OBITUARY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 82, 4 October 1938, Page 13

OBITUARY

MR. W. T. GRUNDY

A GREAT HEADMASTER

Mr. William T. Grundy, one of the best-known and most-respected figures in educational circles in New Zealand, died last night at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. W. G. Lamb, Masterton. Mr. Grundy, who was aged 86, spent over 50 years in the teaching profession, and for nearly thirty years was headmaster of Clyde Quay School, Wellington.

Born in Liverpool, Mr. Grundy was a son of Sergeant-Major Grundy, of the 49th Regiment, who fell in action while leading his men in an attack at Sebastopol in the Crimean War. After his marriage Mr. Grundy came out to Australia from Birmingham in 1877 and taught in Queensland, where he was immediately given, a position as headmaster, which position he held for two years. Not finding the Queensland, climate to his liking, however, he decided to come to New Zealand. He arrived in

The late Mr. W\ T. Grundy.

Wellington in January, 1880, and was immediately appointed by the Wellington Education Board as first assistant of the Mount Cook Boys' School, then in Upper Taranaki Street. After only six months in this position he accepted the headmastership of the Masterton School. Nine years later he was transferred to the new school at Clyde Quay, Wellington, where he remained for over 27 years, finally retiring in .1917. Recognised as one of New Zealand's greatest headmasters, Mr. Grundy was regarded with the greatest affection and respect by all his pupils. He did much more than his mere duty as headmaster, and the- Clyde Quay School under his guidance had a wonderful and well-deserved reputation. As over 9000 pupils passed through his hands, the effects of his influence have been more far-reaching than can be possibly estimated. There are men and women in all parts of New Zea-' land today, and not a few in other countries, who gladly acknowledge the debt they owe to Mr. Grundy's influence. Mr. Grundy's activities extended far beyond the confines of his school's boundaries. He was a man of vision and the prime mover in many educational reforms. He was secretary and later president of the New Zealand Education Institute, occupying these positions from 1892 until 1900. During this time he introduced the Teachers Appeal Bill—a measure of the utmost importance to teachers, for, previous to this, education boards could dismiss teachers, who had no right of appeal. The question of "freedom of classification" was another measure which was put through in 1888, and was just as important as the former one. This measure gave greater freedom to the teachers in the matter of classifying their scholars, and in their promotion. Formerly, the matter had been entirely one for the inspectors. Mr. Grundy introduced this measure at a conference of teachers in Nelson, but was warned that he had no hope of getting it through, but it was carried to a man. The experience of succeeding years has proved the wisdom of this enactment. Mr. Grundy was also a prime mover in instituting superannuation for teachers, a measure of supreme im- j portance to the teaching profession. j When in 1917 Mr. Grundy retired from active work in his profession, tributes were paid to him by all classes of the community. j In July, 1937, on the occasion of the ! sixtieth anniversary of their wedding, Mr. and Mrs. Grundy were the recipients of many eulogies, including messages of congratulation from their Majesties the King and Queen and from Lord Galway. Mr. Grundy was looking forward keenly to the Clyde Quay school jubilee celebrations next December. As the maker of the Clyde Quay School, it had been hoped that he would have been spared to be present, for Clyde Quay School and Mr. W, T. Grundy were for many years practically synonymous. For many years Mr. Grundy was an enthusiastic bowler and he was a past president of the Wellington Bowling Club. Mr. Grundy was the first chairman of the Wairarapa High School Board of Governors, and served for a period on the Trust Lands Trust. In 1888 he was Worshipful Master of the Masterton Masonic Lodge (English Constitution). One of the most memorable gatherings in the history of Masterton Central School took place in the Assembly Hall on November 3, 1934, when a large number of old pupils as well as members of the staff and pupils of the school, former headmasters, and others, assembled to do honour to Mr. Grundy. The gathering was remarkable for the wholehearted enthusiasm with which tributes of affection and respect were paid to the guest of the day.

After his retirement Mr. Grundy lived for a time in Wellington and also in Masterton. About four years ago he made a trip to England. He leaves a widow and one daughter, Mrs. W. G. Lamb, of Masterton. A son, Mr. Stan. Grundy, died in Auckland before the war, and a daughter, Miss May Grundy, died a year ago. There are three grandchildren, one of whom is FlightLieutenant Lamb, of the R.A.F., Mrs. J. P. Perry, of Alfredton, Masterton, is a granddaughter.

The body is being brought from Masterton tomorrow and will arrive at the Karori Crematorium at 2 p.m.