THE WAITAKI HIGH SCHOOL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XIX, Issue 6049, 14 September 1894, Page 4

THE WAITAKI HIGH SCHOOL.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—"Not a Patriot," etc., persists in airing his logic, but wanders somewhat from the point at issue, and in his evident dislike to labor organisations and his apparent disregard for public opinion, makes one thing plain, and that is that he belongs to the old school, now happily nearly obsolete, which used to ride roughshod over their inferiors, when might was right and when a man could be burnt at the stake for refusing to worship in the orthodox manner. Closed doors was a feature of the old Smithfield days and the Inquisition, but the British constitution of the present day says that all trials are to be public, and no man can be sentenced with closed doors, and it is the secret manner in which Mr Burn has been dealt with which is to the average British mind repugnant. "Not a Patriot," etc., reveals his identity in bis writings—his love of logic and his quotations ; but his productions would have m ire v. eight were he to attach his autograph to them, as he generally does when writing on other subjects, and would do much to convince chat he was sincere in advocating the justness of the actions of the Waitaki High School House of Lords. If the affairs of every public institution were administered in secret, and if Parliament sat in secret conclave, a nice state of things would soon be brought about. But it will be difficult to convince the public that the Waitaki House of Lords have acted fairly in the matter. The public would not have troubled themselves for 10 minutes if Mr Burn had been dismissed at a moment's notice, if suiiicieut reason was shown that it was necessary for the wellbeing of the school; but I venture to say that if Mr Harkness had been treated in the same manner as Mr Burn, there would have been a terrible Conservative howl, and individuals who now side with the Waitaki House of Lords would have been dead against them if the reputation of their imported darling was in danger. But a meeting will surely make evident the feelings of the public in the matter, and, if not representative from a conservative point of view, will at least represent that class on which the welfare of the nation depends, and from which the aristocracy drain the very life-blood. If Mr Burn is not a fit person to teach in the "Waitaki High School, he should not be allowed to follow up his calling in other schools; but, until the,public know the reason of his dismissal, they do not believe in treating him with that "Jeddart justice" which has been meted to him by the Waitaki House of Lords. " I am, etc., - • - Feed Nelsoj«v