Masterton School Committee.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3716, 21 January 1891, Page 2

Masterton School Committee.

[to the editoh.]

Sir, —As 1 am an Englishman, perheps you will allow me to speak even more than twice—till I am undeis stood, I have not, as Mr Eton states, apologised for words used. The words were used to condemn the policy advocated by Mr Eton, viz., getting carelessly into debt and then making no effort to get out. The personal side of the matter is hardly worthy of debate, but as he has challenged I am bound to answer. Mr Eton says I have always objected to apply to the Education Board for assistance. I admit that I have objected when, in my opinion, the only effect of such application would be to show our incompetence to deal with any funds at our disposal. What is the use of applying to the Board for funds on the simple plea that we are in debt ? They very properly say why, did you get into debt? Now, Mr i'lton, did 1 not protest against the Committee paying for the completion of the last piece of work the Board did here, and was I not alone in that protest ? Was not the last £2O grant from the Board got as the result of a motion I proposed? Did I not in company with Mr Hogg (at the deputation's own expense) go as a deputation to Wellington ? And as a result did not the Board grant us a substantial sum which I feel sure would have been larger, but for the manner the Com - ruittee had dealt with the business of the water supply? Now, sir. As to the real difficulty. Mr Eton says that the debt of £SO was incurred by the late Committee; this is not so. At the last annual meeting the debt wis stated to be £3O, our present debt is £SO, shewing that we have increased our debt by £2O during the past nine months. If the Board would pay this £SO the difficulty would be over, but if they pay our liabilities, they will also have to pay the debts of all the Committees in the district. Will they do this? I think not. The declared policy of the Town Lands Trust is not to pay off our old debts, and further to show us that they cannot trust to the Committee's administration, they insist on the moDey alloted by them being spent only as theylike, leaving nothing to the judgment of the School mitfcee Will Mr Eton, working in the interest of the school, show us how this liability is to be n?et otherwise than I haye suggested, taking round the hat. If lie can, I will gladly fall in with it. But as I understand it the people have elected the Committee, and the Committee have got into debt. If the people will not pay, then the members of the Committee must, or find seme practicable and honorable way out of thn difficulty. To do this is the wish of yours, &c, Chas. E. Daniell. [to the editor.]

Sir,—l would like to make a suggestion to the gentlemen ou the Sports Committee with regard to the dressing tent. On New Year's Day whea 8 few of the " peds " along with their trainers were inside, the room was so small, and the heat so stifling, it was quite necessary for some to undress under the trees. By seeing into this little matter they would greatly oblige An Old Ped.