Daily Circulation, 1500. The Oamaru Mail MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1891.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 4952, 20 April 1891, Page 2

Daily Circulation, 1500. The Oamaru Mail MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1891.

The village of Hampden is excited. It has just been discovered by some person, who has more interest in the welfare of this little community than anyone else, that the most reputable settlers are about as bad specimens of humanity as are at large. They are not fit even to be members of a school committee. As the result

of a searching investigation and deep study, we are told that the gentlemen who comprise the Hampden School Committee have been guilty of secret sins of a most revolting character. They have been friendly with the schoolteachers. Some of them are actually related to the schoolteachers. We have looked up the Statutes of New Zealand, and, though we can find no law bearing on the subject, wc inform the teachers and their relatives (the Committeemen) that the teachers must resign, or the Committeemen must be kept out of office, or the obnoxious marriage bonds must be severed. The worst of these alternatives is perfectly easy, and quite pleasant, when one is accustomed to it, though neophytes will require a little legal advice. Then, what about those little teas in secret 1 The mind of man fails to adequately grasp the viciousness of these snug and exclusive gatherings. If they had taken place openly, and the public had been invited, the one man who appears to be honest and to have the courage of his opinions in the midst of such rank villainy, would not have had his olfactories tickled so tantalisingly by the aroma of fragrant " Ceylon three-and-fourpenny," as he passed the scene of these traitorous junketings. Working men, the Hampden reformer appeals to you. Are you going to stand quietly by and permit such things to take place ? \ou will be told that the educational results of the efforts of the teaching staff have been highly satisfactory. But do not be led away by any sucli palpable truisms. There are many other occult considerations which you cannot be expected to understand, but in regard to which your only mentor will direct you. Rather sacrifice your children's welfare than permit your community to be demoralised by friendships and harmony which are not agreeable to persons who prefer a little strife by way of a variety, and when the time conies to vote for a Committee, vote straight for men who have no relations, who are not too highly respected, and who will eschew tea, lest they might be tempted to drift into the dreadful offences of which the Hampden School Committee are a shocking example.