ASHBURTON DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1491, 18 March 1885, Page 2

ASHBURTON DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

A special meeting of the Ashburton District School Committee was held at the Borough School last evening, to consider a resolution of which Mr Thomas had given notice at the last ordinary meeting of the Committee. Present—Messrs D.

Williamson (chairman), W. H. Collins, S. W. Alcorn, A, Orr, J. Orr, J. Tucker and D. Thomas. KB ORGANISATION OF STAFF. The Secretary read the notice of mo ion given by Vlr Thomas as follows ;—“ That the Board of Education be asked to give notice of dismissal to the whole of the teachers of the Ashburton School, as in the oninion of the Committee it is absolutely necessary for the good of the school that a complete change of teachers takes place.”

Mr Thomas said that he proposed to dismiss all the teachers with a view to

reorganisation. Miss Stewart and any other really capable teacher would, of course, be reinstated.

The Chairman thought it would be ridiculous to interfere with the staff of the side school and teachers just appointed. The pupil teachers could not be. dismissed ; they were under indenture' to the Education Board.

Mr J. Orr thought the proposition was surrounded by difficulties which the mover ! had not yet contemplated. Mr Thomas thought it was not. He asked the Committee if there was a teaoher in the school qualified to take the Fifth or Sixth Standard. Mr Alcorn said that no other member of the Committee was so competent to judge as Mr Thomas.

Blr Thomas said that no member of the Committee was so competent as Mr Alcorn to listen to tittle taddle. He I would give that gentleman something presently. The Chairman expressed a hope that members of *he Committee would not descend to personal ties. Mr Tucker said that to place the busiI ness in order he would second vhe motion moved by Mr Thomas. Mr J. Orr said that he believed Mr Thomas was sincere in his profession of a I desire to benefit the school, but he (Mr I < >rr) could not support the motion. He

Mr Colling said that before proceeding to the consideration of the motion he would like to know why it had been made the subject of a special meeting. When the notice had been given he had clearly understood that it would be discussed at their next ordinary meeting. It nvght be quite proper fer the Chairman to convert ordinary into special business, but he failed to see that the present meeting was required. He moved—“ That the discussion of the motion, of which Mr Thomas has given notice, be adjourned until the next ordinary meeting of the Committee” Mr Thomas pointed out to Mr Collins that it was competent for the Chairman or any two members of the Committee to summon a special meeting. As one of the two members who had requested the Chairman to call that meeting, he might explain the reasons that had induced him to do so. It had been determined that the Headmaster should be dismissed, giving him three months notice of the termination of his engagement. If the course sought by the motion was followed, it was desirable that the teachers should all leave at the same time, not that the Headmaster should go one week and the balance of the staff another. The latter course would keep the parents and children iu suspense and the school in a latate of furor. They must have finality. ) The Chairman said that any two members of the Committee could demand a special meeting. That had been done in the present case. He asked some member to second Me Collins’s proposition. Mr J, Orr seconded Mr Collins’s resolution. He said that at the last meeting of the Committee he had felt a disposition to support the motion of which Mr Thomas bad given notice ; but since, having given the matter his most earnest consideration, he found himself unable to feel anything but the greatest astonishment that any sensible man should propose to move in the manner indicated by the motion. If the Commit!ee adopted the motion they would become the laughing stock of the whole community, and show themselves to be moat ridiculous and illogical. He had hoped that Mr Thomas would have allowed the matter to drop ; if it was now carried he was quite sure that Mr Thomas and his supporters would regret the course they had pursued.

Mr Collins said that Mr Thomas argued that because Mr Dempsey had received notice of dismissal ■ ■■ ■ Mr Thomas wished Mr Collins and the other members of the Committee to understand that his present action was not the result of any course adopted towards rtlr Dempsey. Ha would state some potent facts in support of his motion when the meeting thought fit to allow him to move it.

