OPHIR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2202, 14 May 1896, Page 25

OPHIR.

May 12. — Constable Leeoe, who -has bees stationed here for the la^t five years, 'has been transferred to ."outh Dunedin. Owing to tha death of his wife recently he desired a change to another station, but the heads of the department now look on him as 'a single man, alt hough >he has five young children, and is compelle t 'to keep a housekeeper m consequence. Surely the department, in debarring single tnen from taking churg« of country stations, never intended it to apply to such cases as this. It is hoped that ere long the constable will again be reinirtatad in a country station, as a more capable officer for such a position is not to be found in the police service. Constable Gleeaon bas been appointed to succeed Mr Leece, and after having done so many years street duty in Dunedin he naturally feels like a fish out of water, and a bifd time is anticipated, for the first resisting candidate for the jug. School Committre Election.— The following seven candid*tes headed the poll at the recent elecMon :— Dr Ward, Messrs J. Pitch, s, J. Hay. P. Harrington, N. Peacock, J. Wilson, and C. Gallagher. There were 15 nominations, and unusual interest was manifested in the election, over 60 per&ons being present. An attempt is being made to upset the election, as it is alleged that numbers voted who were not possessed of the necessary qualifications. It is cert-dnly time an alteration was made. No one but parents of childieu attending the school should be eligible as coaimitteemeo, or be allowed to vote at these elections. The committee as parents would then be directly interested in school affairs. Numbers attend these meetings and exercise their rights to vote who are not interested in educational matter*), but simply to assist a party with an axe to gtind.