ASHBURTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1544, 2 July 1885, Page 2

ASHBURTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE

A public meeting convened by Hia Worship the Mayor, at the request of a number of householders, wna held in the B'ltough School last evening to take into consideration the action of ths Ashbnrtou DisUict School Co.mmitUe. * here were about 250 persons present, including ell the members of the Committee, and His Worship the Mayor presided. The Chatman said ho had convened

the meeting at the request of a number of householders, who had attended and watched the proceedings at the meeting of the School Committee on the previous evening. He pointed out that it was impossible to have called the meeting any earlier, and if held after that jtiight it would be to no purpose, as the Board of Education would give their final decision on the matter on Thursday He was very glad to see such a large attendance, a fact which evidenced that the householders in the town were evincing a lively interest in the matter of education. It had been said to him that evening that the meeting had been called by o e aids of the householders. He would assure them, that ha had taken no further interest in that meeting than he had in c dling any other meeting. (Applause.) He asked any householder present to express his opinion on the matter at issue. In reply to Mr Allison, the Chairman said the requisition was not a written, but a verbal one. He fully and satisfactorily explained the circumstances under which he had convened the meeting.

Mr Caygill said as one of the persons who had attended the meeting of the School Committee on the previous evening and had something to do with the requisition to the Mayor, he took the op portunity of moving the following resolution for the consideration of those present, for passage or refusal, as they deemed fi That in the opinion of this meeting, the action of the majority of the Ashburton School Committee towards the headmaster has been unmanly and unfair.’ (Loud applause.) He might say that he was neither a Wesleyan nor a Mason, but simply an outsider, and as an outsider the proceedings of the Committee had passed notice. He did not think it was right for them to sit down under the injustice and persecution (he might say) that had been done by the majority of the present School Committee. (Applause) He would just ask them to run over the proceedings of the Oommi'tee from the beginning in connection with the very unpleasant staie of things in the school, and he would submit to them that it was a fair inference to be drawn that a systematic attempt had been made for one purpose only. (Cries of “ No, no, and overwhelming cries of “ Yes, yes ”) He was aware that he was using very strong language, but he was quite prepared to support his assertions by unpleasantly strong facts. If they would remember, at the time of the election of the pre sent School Committee they were then pretty well advanced into this trouble on School Committee matters. An exceedingly unfavorable report on the school had been received by the Committee from the Board’s Inspectors, ami an explanation had been received from the headmaster which had been regarded as eminently satisfactory by the Committee, and the position was that Mr Dempsey was really on his trial by a jury, the Committee. Now, it was an open secret that at least two members of the Committee had gone there with a foregone concluse —for no other reason than to oust Mr Dempsey. Regarding the Committee in the position of a jury, any gentleman going on that Committee with a fixed determination was guilty of an exceedingly unmanly course of action. There was another open secret, that one mem her of the Committee had gone there with an unfair purpose, and an exceedingly mean and spiteful motive. It was known that that member was the delegate of a certain Association in the town displeased with Mr Dempsey, on account of an action of the latter gentleman, or someone connected with him ; and this mem her was pledged to endeavor to oust Mr Dempsey. (Mr Robertson : “ Question.”) That had been admitted by the person himself at a meeting of the Committee. After the unfavorable report, and the satisfactory explanation by the headmaster, it was suggested that f>n independent inspection of the school should be madej; and ha submitted that, considering the circumstances of the case, this should have met with the approval of every fairly disposed man Instead of that, the proposal for an independent inspection was opposed by the “ majority” of the Committee.. They had nothing to gain by =«n independent inspection, but they had everything to gain by hurrying Mr Dempsey out of his position before he had a fair trial. (Applause ) That inspection was ultimately granted. Then what did this majority of the 'W mittee attempt to do ? When the inspection had been forced upon them they hurried up the business and wished to dismiss the headmaster before tho result of the inspection was made known. In proof of his assertion, he would refer them to a meeting of the Committee held on the previous evening. The Chairman (Mr Williamson) had sensibly suggested that considering the state of public feeling on the matter, the Committee should simply pass the report and applications for headmastership to thes Board without making any comment whatever on it. In taad of that, they were aware of the D|g ntion passed by thasame “undaunted ell .” It seemed to him that there had been a phalanx on the one side to oust Mr Dempsey, while on the other hand there bad not been an attempt to retain Mr Dempsey, but only to give him a fair and proper trial. Mr CajgiU resumed his seat amid loud applause.