Mr Collins resuming, said that he thought it irregular to call them together to improperly dismiss people. Because Mr Dempsey had been dismissed Mr Thomas proposed to take the other end of the tops and lash the other teachers. Mr Thomas said that he thought Mr Collins was making a most unwarranted insinuation. He would not have improper motives attributed to bis actions, and at the proper time would be prepared to discuss the motion of which he had given notice on its merits. Ha asked the Chairman if the motion for adj jurnment was in order. The Chairman replied that he thought it was not. Mr Alcon said that he could see nothing out of order connected with the proposal to adjourn the discussion. The Chairman said that he would rule that the motion for adjournment could not take precedence of the business for which the meeting had been summoned. It was impossible to adjourn a discussion until it had commenced. Mr Thomas then moved the resolution of which he had given notice. He said that he did so with a sincere conviction that its adoption would be for the best interests of the school, and would meet with the hearty approval of every sensible right feeling man in the district. The last Inspectors’ report clearly showed that there was a lack of teaching power amongst the staff. The members of the Committee who had favoied Mr Dempsey’s dismissal had made copious references to the report,- relying upon that to support their action. But he (Mr Thomas) would like to call the particular attention of those gentlemen to the fact that the evidence they adduced was equally condemnatory iu its application to others of the staff; if it was sufficient to convict one it was sufficient to, convict every teacher in the school. If the course he suggested were adopted they could, of coqrse, re-appoint those of the staff they thought likely to be of value. He could assure the Committee that the question was one of greater importance than some of them appeared to think. There was not the slightest esprit de corps amongst the staff, and the slightest tittle tattle

suggested that the consideration cl the matter should be adjourned to allow them all a further opportunity to examine the proposal.

Mr A. Orr said that ho would concede a great deal to be able to agree with Mr Thomas. Mr Oullins thought that the Committee should not have been called upon to consider the subject a' a special meeting. He would favor the adjournment, if only to give Mr Thomas an opportunity to further consider his proposal. Mr J, Orr said that he would support a motion aiming at the dismissal of Mr Sterling. He thought the Board should be asked to dispense with that gentleman’s services Mr Dempsey, who had spoken highly of the other members of the staff, had reported unfavorably of the second master. He (Mr Orr) could not, however, favor the dismissal of others against whom they had no charge to make; they had all worked well, especially since the settlement of the trouble between the Headmaster and Headmistress. Mr A Orr would support a motion asking the Board or the Inspectors to name the teachers they thought should be removed, but be could not countenance the wholesale dismissal of the staff. Such a course would be totally inconsistent with their past action, and in place of one petition they would have a dozen from the disaffected friends of the sufferers. Theoretically it might promise well to secure a new staff from top to bottom, but the Education Board would very naturally required to be. acquainted with their reasons for adopting such a course. He (Mr Orr) would be glad to assist in any feasible re-organisation. Mr Tucker thought that they should not throw the onus of dealing with the staff upon the Education Board. Mr J. Orr hoped that Mr Thomas would so modify his motion that it might receive the unanimous support of the Committee. He was sure this might be done while giving effect to the wishes of them all. He would strain a good deal to remove an erroneous impression which he knew to prevail outside to the effect that the present Committee was predisposed against Mr Dempsey. The impression was quite without foundation, so far as he was concerned. He had no personal feeling whatever in connection with the matter, and would entrust the school to a Hottentot if he could produce good results' Mr Thomas said that Mr A. Orr had charged him with inconsistency in at last ordinary meeting, stating that the school was doing good work, and now affirming that it was in a disorganised condition. He (Mr Thomas) still affirmed that the school was doing good work, but the Committee had determined to set aside his assertion and fashion their course by the Inspectors’ report. He now took up the same position, and pointed out that the report reflected very strongly upon other teachers than the Headmaster. Mr Thomas read seyeral extracts from the Inspectors’ report. Mr A. Orr said that any one acquainted with the circumstances could not be surprised that Miss Harband’s class had failed to a certain extent. It would have been impossible for any one to teach efficiently harassed as Miss Hatband had been by the Headmaster and the late Committee. Mr Thomas had attempted to show that other teachers were equally culpable with Mr Dempsey. Such might be the case ; but there was the difference of Mr Dempsey’s being before the Committee and the others not. The Education Board held Mr Dempsey responsible for the unfavorable condition of the school and had determined upon bis dismissal ; whether the Committee »aid yea I or nay would not affect that determination. He (Mr Orr) had voted at the previous meeting without the slightest feeling against Mr Dempsey, but had merely considered the past action of the Committee, the condition of the echo >l, and the resolution of the Education Board. He hoped the bitter feeling which had existed in some quarters would now die out. (Mr Thomas—lt never can). Mr J, Orr said that he was aware the Inspectors’ report was not favorable to xVTisa Harband. Mr Thomas said he did wish to refer

