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Sib, — Fairburn's, 21st November, 1893. I saw a paragraph in the Board news re misconduct of the teacher I may here state that Miss Wrigley, teacher of the Fairburn's Eoad School, has lived in my house for four years and three months. During that time her conduct has been that of a lady in every respect. I cannot understand what part of her conduct they mean, as I can account for every hour of her time after and before school. She has made no companions in Fairburn's, while she is kind and agreeable to all. I also know the Chairman and some of his Committee, they have made it as unpleasant as they can for her, for no other reason only to spite those who opposed them at the election. The Committee have only three little children at school, and do not care how much harm they can do the school and teacher to be revenged on the parents. Then, we all value the teacher, who is held in much esteem by us here who are mothers. I have five girls and one boy , four are going to school, so you will see why I value the teacher, whose walk and conversation is that of a lady in every respect. Only four times Miss Wrigley has been out to visit some of the parents, and returned at dark, so you see her time is spent at home in work and study with us. The Chairman has quarreled with nearly all the settlers by meddling in their business, and this is his revenge. Hoping the Board will consider the parents, and not a few disinterested men, The Secretary, Board of Education, Auckland. E. Whitehead.
Sib, — Fairburn's, 22nd November, 1893. I understand that the School Committee are trying to misrepresent the conduct of the teacher of our children to the Board, so as to injure her. I am glad to state to the Board that Miss Wrigley is not deserving of that, as her conduct is that of a lady whose disposition and general character is rarely to be found. It is simply a shame to try to find any fault, for, in the way of training, she proves herself to be an excellent teacher. I have, &c, Saeah May
Sib, — Fairburn's, 22nd November, 1893. Please allow me to say a few words in reference to Miss Wrigley I have seen nothing to condemn her character, and I consider it my duty, in justice to her, as our teacher, to make this statement. I have, &c, The Secretary, Board of Education. J May
Sib, — Post-office, Fairburn, Mangonui, 22nd November, 1893. I see by last week's paper that our teacher has been accused by the Chairman of misconduct. The only misconduct I think Miss Wrigley is guilty of is that she will not.bow down and worship the present Chairman and Committee. Miss Wrigley has now been in our midst for four years and a half, and I think a better conducted or more quiet young lady it would be hard to find, and as a teacher I believe it would be hard to find her equal, for she certainly has had great patience with the children, and has given great satisfaction to the majority The last thing they have done is to lock the door, and therefore our children are now compelled to stop from school. The parents are, naturally, very much annoyed, as there is no reason whatever for such a step. Trusting you will kindly see that our school is soon reopened, and excuse the liberty I take in writing to you, but I do not like to see an innocent person blamed wrongfully, I remain, &c, The Chairman, Board of Education, Auckland. Sophia Shearman
Dbae Sib, — Fairburn, 21st November, 1893. I feel it my duty to write to you in reference to our school. To-day the so-called Committee gave Miss Wrigley a note informing her that she is suspended from this day forthwith. No reasons given. Has the sshool to be closed by five men, who only have three children attending school, and we as parents have the rest? Have our children to run about when we have the teacher and school to go to, when no fault can be found with the teacher ? Yours, &c, The Chairman, Board of Education. Thomas Whitehead.
Sra,— Fairburn's, 28th November, 1893. I am requested by the parents of the Fairburn scholars to write to the Board informing them that the so-called School Committee closed the school on the 21st day of November, without reason or notice given to any one. However, to-day we hear the chairman (of which there is really none, he along with the rest being illegally elected) had some unpleasant words with one of the lady parents of the scholars (and for which he will have to answer to at the Mangonui Court), and therefore spitefully closed the school. He gave nobody any reason nor a minute's notice of his intention, but took the keys and enclosed under lock all the private property belonging to the children as well as to their teacher, thus depriving the children from doing some home-work while the school still remains in their unjust hands. lam directed to request the Board at once to reopen the school and appoint a reliable parent as Commissioner till next April election. We also request the Board to telegraph to the so-called Chairman to at once open the school. We cannot afford to have all the children running about learning nothing because the Committee have no children them-