OBITUARY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 October 1938, Page 7

OBITUARY

MR WILLIAM THOMAS? GRUNDY The many friends of Mr William Thomas Grundy will regret to hear of his death, which occurred last night in his sleep at the residence of his daughter, Mrs W. G. Lamb, Herbert Street. The late Mr Grundy, who was in his 87th year, had enjoyed fairly good health, and only last week had spent three hours inspecting Wairarapa College. He was well and favourably known as the first headmaster of the Masterton Central School, and was loved by one and all. The late Mr Grundy was born at Liverpool, England. His father, a ser-geant-major in the 49th Regiment, fell m action while leading his men at Sebastopol. After Mr Grundy was married in England in 1877, he left by sailing ship for Queensland, where he. spent a year or so before coming to New Zealand. On his arrival in this country in 1878 he spent a few months in Wellington at the Mount Cook School, and then came to Masterton, where, following on the death of Mr J. J. Pilkington, he succeeded on July 19, 1880 to the position of first head teacher of the State School, which then was located on part of the old Technical School site in Dixon Street. The State School ended its career in 1881, and on February 6, 1882, the Masterton Central School was opened, with Mr Grundy as headmaster. From its establishment in 1882, until the Lansdowne School was opened in 1909, the Masterton Central School was the only State school in thb borough. Its first headmaster, Mr Grundy, was succeeded in 1889 by Mr W. H. Jacksen, who remained in charge for the next tnirtyfour years., After leaving Masterton, Mr Grundy received the appointment of first headmaster of the Clyde Quay School, Wellington, a position he held until 1915. For two years he was an inspector of primary schools, and following on his retirement, resided in Wellington and Masterton. After the death of his daughter, Miss Grundy, in Wellington last year, lie came to Masterten, and had resided here ever since. Mr Grundy took a prominent part in securing superannuation rights for the teaching profession, and it was almost entirely his efforts that obtained these privileges. He was secretaiy of the New Zealand Educational Institute for eight years, and was president in 1901. .He was the first chairman of the Wairarapa High School Board of Governors, and served for a period on the Trust Lands Trust. In 1838 he was Worshipful Master of the Masterton Masonic Lodge (English Constitution). Mr Grundy was at one time a keen bowler and held the position of president of the Wellington Bowling Club. One of the most memorable gatherings in the history of the Masterton Central School took place in the Assembly Hall on November 23, 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 whole-hearted enthusiasm with which tributes of affection and respect were paid to the guest of the day. The gathering was promoted and presided over by Mr E. G. Coddington, present headmaster of the Central School. Mr Grundy was also present at the jubilee of the first State school in Masterton, celebrated in February of last year, on which occasion the Minister of Education, the Hon P. Fraser, said Mr Grundy was not only one of the best-known, but one of the best teachers that New Zealand had ever had. Mr Fraser said he could not express ms own high estimation of Mr Grundy. He could only say that he congratulated every pupil who had had the good fortune to sit under Mr Grundy at Masterton, Clyde Quay and Mount Cook. _ The late Mr Grundy is survived by a widow and one daughter, Mrs W. G Lamb, Masterton. Two daughters and one son predeceased him. There are three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by a step-sister, Miss Fanny Evans, Central Terrace, Wellington. The funeral will take place tomorrow, when a service will be heldl at the residence of Mrs Lamb, at 10.30 a.m. The funeral will then leave for the Karori Crematorium.