to Miss Harband. Mr J. Orr said ha did wish to refer to Mias Harband. It was notorious that Miss Harband had been almost harassed beyond endurance by the late Committee. Not a meeting was held for six months without her dismissal being aimed at. She obtained leave of absence, but before she had been *away two weeks,

was carried from tha school to tha town, and although these matters were insignificant when they left the former place they were in the course of 1 a few hours magnified to mountains in the latter. The first dissension in connection with the school had arisen from a quarrel between Mr Dempsey and Miss Harbaud, but he felt confident from his own observations that both of these teachers were now doing good work. The adoption of the motion would afford an opportunity to re-organise the whole staff, a step that was much required. They had a headmaster, a headmistress, a second master, a third master, and pupil teachers. The Headmaster had to exercise a general sup irvision over the main school, the infant school and the side school, besides teaching the Fifth and Sixth Standards—a list of duties that no man living could possibly perform with satisfaction or credit to himself. The whole principle upon which it was attempted to teach the school was wrong. The Headmaster’s efforts should be confined to supervision ; the next teacher should take the fifth and Sixth Standards, Bhd the I third teacher and the balance of the staff should devote their attention to the lower tfUn.arda of the school. Jf these changes were made, the statement would not go forth that there was no teaching power in the whole school. If the Committee attached any credence to the Inspectors’ report they must conclude that there was not a capable member of the alaff. The Head.naater had submitted an explanation of the past condition of ifftirs but it had not been considered satisfac-

a most damaging report in reference to her was submitted to the Oommittee. It could not be expected that'under such circumstances she could attain the results of which she hkd at other times shown herself capable. The Chairman said that he had not intended to take a leading part in the discussion, but it appeared to him that whether the matter was decided then or at their next ordinary meeting, the result would be the same. So long as Mr Dempsey was the teacher to be dealt with no excuse for the oonaition of the school was sought by the majority; the unfortunate difference which had existed was not allowed to have interfered with the concentration of his attention to his duties. But when it was proposed to deal with Miss Uarband every possible and impossible excuse was made for her failure. As regards the Headmaster it had not even been suggested that he I should be affotded an opportunity to resign. He (the Chairman) felt confident that the removal of one teacher wou d not restore the status of the school. In the unpleasantness which had occurred between the Headmaster and the Headmistress he felt they were both to blame; perhaps the Headmaster most, but not wholly. They were left with a mistressj who had signally defeated the Headmaster nd it would not be unnatural for her to eisay the aatue i tactics with his successor. The speakers who had opposed Mr . humas’s motion, and who at their lasr

tory by am 1 j inty of the Committee. Ho (Mr Thomas) was aware that there were le miters in the scho 1 not fit to teach in any establishment Until the staff was remodelled on ihe lines he had suggested they wmil.l never secure the percentage of passes they all desired.

mooting appeared to place great reliance uponthelnspeotora’roport,appeared now to overlook a statement in that document to t io effect that the teachers were primarily < ■ponsible for the condition of the classes. Io the I ispectors had shown bias a. ainst me Headmaster in their repot t, the fact.

