WHO IS SPIVVINS?

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 2126, 22 October 1885, Page 2

WHO IS SPIVVINS?

At the meeting of the Masterton School Committee held last evening, the petition recently presented to the Education Board in favor of a second school district for Masterton was read, and subjected to a somewhat lively criticism. Objections were raised to the names of some half dozen settlers, who, after signing it, had requested their names to be withdrawn; also to the names of several sportive youths who had signed, but who were not entitled to affix their names to such a jlocument. It was pointed out that a festive wanderer like Michael Dowling ought not to liavo been allowed to sign, and that a travelling photographer passing through Masterton was neither a resident nor a householder. Special attention was then drawn to two names, the one signed "James Spivvins," the other written simply but nobly, as " Bingham." Mr Payton rose to ask the promoters of the petition "who is Spivvins," Mr Woodroofe said he did not know " Spivvins."

Mr Girdwood said there might be a " Spivvins" in Masterton, but he was not acquainted with him, ■Mr- Payton questoned whether a " Spivvins" resided in Masterton. Ho even.doubted whether there was a "Spivvins" in New Zealand. If bogus names were attached to a petition presented'publicly to a body like the Education Board, the petition was a fraud.

Mr Girdwood objected to the strong

language used by Mr Payton, If tho name was wrong, it did not invalidate the good names attached to the petition. Mr Woodroofe suggested that someone of the opposito party had attached tho name " Spivvins" to thoir document in order to discredit it, The Chairman pointed out that in the petition which ho forwarded to the Board lie verified every name, and held himself responsible for tho bona fido character of every signature. He considered the promoters of the present petition were responsible for the names attached to it. Mr Woodroofe enquired where the Chairman's petition was, Why was it not before them. The Chairman replied that its contents had been published twice in the local press. Mr Girdwood said he had not seen it. Ho did not read the Wairarapa Daily now, as the language used in that paper was too strong for him. The Chairman said they could have avoided any mistake in their petition by not taking any name that was not known, Mr Girdwood thought the discussion was out of order. The Chairman ruled that the petition being before the meeting, it was in order, Mr Lowes moved that the names objected to be taken down and forwarded to the Board, Mr Gird wood volunteered to take down the names. Mr Pay on asked him to take down "Spivvins" and "Bingham," as his contribution to the list. A number of other names were marked, but after some further discussion it was agreed to let the consideration of the petition stand over,