SEDDON MEMORIAL COLLEGE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 30 September 1926, Page 5

SEDDON MEMORIAL COLLEGE.

INQUIRY CONTINUED. (BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, Sept. 20. At the inquiry into the allegations of maladministration of the Seddon "Memorial College, Constance Grey, dressmaking instructress, said the director asked Her .to sign a letter disassociating herself from the resolution carried by the Teachers’ Institute'. 1 Nobody compelled her. to sign or threatened her if she refused. She did not know how the letter came to be photographed. - Under pressure, she said she- gave it' to someone for safe keeping. After the luncheon adjournment Mr. Finlay, addressing the Commissioner, said the economic aspect of the matter had been giving him much concern. His two iearnedi friends had -been at much pains to see that no formalities were neglected that might debar them from a. remedy in costs against someone. - ~ 1 Mr. Laing had nothing to gain either from the proceedings or the commission or from its finding- nevertheless, he might find himself fathering what was in effect litigation, 'and be held responsible for a considerable - sum in costs. He was only a tradesman, and whatever equity he had in his home was at stake; : 1 : ■ " . . Mr. Laing, continued counsel, bad given the only evidence it was in his power to give. That evidence gave, scope for the holding of further inquiry within the walls of the college. Mr. Allen, for example, might wish to give evidence. He, took leave to propose to the commission that he and his client should be, allowed to withdraw from the proceedings, but to reenter when Mr. Park gave evidence in reply ,to Mr. Laing’s charges against himself. Mr. Finlay explained that he suggested . this only for economic reasons. He was entirely in the Commissioner’s hands. ; - - Mr. Towle, in reply, pointed out that' Mr. Laing had started the whole affair and had stated 'that he took-full responsibility for everything.. He now wished to withdraw, -but he" did pot withdraw his charges against Mr. Park or the board. Matters could not be left at that. The'charges must be cleared up. Mr. Laing could not avoid responsibility by withdrawing at ’the present juncture. . ; Mr. Leary fully endorsed Mr. Towle’s remarks. Mr. Finlay’s application, he said, was irregular, to say the least about it. Mr. Laing had pursued the matter for more than a, year. He had made wide and embracing charges, some- of which concerned other people’s concerns, ... and. . these, charges -had been well advertised throughout the country. When it came to a point at which? he sawYthat his charges could not be substantiated lie wished to withdraw. and then re t sume when Mr. Park gave evidence. This was the culmination of the persecution which he had directed against Mr. Park for years. The Commissioner invited counsel to confer with him privately, saying he had a course of procedure to propose. On resuming; it was announced-that the sitting would be adjourned until to-morrow. . '