AUCKLAND EDUCATION BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12408, 22 October 1903, Page 3

AUCKLAND EDUCATION BOARD.

MR. J. G. RUTHERFORD RESIGNS. The differences between members of the Auckland Board of Education arising out of the recent inquiry affecting the architects and foremen have resulted in two resignations, Mr. J. G. Rutherford having now followed tho lead of Mr. James Muir in leaving the Board. At yesterday's meeting of the Board tho secretary (Mr. V. E. Rice) announced the receipt of the following communication:—" Remuera, October , 19, 1903. The Chairman Education Board, Auckland.: Sir.— bos to 'tender my resignation its a member of the Auckland Board of Education, as i. consider some ot your recent rulings as chairman have been grossly unfair. For example, on Tuesday, September 22, prior: to tho adjournment, you distinctly stated that I should have an opportunity of giving my views about the question of tho Board's architects and foremen at a later stage, but' when the matter again came before the Board you ruled mo out of order, and refused to allow me the right to speak, which I consider was a gross broach of faith on your part. I regret to be thus compelled to : sever my connection with the Board, but consider that 1 have no alternative under the circumstances. —J, G. RCTITERFORD." In moving that tho resignation bo accepted, and the thanks of the Board be tendered to Mr. Rutherford for his past services, the chairman said I am sorry that Air. Rutherford has seen fit to jesign his seat, but I cannot let his statement go unchallenged. Tho minutes of tho Board do not support Mr. Rutherford's complaint. At the mooting of the committee of the Board iii the forenoon of Tuesday, September 2)2, when all the members were present, the architects were examined and questioned Upon the matters, comprised in the order of reference, and Mr. Rutherford then had an opportunity of questioning them and eliciting any information or explanation which ho deHired to have. He did not do so. 1c was then unanimously agreed Rutherford not dissenting—to appoint a sub-committee of four members to draw up a report for the consideration of tho committee in the afternoon. The draft report was accordingly submitted, to the committee in tho afternoon of tho same day, and upon Mr. Luke moving its adoption, Mr. Rutherford moved an amendment to adjourn the consideration of tho draft report to a future date. Mr. Rutherford's amendment was negatived by six votes to two. In voting against the adjournment, I assured Mr. Rutherford that ho would have the opportunity of speaking to the report at its presentation to the Board on the following day. When the report came up before the Board on September 23, Mr, Rutherford proceeded to discuss the subjects of the Maungatawhhi fence and the Whangarata drain, 'matters which had not been touched upon at tho inquiry on tho previous day. I did not interrupt Mr. Rutherford, as I was willing to allow him every latitude. Three members in succession objected to (lie introduction of irrelevant matter, and asked me, as chairman, to rule Mr. Rutherford out, of order. I twice appealed to Mr. Rutherford to confine his remarks to the consideration of the report, which was then before the Board. This Mr. Rutherford did not do, and he ceased speaking. At no time was Till - . Rutherford refused the right to speak upon tiio subject which was then before the Board, namely, the consideration of the draft report. Mr. Edgecumbe, in seconding, stated that he could fully bear out the chairman's remarks. He was ono of those who rose to ask whether Mr. Rutherford was in order. Mr. Rutherford and others who took up a position adverse to tho architects had ample opportunity of giving expression to their opinions. Mr. Bagmill supported. He regretted tho resignation, having regarded Mr. Rutherford as an acquisition to the, Board. Mr. Rutherford appeared to have Quito missed the point of tho investigation, and also of the report. For his own part he had been careful to avoid several subjects whirl) he knew, if introduced, would have tho effect of reopening old sores. Mr. Rutherford seemed anxious to go into questions of tbe.Mamigntawhiri fence and tho Whangarata drain. These, matters were irrelevant. What the Board were anxious to do was to establish the principle as to how tho work should be carried on, without going into minor details. There was no doubt that Mr. Rutherford was at the time travelling far beyond tin? motion before the Board, and he was quite mistaken, therefore, in supposing that ho had been unfairly dealt with. Mr, S. Luke endorsed the remarks of the previous speaker. Mr. Rutherford was an old friend of his, and he was among those who heartily welcomed him to the Board. It was, therefore, a matter of regret to himself that Mr. Rutherford should have seen fit to resign, especially under such oircumslanccs. The Board had acted with perfect fairness towards Mr. Buthefrfcrd. Mr. Grcenslad.3 also supported. Tho chairman said he was very pleased to hoar lie remarks of his colleagues, lie had endeavoured all through to act impartially. The motion was then put and carried unanimous l *-.* It was decided that the election to fill the vacancy should take place on Tuesday, December 8.