Air . Or. asked if the motion contemplated the diarnis al of the pupil teachers and the teachers of the side and infant schools.

of the Committee towards that gentleman; but there was no such feeling displayedexcept by the minority. Several speakers had referred to the importance of preserving their consistency. It was easy enough to persuade themselves that they were being consistent, but the outside public ■ would not be so readily convinced, and he feared that before the trouble was i disposed of their consistency would be even furthe” tried. If ho 'bad known that the duties before the Committee

were so unpleasant—they all knew they were unprofitable—he would not have allowed himself to be elected, but hiving taken up the work he intended to face the

difficulties. The Inspectors’ report was wholly directed against the Headmaster. The other teacher in his

(Mr Williamson’s) opinion considering her certificates and high salary—should be qualified to teach any class. [Mr J. Orr: Who said she was not 1 Mr

Alcorn: Mr Thomas.] Ho said shewas not; i£ she was unable to successfully teach her own class she certainly would be unable to teach the higher standards. To make the Headmaster responsible for the routine teaching of the Fifth and Standards, and the supervision of the whole of the schools was sim;>ly ridiculous He did not believe that the Education Board would adopt the coarse proposed by Mr Thomas’s resolution, bat if it was suggested by the Committee they would have done their daty and could wash their hands of the result. Until there was a complete change of the upper, teachers in the school there coald be no harmony The discerning outside public had long since seen that Mr Dempsey was paving the road for his own departure from the'schobl, and the same discerning public were now of opinion that if one of the teachers go the other should go. But he felt sure the Committee had made np their minds in reference to this matter, and not even the eloquence of Sir Julius Yogel could turn them. Mr A. Orr remarked that the minority should give way to the majority. The Chairman thought probably they would have to. Mr A. Orr said he had a perfect right to vote as he pleased. The Chairman had improperly placed the Headmaster and the Headmistress in the same category—their cases were not parallel. Ha referred to the circumstances under which Miss Harband hai received notice of dismissal by the previous Committee. He had then stood alone in her defence, and the only gentleman from whom ha received any sympathy was Mr Thomas. Why had not the Chairman suggested at last meet* ing that Mr Dempsey should have an opportunity to resign. He (Mr Orr) would willingly have his actions judged- by the public. [Mr Thomas : I atii' afraid we shall all be judged by the public, willing or not.] Although the Chairman had said the determination of the Committee could not be altered, he (Mr Orr) for one, would gladly support an amendment such as suggested by Mr John Orr early in the discussion. The Chairman was sorry his remarks had bit Mr A. Orr so hard. They were not made with that intent, he had only wished to point out that the majority of the Committee displayed very much sym- | pathy with one sideband none with the 1 other.

r Thomas said he merely sought a reorganisation of the staff with a view to increase its efficiency. iie thought that he could, with the permission of the Com- . •mittee, so amend his motion that it would meet with their approval. He .noticed that the fifth master in the Timaru School was receiving Lll6 per annum,, while their third master received only L6O. Mr Tucker said that he had joined - the Committee with a full conviction that they should terminate the engagements of aU the present teachers; those who had shown themselves to be competent could be re appointed. He held the same opinion still. Mr Thomas having obtained leave to withdraw his motion, proposed the following—“ That this Committee recommends the Board of Education to take such action towards the reorganisation of the whole uf the teaching staff of the Ashburton Main School which judging from , the Inspector’s report they may deem to be advisable. ” The motion was seconded by Mr Tucker, and, without discussion, carried unanimously.

EE-ADJUSTMENT OF SAL ABIES. Mr Thomas said that having disposed of the preceding matter so ataicably, there was another to which he wished to draw attention the readjustment of the teachers’ sal tries. Although the head teachers were wall paid they had a third master working for less pay than could always be earned by a common plough* man.

The Chairman suggested that the mat ter should be referred to a Committee report upon to nest meeting. Mr J. Otr proposed—“ That a Com* mi'tee, consisting of the Chairman and Messrs Collins and Thomas, be appointed to enquire into the salaries received by the respective members of the staff, to re* port to the next meeting of the Commit* tee.

the inspection a new master would come to them with the school reputed to be able to pass only 40 per cent. ; having taught a few weeks possibly 90 per cent would be passed by the Inspectors,' and the Headmaster would receive an amount of credit to which ho was not entitled.

