That Awanui Meeting.

Northland Age, Volume 3, Issue 20, 18 December 1906, Page 5

That Awanui Meeting.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir, —In reference to the article from your Awanui Correspondent re a meeting called by myself at Awanui for Saturday, November 24th last, at Awanui School room. First, it was not a meeting of houseiuffders, but a meeting of parents of children attending both the Awanui and Mangatete schools, to make arrangements for the annual picnic, to form a picnic committee, etc. I would ask Mr. W. if he has any children attending either schools ? No, do you twig it ? Second, this meeting was called for 7.30 o’clock. I may state that I was at the school house at twenty-five minutes past Beven. Finding no one there, I went up to the hotel where I found Mr- W. I stayed talking to him and Mr. McLeod for ten minutes. I remarked to Mr. W. that I was afraid there would be no meeting, as it was past time and no one had turned up, but I would return to the school room and wait awhile, which I did, but no one came. At eight o’clock I went home—a six mile ride each way — scant courtesy indeed 1 The one thing that I am surprised at is the fact that Mr. W. did not forget that I had been in Awanui that evening, but still more - ■■■■■■-■ - ■

surprised after the faot that he did not courteously explain to the meeting that I had waited what I thought a reasonable time (thirty minutes). But that fatal axe! Third, I claim that the chair I fill is full to the satisfaction of a big majority of householders. I claim further that it is an easy one to fill and a pleasant one, and an honourable one. I claim also that I do not desire to vacate it; hut I am still willing to honeßtly and faithfully serve the householders and parents and children of the Awanui and Mangatete schools, and if successful in pleasing them in my duty, I don’t work for my reward from any single person, hut from a majority of the electors at the proper time and place. I challenge anybody to say that I have ever been discourteous or unpunotual in any of my engagements, or have I failed in duty to my supporters. —I remain, yours etc. FEED. RUSSELL, Chairman Awanui District School Committee.