am, etc., O. Gr. Tripp, Orari Gorge, April 5, 1884, “ Post Office and Telegraph Department, General Post Office, Wellington, Ist April, 1884. “ Sir,—l have the honor to ledge receipt of your letter of the 27th ultimo, in reference to your former one of the 15th February, in the matter of the mail service between Orari and Christchurch. In reply I beg to inform you that arrangements have now been made for two mails daily from Orari to Christchurch—the usual one in the afternoon, and one, as you wish, by the morning train. The arrangement has already been brought into operation.—l have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant, “ W. Gray, “ Secretary. C. G. Tripp, Esq., J.P., “ Orari Gorge, Woodbury.” THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE TEMUKA AND WAIMATE SCHOOLS. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —la perusing your account of the Education Board for fjouth Canterbury’s last meeting, I cannot help being struck with the self-dignified, persistent ‘ don’t-tread-on-my-coat-tail’ style of that august body in their endeavor to bring two of the best men in South Canterbury (in their sphere of labor) to eat * humble pie,’ and prostrate themselves in dust and ashes before Messrs Dr Foster and Goldsmith. I mean Messrs Wood and Ward, gentlemen of proved and tried worth, who in the past have fulfilled their duties with credit to themselves, and honor to the committees who chose them out of so very many applications, and chose worthily. Now, the attempt to put these men out of their situations, who I need not say have proved eminently satisfactory to parents not only in the ordinary school standards but in the higher subjects, is to my mind sheer absurdity if not absolutely mischievous, for the sake of introducing some maudling, white-fingered, bid-gloved, lemon-scented, part-my-hair-m-the-front, high-heeled dandy, who may have as much brains or as much knowledge of tuition as the polished walking stick in his hand or the gold goggles on the bridge of his nose. It has been enquired who this Mr Goldsmith may be who seconded Dr Foster’s proposition, or whether he has any knowledge of University degrees, that he is so keen on the subject when he sits to do the important in solemn conclave with the Rev. G, Barclay, Dr Foster and other members, Bye-the-bye Mr Barclay seemed very quiet at the meeting, but, if X am not mistaken, he is a keen manufacturer of balls and lets other people fire them. I think it would be better for parsons, and indeed for the communities which they represent, to confine their labors to the pulpit, and take part in superintending the spiritual education of the people instead of the secular, and leave the latter to secular men, who may not have a little pricking of conscience at an occasional intrigue when it is found convenient. If I mistake not, I think the Board ere long will be glad to get out of this arbitrary piece of business with clean hands and a contrite spirit, for I am persuaded that the paterfamilias of Waimate and Temuka will have to undergo some rough handling before they part company with the popular masters who are bringing forward their families with secular, and a highly moral, culture so ably and well. It appears tyrannical of the Board to fix day and date for examination in a University degree for gentlemen whose energies are at times, even now, overtaxed to keep up the high tone and excellence of the school* under their charge, and which are proverbial for efficiency and careful management. Messrs Wood and Ward are to be complimented on their stand against what I think to be so iniquitous an exaction. It would be better for them to take a school at £l2 per month, and retain their health, than to keep a school at £2O or ±,25 and ruin their health. The thanks of the people of Temuka are due to Mr John Talbot for his efforts as a member of the Board in attempting to sprag the the wheels of this inquisitorial and highhanded piece of machinery which was set in motion in Timaru last Wednesday to get rid of two of the beat men that ever served a Committee or a Board, and whether he is successful or not in his good designs on the 17th of this month, ail right-minded people will honor the attempt he will make single-handed! against so many ‘ great guns.’—l am, etc., Rough on Rats, Temuka, April 7, 1884,