SCHOOL COMMITTEES

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 38, 14 August 1917, Page 8

SCHOOL COMMITTEES

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —I ask a small space to answer Mr. A. J. White's letter re. the above appearing in your issue of Saturday last, and in which he was good enough to mention my name. I wonder whether it is astigmatism, the green-eyed, or a seasonable freak of jocose invention that causes people to read into the writing of others what was riot thought of or implied. In-my former letter I mentioned' that I believed the Te Aro School was the largest-in the district. I am still of that opinion, - and would ask "A. J.W. " to exercise a little patience until the next annual report, and it will receive confirmation or otherwise. School attendance may vary considerably in two or' three years. I understand that Lansdowne is now separated from Masterton. I am unaware of the liappenings of four years ago at Te Aro School, arid if there is anything in the assertion it looks like stirring up dirty water. " " A.J.W. " is plea-sed at tho harmony at Te Aro School, merely emulating the example of Brooklyn, or vice versa.

I esteem the executive of the association, though I only visited their meetings once, and that was the occasion of Mr. Foster and Mr. Barry (two.leading headmasters) attending to explain, with the sanction of the board, what the schoolmasters intended doing in a patriotic effort, which turned out such a huge success. T know those two gentlemen were not enamoured with tho association's reception. My committee do not think a member of the board should bo on. a,school'committee, admitting the legality, but questions the advisability, for obvious reasons. Because Te Aro School is in the top notch there is no harm 1 ' in endeavouring to keep it there, so I will promise "A.J.W." that should we require advice we will avail ourselves oi his experience, feeling assured that it will as readily and willingly be given as received.—l am, et<;., H. A. W. M'KENZIE, Chairman, To Aro School. tlth August-. 10 IHI BWTOR. Sir,—lt is very amur.ing to many that the report of the Te Aro School Committee's meeting has awakened such interest. What a blessing it is that we live in a free country! The Te Aro Committeo have no ill-feeling towards any other committee, but we cannot see any benefits to be gained by joining the Association of School Committees; their objects arc no better than our own; besides, it is not legal to pay 7s 6d per year to the association out- of the school funds. Other committees have the right to think and act for themselves; we claim the same privilege; we impute no unrighteousness to any committee; we are strong and able to look after our own affairs; we did not rush into print, it was someone else. , We represent the largest school in Wellington, and the ' association seems very anxious to secure i our services. Our committee are more than satisfied with their chairman. We wish success to every school committee. —I am, etc., HARRY E. LONG, Member of To Aro School Committee. 11th August.

Thursday, the 16th inst., will be the third anniversary of the departure of tho New Zealand Expeditionary Force for Samoa. ,'■■'■ . To-morrow, at 1 p.m., at the Fruit Exchange, Blair-street, Messrs. Griffiths and Co., LW., will sell Hardy's trees, plants, and shrubs. Messrs. E. Johnston and Co. will cell to-morrow, at 1 p.m., at their rooms, fumed oak furniture, National register, etc. ' ' .'■ . ''■■-■ Messrs. J. H. Bethuno and Co. will; sell to-morrow, at 1 p.m., at their rooms, Featherston-streot, 1500 books. To-night, at the Masonic Hall, Boul-cofrt-stroet, a concert will be hold in aid of the Theo6opieal Building Fund. No effort has been spared to' make ■ this concert an artistic as well as a financial success. A good number of the principal Wellington concert performers are assisting? in tho programme, and some in--1 tercating tnueioal items are promised. I