Wisps of Cloud by Ross Richdale

dollar farms and stations. They are also fiercely parochial and will switch any allegiance back behind Ted Wilton if they believe we are discriminating against him.
    "So you see that it is a delicate situation Lorraine, and one that affects more than one tiny school," Janice Trent said. "That is why I called this meeting in the first place."
    "And rightly so," the Associate Minister of Education replied. She switched her eyes back to John, "So this bluff you mentioned, John; what ideas do you have? Just spill it out. I know you have been a school principal for many years and in that time have succeeded in weeding out poor teachers on several occasions."
    John nodded. Mrs Tapiki had certainly done her homework. He reached for his satchel, took out some documents and handed them around. "This is what I did a few years back with a particularly poor teacher who, like Ted Wilton always managed to just stop crossing any line. I think it could work again."
    *
    Karla was taking afternoon art two weeks after the senior staff meeting and had all the desks moved to the side of her classroom and the children gathered around a massive sheet of thick paper rolled out across the floor. The children were making a mosaic for their social studies theme about Japan. While some were sticking pieces of coloured paper on the scene of a Japanese temple , others were sitting on the floor making Japanese lanterns and designs. There was a quiet hum across the room as twenty-seven children worked away at the task in hand. She was helping one child with his bamboo cut-out when she heard a faint cough and glanced up.
    Murray Narwood stood there. "What wonderful art the children are doing," he said.
    Karla stood up. "Yes, we're making a mosaic to go along the corridor wall. It's all to do with the theme we're doing about Japan." She frowned for Murray almost never made casual visits into classrooms.  "Is there something I can help you with Mr Narwood."
    "Yes, actually there is. There is a gentleman from the Ministry of Education in my office who wishes to speak to you." He looked a little embarrassed. "He just turned up so I couldn't forewarn you."
    "Me but why?"
    "Your name was recommended to him by a Board of Trustees." Murray smiled. "It's nothing bad I assure you but he will explain. Can you go along to the office now?"
    Karla stared at her principal. "Not really. Look around. We're in the middle of art. Perhaps in an hour…"
    "He hasn't got an hour. I'll stay and mind the children."
    Wow! This must be important. Very rarely did Murray ever take classes.
    "Okay then," Karla replied somewhat reluctantly. "The children know what to do so won't need much help. If I'm not back by two thirty they'll need to pack up. At ten to three I always have a quiet time when we talk about the day, homework and get ready to go home."
    "Good," Murray said. "I'll take care of them."
    When she arrived at the principal's office, a tall clean-shaven man in his fifties dressed in a suit greeted Karla with an extended hand.
    "Good afternoon, Miss Spicer," he said. "I am John Cosgrove from ERO but am actually seconded to the Ministry of Education for the matter I wish to speak to you about. Has Murray brought you up to date on the reason for my visit?"
    Karla shook his hand and her head. "No. He just said something about a Board of Trustee recommendation but nothing more.  I guess that is our board."
    "No but it could involve them later if you agree to what I am about to ask."
    Karla frowned. "I'm sorry, Mr Cosgrove. I have no idea what you are talking about."
    John Cosgrove waved at the armchair nearby, "Take a seat and I'll explain everything."
    Karla thanked him and sat down feeling totally confused but curious about the situation.
    "I believe you have met or at least heard of Edward Wilton."
    Karla frowned. "No…. Wait a minute, you don't mean Ted Wilton, the principal out at Top Plateau School in the Wairarapa?"
    "Yes, that's the gentleman I've come about."
    Karla