Mr J BradDy seconded the motion. Mr A. Orr, who was greetecr with marks of disapprobation, said the meeting that night was all very well, but he was afraid it had been held a year too late. He could well understand about manliness and unfairness, and after the remark made by Mr Oaygill, it was necessary to go back further into this affair than he intended to have done. Up till

about twelve months ago he believed peace and harmony existed in the school, but about that time an attempt was made by the headmaster, for what reason be knew not, to oust the headmistress from the school, and Mr Dempsey proceeded to continua ly persecute her. (Cries of “ No, No ”) Two disinterested gentlemen, living out of Ashburton, were appointed to make a

thorough enquiry into the affair, and presented their report to the Board of .Education. (Mr Orr read extracts from the report.) Be proceeded to point oat that, in face of such a report, m every way favorable to the headmistress, tho Committee recommended the Board to dispense with ner services. No sympathy bad been expressed with this lady when she bad been so harshly dealt with, and no public meeting had been called by the Mayor to consider her case [Mr Wfl. liamson : “ I object entirely to my name being brought up by Mr Off. (Loud and continued applause ) It appears to me that Mr Orr wants to make capital out of this lady.’J On being elected to the present Committee he resolved to say nothing against Mr Dempsey, but had openly said that if the Board asked the Committee's »iows on the matter he would be ! oo.qad to give his opinion. After the annual report of tho Inspac-ors the Board sent a letter ip the Committee, stating that they had decided to d sp> nse with the services ot the headmaster, and the Committee coincided with the Board's decision. The whole cry had been that the j report of the Inspectors was not a fair j one, and an independent inspection waa | demanded from the Bawd, file bed vqted j

gains* the proposal for an independent inspection ; because he thought it was a downright insult to the Board and its Inspectors. Th-e inspection was granted, and the result wa? a report, which he thought reflected unfavorably on the condition of the school. He proceeded to deal at

length with the report, and concluded by asserting that the Oommitiee wer'e per fectly justified in their action. Mr Silcock protested against the manner

in which he meeting had been called He had several children attending the school, but had heard nothing of the intended proceedings until late that evening. If he had had sufficient notice he could have pros duced reports upon other schools which would have shown that the Ashburton School was in a highly unsatisfactory state. The children, teachers and house-

holders were completely demoralised on the question; it had resolved itself into a faction fight. Educational matters in Ashburton never would progress as they should until they secured a Committee which would work amicably togas her. Mr Murray proposed to review the early history of sc iool mat'era in Ashburton. but was interrupted by cries of “No, no,” and uproar, and at the request.of the Chairman promised to confine his rematka to recent events. Mr Murray, continuing, said the two last headmasters had not been appointed by the people but by a faction The majority of the Committee now had power to appoint a headmaster, but to ensure perfect impartiality they

