EDUCATION BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10420, 19 April 1897, Page 3

EDUCATION BOARD.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—ln the Herald of Wednesday last it is stated "Air. Woodward opposed Air. Luke's election" to the chairmanship of the Board, "but beyond this the Board was unanimous." On the contrary, let me assure you that no member of the Board has taken . greater pains to bring about Mr. Luke's election than myself. Six weeks ago I earnestly requested Mr. Luke to accept the office if it were offered to him. He then and there declined point blank. On several occasions since I have expressed a sincere desire that he should become our chairman ; his reply has been that he could not undertake the duty. Three days before the election I rode over to Otabuhu to ascertain if he had changed his mind; and though I did not see Mr. Luke, I was assured thai he had definitely declined, and that no amount of persuasion would induce him to comply with my wishes. This I looked upon as final, and feeling that a change in the chairmanship was desirable I felt at liberty to attempt other arrangements. What I said at the meeting was that I supported Mr. Luke's election, but that I thought he ought to have acted with a little more candour in dealing with an old friend. Mr. Luke's reticeuce was very near bringing about a contest that would have greatly endangered the goodwill I hope to see prevailing on the Board during the present year. True friendship is the relationship that has long subsisted between Mr. Luke and myself and I am sure will continue to the end.—l am, etc., W. Woodward.