THE OKAIAWA “INSULT.”

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 17 September 1934, Page 4

THE OKAIAWA “INSULT.”

(To the Editor). Sir, —In Saturday’s issue of the “Hawera Star,” under the above heading, a letter signed by H. J. Finlay, It. J. Mason, and B. Hughes purported to set out what took place at the meeting addressed by Colonel Olosey at Okaiawa. Some portions are correct, others are not. For instance, the statement that there were “untoward interjections’ ’I deny and, further on, reference to “very offensive terms” I deny also. This brings us to the point where, in a morning paper, I am charged with insulting Colonel Olosey, which issue the above-mentioned gentlemen apparently wish to evade. The last paragraph of their letter reads: “ . . .and wish to add that the movement lias not previously made any report on the matter.” Now, sir, my information is definitely to the effect that one of the above-mentioned gentlemen .supplied the information that appeared in the morning paper and I will make this further comment, that out of an audience of 21 at the Okaiawa meeting ten were residents of 'Okaiawa and the remainder were visitors who apparently were present for the purpose of carrying motions proposed by the lecturer who discourteously evaded the chair, which is the usual channel through which such motions are put to a meeting. My offer in my previous letter to apologise for anything that can be construed as an insult is repeated.— 1. am etc., D. WAHIDS.

HIGH SCHOOL ELECTION.

(To the Editor). Sir, —The ballot papers for the above election were issued approximately ten days ago, and the instructions thereon stated that all ballot papers had to he signed and delivered at the school office not later than 4 p.m. on the 14th inst., and the results should have been known shortly after that time. However, in your Saturday’s edition, it was stated that the result of the election would not be known until next Friday, to allow time for the arrival of country votes. Would this not make the election invalid y —l am. etc.,' PARENT. When the above letter was shown to ■the principal of the Hawera High School, who is returning officer for the election, he' referred a representative of the "Hawera Star” to the voting paper, which states that the paper "if posted to the returning officer must be posted on or before the day of the election, or if delivered to him shall he delivered at his office at the Technical High School, Camberwell Road, Hawera, before the day of the election or not later than 5 o’clock on the afternoon of that day.” It was pointed out that the returning officer was compelled by departmental regulations to wait six days for the arrival through the post of votes, which must be included in the cFimt, provided they are postmarked not later than the day on which the election closed. The regulations provide for the opening and counting of the votes on the seventh day after the election.