AN EXPLANATION.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 478, 10 April 1909, Page 7

AN EXPLANATION.

Sir,—lt having been brought to my knowledge that wrong inferences are being drawn from your rei>ort of tho recent annual general meeting of St. Patrick's College Old Boys' Association, wherein it was stated that the mooting approved tho action of the committee in asking the secretary (Mr. Crombie) to resign, it seems to me, as a member of tho committee, that in fairness and justice to Mr. Crombie tho position should ho clearly stated. The different between tho committee and its late secretary was, in tho first place, occasioned by tho fact (a) that tho committee- considered it should havo been asked to join in ennveninp; the inaugural general or Bemi-publio meeting in connection with a certain testimonial, having regard to the fact that tho eommittoo had, for somo considerable time prior to thnt meeting, and to tho knowledge of tho persons responsible for the convening of that meeting, had in hand tho matter of a testimonial; (b) that tho committee was not usked to join in convening that mooting; (c) that Mr. Cromuie. as secretary of tho association, knew of tho eorvmittec's previous airangemcnts in the matter; (d) that knowing these arrangements and knowing tint tho committee was (notwithstanding its preiious efforts in the matter) not to bo asked to join in convener that meeting (thereby loavinc the committee open to the roproo-ih of inactivity ; n ?o import.'nt a nutter), Mr Crombm noVei-tho-Icss accepted ilu posbion of scuetarv to tiin General Testimonial Committee, whilst at tho samo time lie soueht to retain the offico of secretary of the Old Boys' Association. Jho committee of tho association considered that in accepting and acting in tho dual secretarial capacity under tho circumstances, Mr. Oromluo hid proved disloyal to the committee, and had forfeited his right to remain in the confident of tho committee. Utner incidental differences arose, and, as a consequence of Mr. Crombie's actions in the whole matter, ho was called upon to resign his position as secretary of tho Old Boys' Association. I havo endeavoured, sir, to state the position fairly and accurately, in justice to all concerned m the matter. My solo reason for asking you to publish this letter is to preiont_ wrong inferences being drawn, to the prejudice of Mr. Crombie, as to what conduct on his part led the committee to suspend him. I may state, in conclusion, that the committee did not nor does not bear any illwill towards Mr. Crombie personally. All its members have a high opinion of Mr. Orombie s ability and general trustworthiness, but, under the circumstances as detailed, the committee considered itself justified in, calling for the secretary's resignation —I am, etc., .... A. H. CASEY. April 9.