RESIGNATION IN A BODY

Taranaki Daily News, 19 April 1934, Page 13

RESIGNATION IN A BODY

SCHOOL COMMITTEE’S STAND. DISPUTE ABOUT WATER SUPPLY. Trouble with the Taranaki Education Board about the supplying of water to a private residence resulted in the Lepperton school committee resigning in a body. The decision was made known to the board at the monthly meeting yesterday, when the letter of resignation was received.

‘‘As the Taranaki Education Board,” the letter stated, “has seen fit to grant a lead of water being taken from the Lepperton school supply to a private residence without in any way consulting or notifying this committee, we feel that as a committee we have been ignored in this matter and that a committee here is not necessary. We therefore beg to resign from being members of the committee, our resignations to take effect on April 16. All books and papers used by us in the management of the school affairs will be forwarded to the board’s Office immediately.” The chairman of the board, Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., said that it was a pity the committee had taken such precipitate action. He did not know what frictions were going on at Lepperton, he said, but the matter was far from ended. For years the board had worked to increase the playing area at the school, and its efforts had been so successful that today there was a fine area of five acres. A good deal of delicate negotiation was necessary, including the closing of a road reserve. No member of the present Lepperton school committee had any idea of the true position, he said. Owing to the exchange of areas of land it' had been necessary to supply water to three properties as well as the school and school residence. It was impossible for the farmers to be deprived of their water rights A legal document would have to be drawn up in regard to the supply.

After discussion a sub-committee consisting of Messrs. Smi.h, J. A. Valentine and W. H. Jones was appointed to go into the matter, the committee to have power to act.