PUBLIC MEETING AT SOUTHBRIDGE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1969, 16 June 1880, Page 4

PUBLIC MEETING AT SOUTHBRIDGE.

O n e of the largest meetings ever held in the Ellesmere district was held in the Town Hall, Southbridge, on Monday evening, for the purpose of discussing educational matters. The hall was crammed to overflowing, over 300 persons being present. Mr E. G. Stavely occupied the chair, Mr Charles Bourne was the first to address the meeting. __ He referred at great length to a number of disagreements between the school committee and Mr Elwin, the schoolmaster. He explained the action token by the master in closing the school, and disposed of a number of charges made by the committee against the master. Mr G. F. Smith followed in Mr Elwin’s defence, and expressed his satisfaction at the manner in which the school was conducted. Mr Elwin then made a long speech, his explanations being received with every token of approval. He concluded by making an appeal to their sympathy, and asked for an expression of their confidence. Mr 0. Waby concluded a complimentary speech by moving the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr William Stewart, and carried unanimously “ That this meeting wishes to express its confidence in Mr Elwin as master of the Southbridge School; and its opinion that the district has much to be _ thankful for in having so able a master in its midst; and that the inhabitants would consider his removal a grievous injury.” Mr G. F, Smith proposed the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr Thomas Finoham, and carried without dissent “ That this meeting strongly deprecates the action of the school committee, and having hoard the charges made against Mr Elwin, and his answers to them, considers the course adopted by the committee to be unjustifiable, and the charges frivolous and malicious.” Mr Peter Campbell, of Killincby, said that although not belonging to this district be took a great interest in educational matters, and he had a resolution to lay before the meeting, and felt, sure that every right thinking man would support it. It was—“ That this meeting considers the action of the committee in publishing the names of Messrs Baldwin and Westropp, calculated to doan injury to those gentlemen, and this meeting wishes to convey a very cordial vote of thanks to them for their kindness in assisting the school in an emergency. ” Mr Edward Ruddock seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr Baldwin came forward and explained how it was that he had taken charge of the school during Mr Elwin’s absence. He found that gentleman very unwell and anxious about the school, and he volunteered to go down and see that ever}- thing was right. He had done so, and oa the third day he had got Mr Westropp to assist him. His committee had taken him to task for leaving his school, but on his making an explanation they were perfectly satisfied. The following resolutions were laid before the meeting and carried unanimously. Proposed by Mr L. H. Herdman, seconded by Mr J. C. Moore—“ That this meeting has no confidence in the committee, and request the members to resign and allow a new committee to be elected.” Proposed by Mr William Stewart, and seconded by Mr Clifford—- “ That the chairman of this meeting be requested to forward these resolutions to the proper authorities, and to represent as strongly as possible the feeling of the district.” Proposed by Mr Paddy, seconded by Mr Cyrus Wilson—“ That this meeting wishes to express the gratitude of the Southbridge school district to Mr Ohas. Bourne for his conduct as chairman of the school committee for the past five years, and its appreciation of the success of that institution during his management. At the same time this meeting considers that its interests will be best served by Mr Bourne re-occupying the chair as soon as possible.” Mr H. Ennis having spoken at considerable length against cumulative Toting, which seemed to have the hearty concurrence of all present, Mr Bourne came forward and proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, and the meeting closed.