MEMBER RESIGNS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19636, 2 November 1933, Page 8

MEMBER RESIGNS

TIMARU MAIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE ALLEGED CONSPIRACY Considerable discussion took place at a meeting of the Timaru Main School Committee last night, following the reading of a letter from Mr H. Dennison, in which he resigned his position on the committee. The letter, which was dated October 6, read:— “It is with deep regret that I have to hand you this—my resignation c.s a member of the Main School Committee as from the above date. My reason for so doing is that I take exception to. and cannot tolerate the remarks uttered by Mr Harley at the close of the last committee meeting, namely, in continuation to my inquiry as to whether an illegal strap had been removed from the school, which I suggested should be destroyed at the previous meeting. You know what was said about a conspiracy, etc., and I feel other members may have the same view.

‘‘l emphatically state that I am not concerned m any evil plot against anyone. I made the suggestion and inquiry purely for the sole purpose of safety for the headmaster and committee.” The chairman (Mr A. Carnegie) said, that he was very sorry that Mr Dennison had taken the step he had. He had discussed the matter with Mr Dennison, and had tried to get him to alter his decision, but he was determined to have no more to do with the committee. He was.agreeable, however, to help in any way he could outside the committee. Mr Carnegie said that he would be sorry to lose Mr Dennison, as he had been a good member of the committee. The only thing they could do was to accept the resignation with regret. Suggestion of Conspiracy. Mr R. Moffatt said that it was a pity the matter had got to such a stage. He thought they could have a few heated words among themselves without suggestions of conspiracy. He thought an apology was due from Mr Harley. He thought they could get along without suggestions of conspiracies. No man could conspire with himself, and he would like to hear what Mr Harley had to say. The chairman said that Mr Moffatt was rather late. He had his remedy at the time but had not said anything. No-one had said anything, and the present position looked like an after-thouglit. Mr Moffatt said that it might be a bit late, but it was not too late to take the matter further. Mr C. Lund said that he thought Mr Harley had used a figure of speech. The chairman: I take it that way. Mr A. Dephoff: It was just a general remark. Mr Moffatt: It does not appeal to me that way. Mr Harley said that he would like to hear what members had to say before he made any remarks by way of an answer. The chairman: I don’t think there is anything to answer. Nothing Personal. Mr Harley: If there is anything to be sa c’, it should be threshed out now. I did not say anything personal, but the way things were going, it looked as if the committee’s word could not be taken. Mr Moffatt: Was there a resolution passed that the strap had to be abolished? The chairman: There was no resolution. There was no need for a strap to be abolished, so there was no need for a resolution. Mr J. W. Preen: Should not we take this matter in committee? Mr Harley: It is all over the town. Mr Moffatt: We should have let the matter drop. Mr Harley: That is what I thought. At the last meeting everyone seemed perfectly satisfied. You had the assurance of the chairman and headmaster that the strap was legal, but it was brought up again. I am sorry if any word of mine has caused a good man to resign, but I am not going to allow these undercurrents to go on without saying anything. Mr Castles: Does that apply to any other committeeman? Mr Harley: You heard what I said. The chairman: Better to let the matter drop. Mr Moffatt suggested that the committee should consider sending a letter to Mr Dennison asking him to reconsider his decision. The chairman said he had tried for an hour to induce Mr Dennison to change his mind. Resignation Accepted. iir Preen then moved that the resignation be accepted with regret, and that a letter of appreciation be sent to Mr Dennison. The motion was seconded by the chairman and carried. At a later stage of the meeting, Mr Moffatt said that he had a letter which he would like to read. It concerned the rights of committees. The chairman: It should be in my hands. Mr Moffatt: Not necessarily. The chairman: You know the procedure. Mr Moffatt: You refuse? The chairman: Yes, unless you hand the letter in. You can place it in the secretary's hands. Mr Moffatt: It is not necessary. The chairman: That is my ruling. Mr Lund: What can you gain by not handing it in. The chairman: Unless you have anything confidential you don’t want anyone else to see. Mr Moffatt: Yes, there is. Mr Preen: I don’t think any letter should be read unless the chairman first sees it. The chairman: If it is fair and square, it should be handed round. Mr Moffatt: Not necessarily. I have a right to read it, but If you refuse, that is all right.