WALTHAM ORPHANAGE INQUIRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13095, 7 February 1906, Page 6

WALTHAM ORPHANAGE INQUIRY.

THE SECRETARY AND THE BOARD.

REMARKS BY THE COMMISSIONER.

[BY telegraph.— ASSOCIATION".]

Cjibistchurch, Tuesday. The Walthani Orphanage inquiry was concluded to-day. Further evidence was given bv Mr. Norris. the secretary, who stated, under cross-examination, that he did not make a practice of discussing the business of the Board with members before meeting, nor did he advise them how to act. He was not a dictator to the members, nor to any of them. The members used to go to his rooms now and then to talk over business.

\t- the close of the evidence the Commissioner. Mr. H. W. Bishop, S.M., said there was nothing at- the-orphanage likely to be of use in training the girls for domestic work. The appointments were of the poorest description, and the crockery was of a very haphazard character. Hardly two cups were alike or two dishes. He was not speaking in disparagement of Mrs. Carpenter. " The excuse she gave was that there were so many breakages that it was not worth while getting anything decent. However, the little refinements of life did not cost much, and were very acceptable. He expressed his pleasure at the admirable spirit which had characterised- the inquiry. Throughout the whole long and, to some, wearisome inquiry, there had not been the least friction. His duty now would be to present his report, and he was not looking forward to that with any great pleasure, as whatever the recommendations he made they were likelv to be assailed on all sides. However, he had no intention of trying to please everybodv. He had strong views in regard to certain matters, and should have no hesitation in expressing them.