The Inspector should ba an independent one and in hire justice to Mr Dempsey, he subordinate teachers, the pupils end the parents should be made. The fact that the pupils knew Mr Dempsey ,‘iad been cashiered would militate against his future success, but still he (Mr (’bourns) felt confident that the proposed examination would demonstrate clearly that the school was not in the rags and i alters reported by a certain section of tbQ to his mind, should elicit the sympathy J Committee.

Messrs Collins and Thomas, be appointed L to enquire into the salaries received by the respective members of the staff, to re* port to the next meeting of the Commit* , tee. The proposition was seconded by Mr A. Orr and carried. INSPECTION OF SCHOOL. Mr Tucker proposed— s ‘ That for the satisfaction of the Committee, the parents > and the general public, the Board of Education be requested to have an inde* pendent inspection of the school made on . or about the last week in June. ” Mr Tucker said that he had been resident in s Ashburton for ten years, and there had been dissensions connected with the*school during the whole of that time. At one time the Inspectors’ reports were of a highly satisfactory character, but before the parents had fairly done congratulating themselves upon the condition of the school, another report of an exactly opposite tenor was placed before them. That anomaly had occurred more than once, and he thought that before handing the school over to a new Headmaster they should obtain _ a reliable report in reference to it This would be a data, an inventory so to speak, to which they could refer for many years. He would not again vote for the retention of Mr Dempsey. After what had occurred , he (Mr Tucker) thought it better that the 5 j present Headmaster should go, out the Knowledge that an examination would be held at the conclusion of his term,of office would act as an incentive to him, would induce him to display greater zeal for the, progress of the school, knowing as Be would that his own reputation as a teacher would be considerably, affected by the result. He understood Mr A, Orr to fake exception to the request for an independent inspection, but that was really what was demanded by the householders, they thought the Committee should have a separate report upon the school, j.- * g Mr Thomas seconded the proposal ‘He thought, as submitted by Mr TuokOr, , thlt . the report would be of considerable value in the future to the Committee. Without

The Chairman had no doubfc that they should demand the inspection, if only to ascertain the present position of the school for future guidance. The inspection should, too, be made by independent examiners. The reports of the B-aid’* officers had been most contradictory—fir-'t favorably and then most damnatory without any apparent reason for the change. If the Board’s Inspectors’ concluaiona were correct, the independent examiners would vindicate them. Mr John Orr was favorable to holding an inspection, but would leave the choice -Of examiners to the Board. Several speakers had declared that they had no faith In the Board’s Inspectors. He, however, was satisfied that the last report was a fair one. Mr Edge was, he felt sure, a careful and impartial inspector, of bis colleague he would say nothing. He (Mr Orr) would support Mr Tucker’s resolution if he agreed to omit the word ** independent.” Mr Tucker feared that the Inspectors having once reported unfavorably would do so again. It was human nature to adhere to a representation once made. .Mr Alcorn said that he would not

throw a slur upon the Board and their Inspectors by supporting the resolution Air its present form. In the ordinary oofcse they would probably have a aur prise visit from the Inspectors in May. Mr Tucker said they would not be furnished with a detailed report of the surprise visit. . Mr Alcorn could not see that such a re port would be of any value to them. Its only result could be to obtain a better situation for the Headmaster. Mr Thomas thought he could not possibly have a worse. Mr Alcorn said his (the Headmaster’s) friends were moving Heaven and earth to keep it for him, by a petition to the Board and other means. Mr Thomas said Mr Alcorn had professed himself as very anxious to avoid wounding ,the sensitive feelings of the Board. It was only a month since the Temper.tors*, judging from the newspaper report, had narrowly escaped dismissal at the hands of the Board. Such gentlemen as Messrs Weston and Saunders, leading ~ members of # tho Board, had not hesitated to speak very plainly in reference to the Inspectors, and he (Mr Thomas) thought the Committee should have no compunc - tion in doing so. Mr A. Orr pointed out that at their last meeting the Committee had acted on the Inspectors’ report, and now it was proposed to impugn it. Mr J. Orr said that if the Board’s Inspectors bad conscientiously satisfied themselves that Mr i empaey was unfitted for the position he occupied they were justified in framing their report in a manner calculated to bring about hjs dismissal. The Chairman understood Mr Orr to mean that having made up their minds to a certain thing the Inspectors had compiled a report to support their conclusions. Mr J, Orr said the Chairman had no right to place such a construction upon the remarks he had made. Mr Thomas said he had been guilty of the same misunderstanding as the Chairman.

