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"Mr. Archey, Manager. 'Dear Sib,— "Styx, April 18, 1906. . " Will you kindly return to me the references sent in at the time I applied for position, together with one from the Matron and yourself, which I am sure you will not refuse me, considering the length of time 1 was there. " " I am sincerely sorry that such a misunderstanding should happen between the Matron and myself. Had she known my state of health she would not have been so unfeeling as to refuse the little I asked for. " Kindly forward my references by return post, as I have another position in view. " Yours sincerely, "E. Lang." This letter practically represents the whole incident as the result of a misunderstanding between the two, and admits a want of complete knowledge of the circumstances on Mrs. Archey's part. The whole of the facts of the case are here set out, and they call for no further comment. First petition. On the 17th March, 1906, ten of the male attendants wrote a letter in the following terms to the Manager : — " To the Manager, Burnham Industrial School. "Sir,,— . "(17/3/06.) " We, the undersigned members of the staff, ask your earnest consideration of the following, namely : — " That as, owing to the extreme isolation of the school, our time off—particularly the intermediate Sunday'—affords us little or no opportunity for change or recreation, and that we are limited strictly to our monthly holiday for purposes of business or pleasure, we respectfully suggest that you should use your influence with the Department on our behalf, so that we may be as far as possible placed on the same footing as the members of the Asylum staff, who receive two consecutive days, we think, per fortnight, and two fortnights' holidays per year. Apart from this superiority, their hours are limited strictly to those included in their respective shifts. '' The ladies have not been troubled in the matter, but we trust that any concession granted to us will also be extended to them. "J. H. Gale. "P. C. Crowley. "P. C. Calkin. "J. H. Dean. "J. H. Cooper. " H. E. Cox. "A. G. Taubman. "Tim G-reney, "J. Wilson. "J. Power." This was followed, on the 22nd March, by the following further communication: — Second petition. " To the Manager. "Sir,— "21/3/06. "As it is now several days since the presentation of our petition, and as we have received uo official acknowledgement of the fact, we should be obliged if you would let us know whether we can rely on your support when referring the matter to the authorities, and, if so, in what manner we may expect your assistance. " J. H. Dean. "J. Wilson. "J. H. Cooper. "A. G. Taubman. "J. H. Gale. "P. C. Calkin. "J. Power. " Tim Greney." "H. E. Cox. The Manager replied to this to the following effect : — " The Attendants, Industrial School, Burnham. " 22nd March, 1906. " I am in receipt of petition (no date). The same has received due consideration. My recommendation will be submitted to the Secretary for Education, and his reply will be duly communicated to the staff. " I also received last evening, 21st March, 1906, a communication which I consider a deliberate insult—probably, and I believe honestly on the part of some, unintentional. "A petition containing definite proposals is submitted to me, with the suggestion that. I should use my influence with the Department on behalf of the petitioners. There is no suggestion offered, or desire expressed, to discuss the proposals, with a view of ascertaining whether such proposals, if adopted, would be prejudicial to the efficient management of the institution or otherwise. "I am:then asked (21/3-/06) whether ' we can rely on your support when referring the matter to the.authorities,' and, if so, in what manner we may expect your assistance. . My recommendations are for the Department's consideration, and I do not intend to discuss them with the employees of the institution. "When proposals were submitted by me respecting consideration of the salaries of the staff, the proposals were not submitted to the attendants, but the results were received with satisfaction. '.' I have always been led to understand that the staff recognise and appreciate my efforts on their behalf. I have at all times been only too glad to discuss any suggestion promoting the welfare of the staff and institution. I do not intend to be dictated, to by any attendant respecting the management of the institution. • - " I have addressed this communication to Mr. Gale, he being the oldest attendant (length of service).. • -../',.... , " T. Archet, Manager." '