TO THE EDITOR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXII, Issue 6698, 16 October 1905, Page 2

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,--In your paper dated October 12th I noticed that the Ruapuna School Committee held what they called their monthly meeting on October 7th, which I may just mention was an informal one, as there was no meeting called by the Chairman for th»t date. There were present—Messrs Smale, Mcßohan, Bennett, McLauchlan, and Trethoway, and, in the absence of the Chairman, Mr Bennett was voted to the chair, and no apology was received for the Chairman's absence, and after waiting for some time it was decided to send foe the minute book. With your kind permission I would like to make a few remarks on the above, for the satisfaction of other householders in the Euapuna School district. In the first place I will give you dates^ and attendance roll for meetings held since April 25, so that you will see how sincere and earnest this very important Committee is in trying to do their duty towards the householders and the Education Board, etc. Our first meeting, held June sth, there were five members present and two absent. Our second meeting held July Ist, there were five members present, the same two being absent as at the previous one. Our third meeting held July 22nd, there were six members present, and one absent. Our fourth meeting was called for September 2nd, the only member present was the Chairman, while several other memb9re held a meeting on their own account at one of the members' houses on their way to the school, but at whioh they never turned up j and, as one member remarked to a well-known farmer they were getting at the Chairman by so doing, but; it was only his own imagination. For I may say that I should be looking for something to do to find time to listen to his tongue twaddlo, which had neither sense or reason in it. Had I been at home on Oct 7th, there would have been a meeting, but I knew through the week that I should be away and therefore left it for Oct 14th, and I did not commit a breach of our rules by not calling a meeting for Oct. 7th, as it was only proposed and seconded, but sot carried, that a meeting should be held every month on the first Saturday at 8 p.m., so that the other members were only trying to i take a mean advantage of me in my absence ; and until Oct. 6th I was unaware of any business that was more important than the business for Sept. 2nd. For at that meeting there were amongst other things acoounts amounting to over £30 due for payment, and no members to pass the amount for payment or to countersign cheques, which is supposed to be done at our meetings. At this important meeting i on Oct. 7th it was decided to get new ropes for swings, and they must know that ropes have been bought for some time, and are awaiting the consent of Committee to be put on posts. They also agreed to draw the attention of the Board to a paragraph which appeared in the local papers misrei presenting the attendance of the Euapuna I School Committee. They also decided to ask the Board what should be done with old spouting, bell, etc. It seems very queer that they should think of this rubbish in the chairman's absence, as it has been lying ! about some three months, and never mentioned, I may say in reference to the I committee sending foe the minute book, as stated, it is an untruth as I have the note in my possession afc the present time that was sent to my house in my absence, and no such words as minute book are written therein. I think it would be far more manly and sfcra-ghtforward both for the committee, householders, Education Board, and all concerned if these men would attend meetings that are called and decide what work is needed to be done, and when it is to be done, and dr> it in a formal way. I [ may say that I have sent notices for a E meeting on the 14th, and have had one returned, stating that the committee have held their meeting for this month. Thanking you for very valuable space,—l; am, etc., Thos. Howben, Chairman of Committe.