TAPANUI SCHOOL SOIREE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 107, 26 February 1870, Page 5

TAPANUI SCHOOL SOIREE.

(To the Editor of tlie Tuapeka Times). Sir, — The most miserable and disgraceful opening of a new school took place here a few days ago. There were about 200 people present, and provisions made for less than half that number. The charge for admittance was ss, so that the School Committee might have shown a little less frugality. Some of those present, who were strangers to the place, enquired whether the cows at Tapanui gave any milk, as there seemed to be a great scarcity of it. Some four or five rev. gentlemen had been invited to attend, but failed to respond to the invitation. All this might possibly have been overlooked or forgiven had the ball not terminated in such a disgraceful manner, Several of them present, who smarted under the disappointment of the soiree, appeared to make up their minds to have a "general drunk," and the consequence was a scene of riot and confusion took place. The whole affair was very discreditable to the School Committee, and by no means flattering to Tapanui. Perhaps it may do the committee good if the public is made aware of their conduct. — I am, &c, One Present.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times.) Sib, — Allow me a small space in your largely-circulated paper to express my bitter feelings and disgust in connection with a soiree and ball which, took place at Tapanui on the 15th inst., under the management of the school committee. It was fully expected there would be at least two or three ministers of the surrounding district present ; but they failed to put in an appearance, and thus damped the spirits of the audience, However,

some of the- committee volunteered to> entertain the meeting with speeches, &c, and make up the deficiency, but when it came to the scratch, not one of them was to be seen. I think the committee acted very wisely in absenting themselves from the meeting, for had they attempted to make speeches, they would hare shown themselves publicly to be as great fools as they have repeatedly shown themselves to be by their speeches at private meetings., I was highly amused to see one of thataugust body using a watering-can in place of a tea-urn, and he evidently did not know the difference. I could have excused a billy, but a watering-can, with & rose on it, for dealing out tea at a soireet is something very novel. The ball commenced shortly after the soiree, and itwas even a greater failure than the soireev There was no order kept, and a scene of hubbub ensued ; the members of thecommittee were not to be found, and those who attempted to keep order were 1 afterwards the greatest peace-breakers. About 2 o'clock in the morning the whole affair was brought to a close by several present engaging in the "noble art of self-defence." I never was more thoroughly disgusted with the manner in which an entertainment or soiree was conducted. The tickets which were ss. each stated that the arrangements were under the supervision of the School Committee, which proved: tec be false ; in fact it was nothing else than obtaining money under false pretences. Men should not accept duties which they have no intention whatever of fulfilling. They have done the school more harm by their mismanagement of its affairs than would have resulted had there been no committee at all. — I am, <fee, One Present, Tapanui, Feb. 17.