EDUCATION BOARD SQUABBLES.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3305, 5 November 1883, Page 2

EDUCATION BOARD SQUABBLES.

The meetings of public bodies in Wellington appear to bo breezy,as a rule. The following scene at the Education Board meeting in that city is an instance. The question being discussed was the ndvisableness of appointing Mr Ward, a now arrival from Home, to the position of assistant master at the Te Aro School

Mr Bunny said ho went dead against anybody landing on the shores of New Zealand and being at once put into a

position. What was the good of their Normal School, if a man arrived here with a bookfull of testimonials as a monkey was full of fleas, and was given the vacant appointment ? The Rev. J. Paterson said from what he knew of Mr Ward, he had filled his position well wherever he had been placed, and he (the speaker) did not think it became any member of the Board to throw contempt upon Mr Ward and his testimonials, because he had just arrived here. If they got good teachers from outside, they,‘should appoint them without sneering at them,

Mr Bunny denied that he was sneering and said that Mr Paterson always got a little out of temper when anybody differed from him. He suggested that Mr Ward should be examined by Mr Lee. His friend (Mr Paterson) was rather warm in temper if he contradicted him, and he (Mr Bunny) felt rather inclined to contradict him. Some discussion then took place as to a certificate received by Mr Ward. Mr Bunny asked by whom it was signed. Mr Hutchison presumed that it would be signed by Mr Dick. Mr Bunny—Mr Dick knows as much about it as this piece of paper. (A laugh.) The appointment of Mr Ward was put and agreed to. The Board then proceeded to consider applications for the other appointments, and, taking up an English parchment sent in by one applicant, Mr Bunny remarked, “Ah, here we have something to go upon. This is signed by somebody or other, ‘ H.M. Inspector.’” What does that mean? Her Majesty’s Inspector, I suppose ? Mr Paterson and the Secretary were both understood to reply in the affirmative.

Mr Bunny (to the Rev. J. Paterson)— Well, you know everything, of course, but I have to enquire as I go along. Mr Paterson ironically retorted that seeing there was such a large piece of parchment, they of course had ocular demonstration to go upon in regard to this particular applicant. Mr Bunny, who had left his seat and was pacing up and down the room, subsequently said, addressing Mr Paterson —We’re being overrun with dictation here. Talk about Popes! You’re a first-rate man so long as everybody agrees with you. i IThe Rev. J. Paterson smilingly asked Mr Bunny to calm himself, and Dr Newman suggested whether this sort of discussion was not derogatory to the dignity of the Board. The conversation then dropped, and the proceedings resumed their usual humdrum placidity.