 Theodorus van Gogh introduced his eldest son Vincent to the governors, who was admitted for three months on approval; but then he, a Dutch citizen, was told he could not expect to get the conditions of a native Belgium.Van Gogh's request of 26 December 1878, to join the work of the committee, was evidently supported Pieterszen, and so Vincent got a temporary contract for six month on approval.Even when the committee headed by Pierre Péron (1828–1920), minister of Dour (1869–1882) and the part of the Borinage district Van Gogh was appointed to, in 1879 refused to extend his contract, Van Gogh still found Pieterszen's door open to discuss his wish to work somewhere between art and religion.