“I Will Not Go”

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 5581, 20 February 1931, Page 6

“I Will Not Go”

DISMISSED SCHOOL TEACHER. ■ EDUCATION BOARD SENSATION. Refusing to leave tho room, and saying she would rather bo put out than willingly leave, Miss C. R. Phillips, an ex-teacher of the Wanganui Education Board, on Wednesday created a sensation at the Board’s meeting. Miss Phillips was lately solo teacher at the Rangiwahia School. When it was seen at the opening of the meeting that Miss Phillips was at the back of the room and would not leave, the chairman looked toward her. "I want to know if the B'oard will hoar mo," Miss Phillips said. The chairman, Mr W. A. Collins: I ask you to retire. Miss Phillips: I want to know if you will givo mo a promiso that you will hear me. Then I will go. Tho chairman again requested her retirement. Miss Phillips: I came here to protest. I won’t go outside. Tho chairman: I order you to go outside. Miss Phillips: I have just come to ask a simple question. ; I want to know if tho Board will hear me. The chairman: All right, I will put tho matter before the board. Miss Phillips: I am not going outside. I want a promise that I will ba heard. Mr Adams then left his treat to converso with Miss Phillips. (There was silcnco in tho room. Mr Adams returned to tho Board table. Miss Phillips remained. The chairman: Go outside. Miss Phillips: You' can put mo out. I would prefer that you would, but I want a promiso that I will be heard. I want to know’why I have been dismissed. I want justice. . The efhairman: T<m have ; to go to the door. Now that is final Miss Phillips. Miss Phillips: I want to be heard. I want to know why I was dismissed. I am desperate. Mr W. H. Swanger crossed tho room to talk with Miss Phillips. Miss Phillips clkl not lcavo the room. Miss Phillips again addressed the Board : I am npt getting British justice. I want a premise—

Tko chairman: I will not promise anything- I will put it before the Board. Miss Phillips: I will not go. Tho chairman: Gentlemen, I move that the Board, adjourn for a few minutes. Tho Board rose. After a few minutes Miss’ Phillips walked from the room. There was a pause and members again took their scats. Tho double door was barred. Presently there was a knock. Tho barred door was released and in walked two Board members who had been locked out. The door was again barred. Tho business of tho Board went on. There was another knock and eyes turned to the door. It was a reporter. Later one member made a laughing remark about earthquakes with the doors barred. Tho c-xit was then unlocked. When tho meeting had concluded tho chairman told the Chronicle reporter that the Board had heard Miss Phillips at length in committee. He had then stated to her that her request had not been in order, as it was set down for hearing later on the order paper. He had also informed Miss Phillips that the Board would give her requests every consideration and Would, help her where possible.