AN EXPRESSION RESENTED.

Northern Advocate, 9 April 1914, Page 5

AN EXPRESSION RESENTED.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—ln your issue of March 20, under the beading of "Maunu," appears a remark which is evidently meant to be offensive, both to the Waipu Central school and its late headmaster, Mr W. N. Ingram; but .whether the remark, or the spirit

which prompted it came from Maunu or not makes little difference. The , writer, in commenting on the loss 'sustained by Maunu school in, losing iis head teacher, goes on to say that . the Waipu Central school, to which he goes, is to be congratulated on having secured so efficient a master, . "especially as it is in need of system matic management."Now, Sir, I have no hesitation in characterising this remark as unjust,

unmerited, and altogether- void of

truth. Mr Ingram, our,, late teacher, was both systematic and conscientious in his work, and managed his pupils with-firmness combined with kindness and gentleness, and had no love for the bullock-driving methods so much in evidence among,teachers

of the more inferior order

I may state here that I have been chairman of our school committee during'the.whole of the time that Mr Ingrajm was in charge, and therefore think >that I am in a position to bear witness to the good work done by that gentleman, and in addition to my own observation I have before me at this moment reports from several

school inspectors giving Mr Ingram

and his work the . highest possible praise, both in his teaching and discipline. Let me select remarks from a report by Mr C. A. Garrard, 8.A., which are as follows; —"The teaching throughout the school is intelligent and thorough. The school is in a very satisfactory state of efficiency, considerable improyement having

been made during the last half year."

etc. If Mr Ingram's successor will keep up the same high standard and endear himself to pupils and parents we are indeed to be congratulated. In conclusion, let me.say that if the writer of the remark above referred to has any sense of justice he will offer a public apology, and afterward

confine his criticisms to matters upon which he is better informed. .Thanking you in anticipation,—l am, etc., j. r. Mclean, . Chairman'Waipu Central School Committee.

P.S. —Since writing the above, the thought has struck me that your correspondent's remark refers to the management of the school since' Mr Ingram's departure. If that be so, having not been in touch with the school, I regret that I am not in a position to contradict it. It is, however, unlikely that such is his meaning.—J.R.M.