THEIR BAD SPELLING

New Zealand Tablet, 22 August 1918, Page 46

THEIR BAD SPELLING

A country politician in Ohm was elected school commissioner. One day he visited a school and told the teacher he desired to examine the boys and girls. A spelling class was just then at work, so the commissioner said he would inquire into the proficiency of that organisation. Ihe teacher gave him a spelling-book, and the pupils lined up in front- of the mighty man. He thumbed the book ; then pointing at the first boy he said: “Spell eggpit.” “E-g-g-p-i-t,” spelled theboy. “Wrong,” said the commissioner; and pointing to the next boy, said, “You spell eggpit.” “E-g-g----p-i-t,” spelled the boy. “Wrong. You spell it.” The next boy spelled it the same way, and the next, and the next. “Bad spellers,” commented the commis-. sioner to the distressed teacher. “Why, sir,” she protested, “they have all spelled ‘eggpit’ correctly!” They have not.” “Will you let me see the word in the book?” the teacher asked. “I am sure they have.” “Here it is,” said the commissioner, and he pointed to the word “Egypt.”