referred the matter to the Board Mr Murray gave some statistics in

reference to the votes polled by the members of the Committee, but was constantly interrupted by cries of “ Ic’s very dry,” “ Wind him up,” “ He’ll soon run down, etc,” and ultimately resumed his seat amidst considerable uproar, Mr Williamson said that having a member of the Committee at the time the last two masters were appointed, he would like to correct a statement made by Mr Murray. The Committee on both occasions had been unanimous in their selection. (A voice : “ No, sir.”) The Committee that had appointed Mr Dempsey was a fairly representative one, and had been unanimous in their selection. (“ No,” “ Yes, yes,” and uproar. Mr St Hill: “It was Unanimously agreed by the Committee to submit ‘wo names, including that of Mr Dempsey, to the Board.” Applause.) There was no foundation whatever for saying tho appointments had been made by a faction. Mr Thomas said that when elected a member of the Committee in January last he was opposed to Mr Dempsey believing all that had been said against him was true He had not, however, been on the Committee a month before he altered his opinion, having found that things were just the reverse to what they were represented. Mr Thomas bri- fly referred to the Inspectors’ reports, and c. iticised the recent action of a majority of the School Committee. The minority had striven to obtain justice for the headmaster, but the majority appeared determined to hang 1 him first and try him afterwards. It was thought the master would at least have the benefit of the late inspection, but before it could take place the Chairman was directed to advertise for applications for the position of headmaster. Tho Board had granted the examination, and directed the Committee not to make an 1 appointment until after the inspection, ' nut on the previous night the majority • had forwarded the applications to the 1 Board, certainly without having made an ’ appointment, but with e resolution which r extinguished any possible chance Mr 1 Dempsey might have of being re-appointed • He wished to call attention to tho com- » position of the Committee. Two members b id admitted that they had been elected 1 for the specific purpose of ousting the r headmaster. (“Shame.”) 1 Replying to Mr Allison, Mr Williamson 1 detailed the communications that had 1 passed between the Board and the present k Committee in respect to the headmaster. Mr Williamson said the first report from the Inspectors, condemning the headf master, was highly gn tlf ’ing to a majority ) of the Committee ; it was just what they ' wanted. (Mr J. Orr: “How do you know what wo wanted.” “Mr William--5 son : “I know very well what you want.”) ' The recent report, however, which was ‘ more favorable to the headmaster, was • not so acceptable to the majority, and they urged that a new master should he • appointed before it was considered. Ulf timately they had referred the whole of the applications to the Board, but with a ■ resolution so condemnatory to Mr Dempsey that there was little chance of that I gentleman’s application being entertained. Mr Allison asked if the Board had stipulated that Mr Dempsey’s dismissal 1 should not take effect until after the special 1 inspection. Mr Williamson: “ So far as I know, Mr Dempsey has not been dismissed yet, and the meeting will, I am sure, be glad to leirn that he is to remain in charge of the school for the present at least.” (Loud applause.) Mr (r. Andrews said that Mr Dempsey had not been appointed by the unanimous vo<c of the then Committee. The names of two applicants had been submitted to the Board, and that body appointed Mr Dempsey. He (Mr Andrews) thought the members of the Committee having been elected by tho householders were at liberty to act as they thought fit. (Loud uproar, during which the dayor threatened to leave the chair.) The Mayor said he was sorry to hear Mr Andrews express such an. opinion. If the charges brought against certain members of the Committee were not refuted he could not but feel that those members were unfit to be entrusted with their present responsibilities. Personally, he went into any office untrammelled, de ermined to do his beat for the community at large without pledges to any section. (Loud applause.) Mr iSilcook said he hoped the householders would not allow themselves to ne ciuo-ht in the trap which had been set for them. He fait he would not be doing his duty unless he raised his voice against the motion. He moved as an amendment—- “ That this meeting endorse the action of the Committee in relegating the appointment of a headmaster to the Board of duration.” Mr Robert Alcorn seconded the amendment. There appeared to be a considerable -amount of bitterness and a great variety of opinion on the subject. If Mr Dempsey was the good man he was repre seated to be, be would have no difficulty in securing another appointment, [A. v«ice: “ He would if he were kicked out.’ ] If he had jiad the spirit of a man he would not have waited to be kicked out but would have gone long ago.

Mr H. Friadlander said it was all very well to recommend resignation to tho headmaster, but it waa not the time to resign when an enquiry was being held into his conduct and capabilities. (Applause.) He was not there either to support or to oppose Mr Dempsey, but to strongly oppose the Committee as at present constituted. He felt sure the Committee did r-ot fairly represent the householders. There were four for the headmaster and three against; Mr S Alcorn had been elected pledged to oppose Mr Dempsey, and therefore had no right to vote. Let them loon at jthe resolution proposed by Mr A. Orr, which waa moved “ to meet the views of both sijjas.” It said to the Board, “ You must not appoint Mr Demp-' sey, but we leave ‘ho whole matter to

you ” He hoped meeting would end Tae the resolutiu. jf jposed by Mr Caygill.

Mr S. Alcorn, who waa received with hisses and other macks of disapprobation,

said be had been referred to by one or

two speakers that evening as having do

rUht to vote as a mnmior of the Commit- | tee. He admitted that he was opposed to the headmaster; he had been so since 1882 The fact was well known, and still at the annual election be was placed third on the poll. (A. Voice : “ Oh, you were put in by the Early Closing Association. Mr Alcorn: “ I was pat in by the most intelligent part of the community. “ Oh, oh,” and uproar.) He was returned by a class of people who had children attending the school, not by people like Mr Thomas who had none 1 there. (Mr Thomas : ‘‘ I will soon have some there.”) Mr iicorn was referring farther to Mr Thomas, *7hen he was interrupted by loud uproar. The Chairman haviug succeeded in restoring order asked Mr Alcorn to confine his remarks to the question before the meeting. Mr Alcorn (addressing the Chairman) : “Ail I want is fair play, 1 am hardly likely to get that from you.” (Uproar and cries of “sit down,” “chuck him cut,” “ toss him over.”) The noise having subsided, the Chairman asked the meeting to vindicate his conduct in the chair, and was greeted with loud and prolonged applause. The Chairman, then addressing Mr Alcorn, said “flit down, Sir.” Mr Alcorn: “I won’t sit down.” (Groat uproar and hostile demonstrations towards Mr Alcorn.’’) | The Chairman having succeeded in again restoring quiet, Mr Alcorn was proceeding to continue his address, when Mr Hodge, amidst loud applause, stepped forward and demanded that Mr Alcorn should ait down, as requested by the Mayor. Great noise and some confusion followed, when Mr Harrison rose and appealed to the audience to enforce the ruling of the Chairman. Mr Harrison’s appe d was greeted with loud applause, and the speaker was immediately surrounded by a crowd of “ volunteers for active service.” After some minutes disturbance order was restored by Mr Alcorn resuming his seat. The Chairman said Mr Alcorn having submitted to his ruling, ha would ask the meeting to allow that gentleman to conclude his remarks.

