THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1881.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 5997, 5 February 1881, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1881.

The Board of Governors of the College and Grammar School found themselves in a position of considerable embarrassment yesterday, and it is not surprising that they had great difficulty in arriving at a conclusion as to the best course to pursue. The Board had before them the imputations against the management of the institution by Mr. Fenton, the written charges of Dr. Purchas, and the demand of the head-master, Mr. Macrae, for a full investigation. We are disposed to think that the decision first to investigate the charges made by Dr. Purchas is a right one on the ground urged by the Rev. Mr. Nelson that they are specific, but it is by no means so clear that the Board should be the tribunal. It is true that a general investigation, as requested by Mr. Macrae, might cover the whole ground, but it might not. Dr. Purchas might elect to stand aside, and rest content with the general inquiry. But that would not be fair to Mr. Macrae. He is entitled to a deliverance as to these charges, and the Board could hardly be justified in merging them in the general question. Indeed, we may go further, and say that a general investigation is in itself somewhat unjust, and that any enquiry ought to be based upon specific charges. For instance, it would appear proper that Mr. Fenton should formulate the charges he made by word of mouth, and that these should form one basis of inquiry. A general investigation is indefinite, may mean anything ; may degenerate into a fishing inquiry and place the person assailed at the disadvantage that he does not know what he has to answer, and so may be found unprepared with regard to some particulars. Any one of us would feel that he was placed in a position of great difficulty, and at a great disadvantage, if he were called upon to defend himself against charges extending over an indefinite period, and referring to matters, some of which he had forgotten, and to others,

of which lie had but an imperfect recollection. Witnesses might not be on the spot. It is always held that charges must be definite, and limited to a reasonable period. That is of the spirit of justice. Nothing is easier than to make general charges; nothing more difficult than to rebut them ; hence they are always regarded with disfavour. Mr. Macrae has probably under the circumstances taken the best course by demanding a full inquiry into the management of the institution ; but had lie required that all charges be specific, the Board would have felt the justice of his demand. Some members of the Board appear to think that the investigation of Dr. Purchas' charges was not requisite because they would be covered by a general investigation. But that is to put the cart before the horse. A. special investigation leads up to the general question or discloses the necessity for a general inquiry, but this last does not necessarily cover the special charge which may never be proceeded with. The determination of the Board first to investigate the charges made by Dr. Purchas will enable it to see its way more clearly,end, possibly,show whether a full investigation is required, though, after Mr. Macrae's request, this seems almost inevitable.

The determination of the Board itself to investigate the complaints of Dr. Purchas, could, perhaps, not be avoided, and, from that point of view, a general investigation -would have had an advantage. As respects a general inquiry into the management of the institution, the Government could have been asked to take the matter in hand; but not so with respect to Dr. Purchas , charges. Yet the circumstances which necessitate the investigation are likely to impair public confidence in the Board's impartiality. "With regard to the headmaster, the management of the-institu-

tion; and'indeed generally, the Board is split into two parties, each influenced by feeling, and it is surely obvious that this is about the last tribunal fitted to conduct a judicial inquiry. Mr. Fenton is the avowed personal foe of the head-master, and discontented in almost every respect with his management. Of the gentlemen who have recently joined the Board, and of whom we desire to speak •with all reserve, their co-operation with Mr. Fenton to remove the head-master will inspire a doubt as to whether their minds will be altogether free from bias. It cannot be doubted that they will desire to be impartial, but can it be expected that they will be t It is by no means our desire to discredit the inquiry, but we are bound to point out difficulties which are so apparent, and which will suggest themselves to most minds. As the inquiry into the charges made by Dr. Purchas has, however, been decided on, we cannot but hope that the Board will be as careful to discard all bias as we are sure it will be anxious to do so. Mr. Fenton, of course, owes it to himself to take no part in it. Above all things, we trust that the inquiry will be public ; it would have been desirable in any case, it is absolutely essential with the circumstances which have preceded it.