OTAKOU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2253, 6 May 1897, Page 31

OTAKOU.

May 3.—Very little interest was taken in the election for members of the school committee this year. It is not at all strange, iv my opinion, that such should be the case, as about the only thing that a man gains by going on a school committee is a good chance of falling out over some trivial matter with his fellow comniitteemen, or if he is lucky enough to pull well together with them he generally gets a lot of abuse and unfair criticism from his neighbours, especially if he happens to take any interest in the school or the welfare of the pupils. More than probable, in that case some personal or selfish motive will bo imputed to him by ignorant and ill-natured persons. At the Kaik very few of the householders turned np for the election. Mr Bishop was voted to ths chair, but only four names could be got of those willing to stand —viz, Messrs Bishop, Bayne, Hitchcock, and S. Forsy th ; so that the board will have to nominate the other three members to make up the number. At Taiavoa Heads there was not a sufficient number present to form a meeting, so another election will have to be held. Departing Settleiis.—Several of tbe settlers in this district are leaving for fresh fields and pastures new, no fewer than five families being mentioned who are leaving here shortly for the Taieri and other places. Mr H. Leith has again taken his place from Mr Garr, who has been farming it for the last three years.