Mr Alcorn, resuming, said he had acted according to his convictions, and had always thought Mr Dempsey unfit for the position of headmaster. Mr Junes Bradley called attention to the tact that Mr Alcorn’s opposition to Mr Dempsey dated from the hour at which Mr Alcorn’s daughter had failed to obtain a pupil teachership. Mr Bradley strongly supported the resolution, and hoped the audience would not allow another master to be kicked out. Mr John Orr said he had not intended

to Bay a single word at the meeting, but he was compelled to protest against the strcng language employed by the mover of the resolution. He had lived in Ashburton for eight years, and during that period his action in respect to any public matter had never been called in question. He knew, perhaps, as much about Mr Dempsey as anyone at the meeting, and honestly thought that gentleman was not doing justice to the school. That was a matter of opinion, but he would point out there was no such demonstration when Miss Harband was unjustly dismissed. He t ought it would be much better if leas fuss had been made about the matter. Personally he bad implicit confidence in the Inspectors’ report and that made some months ago by the Commissioners, and was satisfied to abide by them, Mr Collins said Mr Thomas had found fault with him for proposing to consider the business of the previous evening in Committee. Mr Colllios explained why he had made that proposal, and reviewed the recent action of the Committee. Mr Tucker said all the preceding speakers had traversed the past history of the school, bnt had touched very lightly upon recent events. What they _ were there to determine was, whether it was right and just on the part of the Committee to send the resolution they had to the Board. He thought it might be called a stab in the dark. (Applause ) Mr Olsen said the school was evidently in a mess, and they had met to set it right if possible. He thought even the friends of Mr Dempsey must admit that the Inspectors’ report was not a favorable one. He advocated the dismissal of all the teachers and the Committee and to commence dt novo. Mr Harrison suggested that the resolution should be amended. He would like to see the words “ unfair and unmanly ” expunged and less harsh words employed. Mr Caygill having briefly replied, the amendment on beiug pat was lost, and the resolution carried by an overwhelming majority. Mr Dimant proposed—“ That this meeting is of opinion that the interests of education in this district will be best served by the present Committee resigning.” Mr Crisp seconded the motion, and during a speech which was repeatedly applauded. said Mr Alcorn had boldly ez. pressed himself as satisfied with the position he occupied, but he (Mr Crisp) “ would rather be a dog baying at the moon than stand in Mr Alcorn's shoes ” that night. Mr Dempsey was a scholar and a gentleman, which was more than could be said for all the Committee. The opposition offered to the headmaster was the opposition of a clique and a narrowminded religion, and “ had Mr Dempsey been an angel from heaven, his opponents would have plucsed every feather from his wings.” Mr Silcock moved as an amendment, ‘* That a meeting of householders be called that day week to consider the matter.” Mr Andrews seconded the amendment, which, on being put to the meeting, was lost, and the resolution on being pat was carried almost unanimously. Mr Sealy proposed, Mr St. Hill seconded, and it was carried, “ That the Board of Education be requested to retain Mr Dempsey in his present position until the election of a fresh Committee.”

Mr Sealy proposed and Mr Turner seconded, “ That this large and representative meeting of the householders of Ashburton School District have every confidence in Mr Dempsey as headmaster of the Borough School.” The motion was carried with only one dissentient. Mr H. Friedlander proposed, Mr Sealy seconded, and it was carried, “ That copies of the foregoing resolution be forwarded by the Chairman of the meeting to the Bo rd of Education.” A vote of thanks to the Chairman, proposed by Mr Thomas, carried with cheers, concluded the proceedings.