MOA FLAT SCHOOL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 152, 5 January 1871, Page 6

MOA FLAT SCHOOL.

(To the Editor)

Sib, — In perusing your paper of the 22nd inst., I read an account of a meeting of householders and others interested in the welfare of the Moa Flat School, which was held on the 13th inst. In reading the chairman's opening address to the meeting, I was surprised to see that Mr. Rentoul stated to the meeting that Mr. Smith was forced to resign through a minority, small in number, and trifling

in influence. Now, Mr. Editor, I can assure Mr. Bentoul that every courtesy was shown to Mr. Smith by those he calls the minority ; and if Mr. Bentoul is not aware of the cause of some members of the committee harassing Mr. Smith to resign — as he is pleased to term it — I will endeavour, in a few words, to inform him. In the first place, several members of the committee were spoken to by parents having children at school, with regard to the progress their children were making. Now, Mr. Editor, after carefully enquiring into the matter, those members considered they would not be doing their duty to the public, if they allowed matters to remain as they were. It is a well-known fart that Mr. Smith Jeft ths Teviot School, and went down to a school in Dunedin for a few months— -.came up here, and was placed, as all understood, at the time. His appointment was only temporary, as Mr. Hislop had informed the School Committee that teachers were scarce in Dunedin at the time. Mr. Smith has been teaching here over two years as an uncertificated teacher, liable to be turned out at any time by any committee that might be in office. Now, Mr. Editor, the minority wished Mr. Smith to pass the Board, in order that he might be permanently placed, and all parties assured of his qualifications as a teacher, and then matters would have gone on smoothly. Instead, he has neither gone before the Board, neither will he give up the school as he stated in his resignation, but set the committee at defiance, simply because nine men met in the schoolroom and gave it out that they represented householders and others in the district, while two of these nine are his own near relations — the other 7 his most ardent admirers. They next appointed three of their nnmber to wait upon Mr. Smith to withdraw his resignation. Of course he is only too glad to oblige. Mr. Rentoul also states that an illegal and informal meeting, the minority succeeded in obtaining a majority, which majority forced Mr. Smith to resign. I should like to know from Mr. Rentoul J why he allowed his name to be added to the School Committee at that time ? Why did he come amongst them — take part in their debates — give his vote in favour of Mr. Smith, and speak on all matters connected with the school, I leave the public to judge for themselves. I think if Mr. Rentoul, and those who have no children to educate, would leave ifc to those who have, they would be doing an act of justice to the young in this district. Youi correspondent stated that the memorial was signed by nine-tenths of the parents. This state, ment is not correct. I know of parents representing 30 children, who never saw the memorial ; and further, a great many never heard of the meeting until it was over. I hear it was stated at the meeting, that notice was given to all members of committee. Such was not the case. I know several members who knew nothing of the meeting until it was too late ; and strange to say, those who got notice, were all in favour of Mr. Smith, No wonder the meeting was so unanimous. I believe a memorial is to be sent to the Educational Board, signed by the parents, praying the Board to take steps to know whether Mr. Smith has the necessary qualifications of a teacher or not. One word more, and I have done. If Mr. Smith is the teacher that his admh'ers represent him to be, why are there so few children at school ? and why have so many been withdrawn of late 1 Trusting you will give publicity to the above, and oblige — Yours, &c,

A Parent. Mount Benger, Dec. 27, 1870.