A COLLEGE DISCIPLINED.

Otago Witness, Issue 3803, 1 February 1927, Page 61

A COLLEGE DISCIPLINED.

THE WANGANUI EPISODE. WANGANUI, January 28. Numerous rumours have been in circulation regarding an episode which occurred at the December matriculation examinations in Wanganui when a pupil of the Wanganui Collegiate School attacked another boy, a new arrival from England, knocking him about considerably. As a disciplinary measure, the Rev. C. F. Pierce, head master of the Collegiate School, cancelled the annual boat-race with Christ’s College (Christchurch), at the same time making a statement to the press regarding the occurrence.

In spite of the statement made- by Mr Pierce, the rumours since circulated reflect on the characters of all the parties concerned. In oider to dispose of these rumours, Mr Pierce to-night made the following additional statement: — “The charge against the boys concerned was that, being prefects, they had been the aggressors in unseemly conduct in a public place, and that the whole matter was premeditated. I looked upon it as involving, the honour of the school and punished them accordingly. I now have reason to believe that the attack was not premeditated, but was the outcome of boyish animosity towards the person attacked, and that each assailant thought, he had provocation. The punishment was inflicted on the bovs for their conduct in connection with this episode only, and for nothing else. They were not guilty of any other offence.’’ -