Mr J. Orr regretted, but could not remedy the misfortune that the Chairman and Mr Thomas were void of understanding. [Mr Alcorn—You might hammer with a sledge and not knonk sense into them.] He (Mr Orr) had previously taken a more favorable view of the Chairman’s impartiality. Mr Thomas said it was quite evident from the whole tenor of the report that it aimed at the dismissal of Mr Dempsey.

After a prolonged conversational discussion, during which the Chairman had on several occasions to request Messrs Thomas and Alcorn to discard personalities, Mr Tucker amended his motion, omitting the word “ independent ” and adding “by other than the Board's Inspectors if practicable.” Mr Alcorn said they could not accept all Mr Thomas uttered as gospel—no reliance could be placed upon that gentleman in connection with school affairs—his views changed from day to day. He (Mr Alcorn) thought the proposed inspection a mistake; it was an attempt to brine; in by a side wind a matter that should never have been introduced. Mr A. Orr moved, and Mr Alcorn seconded —“That the discussion be adjourned until the next ordinary meeting of the Committee.” Mr Thomas thought the remarks made by Mr Alcorn were quite uncalled for. At their last meeting that gentleman had admitted that he had been placed upon the Committee by a clique to do a certain thing. „ Mr Alcorn rose to a point of older. If the Chairman allowed such remarks as those made by Mr Thomas to be directed against him (Mr ilcorn) he would not. He would tell Mr Thomas that the remarks were neither honorable nor gentlemanly ; they were grossly impertinent. Mr Thomas had no right to refer to the circumstances of his election. Let Mr Thomas try to unseat him. Mr Thomas appealed to the meeting to bear out his remarks. At their last meeting Mr Alcorn had said that he bad been elected by the Early Closing Association to gratify the discreditable spite of a petty minority. Such was the character of the man who now twitted him (Mr Thomas) with inconsistency. Mr Alcorn said his* position on the • Committee should not be questioned. (Mr Thomas : 1 can assure you it will be called io question within a week.) The Chairman deprecated these personalities, but pointed out to Mr Alcorn that although he now rote to a point of order, he was the first to offend against the decorum of debate. Mr Tucker said he would | like to reply to Mr Alcorn. [Mr Alcorn—-You had better say nothing or I will give you a rub up.] His chief object in seeking the examination was to ensure the vigorous teaching of the school in the meantime. The amendment for adjournment was then withdrawn, and Mr Tuckers amended resolution put to the meeting, with the following result :—For : The Chairman, Messrs Thomas and Tucker; against; Messrs Collins, Alcorn, T. Orr and A, Orr. The resolution was declared lost, Mr Collins mosed and Mr J. Orr seconded—“ That for the satisfaction of this

Gommittee and the householders of this district, the Board of Education be requested to hold such an inspection aa they “deem necessary in the interest of the school, on or about the last week in .Jane.” Alter a brief discussion the resolution was put to the meeting and carried : For : Messrs Alcorn, Tucker, J. Orr and A. Ore ; against: The Chairman, Messrs Thomas and Alcorn. . - ACCOUNT.

An account of 12s to the Press Co. Raving been passed for payment, the Oommitiee adjourned at 10 p.m.