CAMBRIDGE WEST SCHOOL CONCERT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2161, 15 May 1886, Page 4

CAMBRIDGE WEST SCHOOL CONCERT.

1 ' to the EniTon. Slß,— l notice in your Thursday's issue an anonymous letter signed "Householder, "and as such letter contains nothing but gross mitstatemonts, I shall deal with it accordingly.' The writer commences by saying the text of the annual report given by the retiring chairman was "We can do what we Hkd ' With the money " (the proceeds of th.c late concert held at Cambridge West). Such statement was never mentioned in the annual report, but was made after the report wan read. What I did say was with the concurrence and at the request of the committee, and it was to this effect : If any peraoa present had subscribed to the funds •fth'e" late concert, and thought we had done wrong in using part of the money in - making a small presentation to the indefatigable secretary, that such person by applying to the committee could have hi* half-crown' returned. Now Sir, I wish to explain the reason I made that statement. On the night of the concert a settler of Cambridge West said he had heard mention of making a presentation to our secretary out of part of the proceeds of the concert, and wished to know if it was correct. I answered, we did intend to do so. He then stated he should at once return home and send his ticket back to the committee, as the secretary was no more entitled or worthy of it than he was. I told him he was perfectly at liberty to do ■0,,»5.w0 did not wish to receive any money given grudgingly. It appeared one or two more who took care not to come to the concert (but perhaps would have done had they been expecting a presentation) had befcn complaining about the committee psing part of the money (although none of it frai< theirs) in the way indicated, so the committee thought it would be better to make this statement at the annuual meet•ing of householders that the money raised at ihe concert had nothing to do with the ■cbovl fund, and the committee who bad been put to the trouble of raising themoney were perfectly at liberty to spend it as they thought proper, as long as it was on tome object connected with the school. As to that statement about the chairman flaunting hw authority, I will appeal to any sensible person who was present if that is not a gross misstaternent, as nothing of the tort was ever attempted. He goes on to say that nothing has been done to fence in the grouud for the children, which is so much needed. The coucert was held in March, and the new committee, elected in April, so not much time has been loit yet; and that clever man, householder, showed his ignorance by sayinsr the chairman should have courteously thanked the people for so kindly responding to their imitation, which shows *t dhce that ho was not pre»ent at the concert, or he would have heard the publlfe thanked on behalf of the committee'for their very liberal patronage, which it the proper place to thank them, and not at a meeting of householders,

In conclusion, I would say to "House♦holder " next time you write to the paperi do not bo ashamed to sign ye ur name, or from the temmr of yowr letter the public will say that mnn ii an everlasting prowler, who growl* at what a committee docs and prowl* at whnt they leave undone, and would growl if tho Government fed and clothed his children for nothing as well M educated them.— Y ohm truly, EOWAKI) AI.LKS, Jl'N.j Chairman Retiring Committee. P.S.— I would «ay to " Householder " act on the committee yourself, and then you will find out what an unthankful billet it is.— E.A.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— ln your is*ue datfd May 6th, your correspondent "Householder" unjustly accused Mr Allen of "flaunting his authority" b^fow the meeting, and of making use of a taunting remark. Mr Allen UHed tho words but not in the sauce " Householder " placet upon them. I gathered that tho meaning he wished to convey was, that the money was raised by the committee and as such they were entitled to use it in any way in connection with the pchnol which they thought bent, without the intervention or authority of the Board of Education, and as for "flaunting his authority" all the fault that could be found with him is that he gave utterance to outspoken British sentiments without polish, and I think subsequent events proved that the householders approved of and were very pleased with the course the committee had taken, as five out of the seven outgoing committee were re-elected, Mr Allen among their number. — I am, &c, C. W. OtIDWOBTH. Chairman of Householders Meeting.