Mexborough and Swinton Times, March 29
A Fond Farewell.
Tributes to Retiring Conisborough Headmaster.
A Public Presentation
There was a large attendance last night, at the Morley Place School, Conisborough, when a cheque was given to Mr W.Smith, the retiring headmaster. The money was earmarked for the purchase of a sideboard for his home in Harrow.
Cllr A.E.Berry, who presided, said the efforts of the Testimonial Committee had met with a general response, and the sum of £24 had been raised. As an old scholar of the Morley Place School the knowledge that it was with a certain amount of regret that he found himself presiding at such a meeting.
He admired Mr Smith as a boy. He remembered having been received into the school with kindness and during the last three years he had worked with his old headmaster in public life and found him zealous as well as cultured.
He had read with interest his historical articles in the “Mexborough and Swinton Times.”
Mr A.G.Bate, H.M.inspector, said that the first day he entered Mr Smith’s school he was impressed by the craftsmanship displayed, the soul and thought of the highest type revealed in the work of the school.Mr Smithturned out the boys well equipped, but this was subsidiary to the fact that Mr Smith had impressed upon the boys something of his own character. His thoroughness, integrity and determination to pursue the best under all circumstances, was one of his characteristics. 20 years ago we were apt to make education a thing of cold arithmetic, but Mr Smith had translated education in higher terms.
Mr Bate ensured the audience that the late Mr Brown, H.M.I., would have associated himself with Hayes (Mr Bate´s) praise. He (Mr Bate) always found it a pleasure to examine the work done in the Morley Place School, and Mr Smith’s influence would be felt in Conisborough for many years to come.
The reverent W.A.Strawbridge (vicar) testified to Mr Smith’s devotion to the cause of the Church at Conisborough.
Mr J Brocklesby paid a tribute to the influence of Mr Smith, observing that it was a privilege to serve in his school.
Mr R Troughton, a member of the local Education Sub Committee, said that the fact that there had been no complaints with regard to Mr Smith’s work was sufficient testimony in itself.
Mr J Brocklesby, J.P., Chairman of the District Education Subcommittee, said it was always a pleasure to discuss business with Mr Smith. All Hayes (Mr Brocklesby’s) boys receive their early education at the Morley Place School. They esteem him, and your personal thanks, which he there tended. Mr Smith had been tactful both to the staff and scholars, and these services were highly appreciated by the local Committee and Also by the County Committee at Wakefield. he had played his part as a true citizen, and was a ready worker during the war.
Mr Brocklesby said his one regret was that Mr Smith was leaving them, for there was still room for his ability and energies in Conisborough. Mr Brocklesby then handed the cheque to Mr Smith.
Mr Smith said that if the many kind things that had been said were really deserved, then he was a very proud man indeed. He expressed the deepest gratitude for the kind thoughts which prompted the presentation. The Morley Place School had been enlarged twice since he entered it, at which time he was warned that unless an improvement was shown the grant would be withdrawn.
When he saw the report of the school, he was taken aback. After seven months work, he was visited by the inspector, whose report recommended the school for the highest grant. His staff had been loyal, and he heartily acknowledged their share in the success of the school. The Committee had always been more sympathetic and considerate, and he had got on well with the parents. The Inspectors had greatly assisted in with his work by their advice and encouraging reports. Mr Smith quoted from the last report he received this year, and said that prior to that the last visit of an inspector was in 1916. He took the eight year immunity from inspection as a compliment. He was leaving Conisborough on Monday with regret. He liked Conisborough and Conisborough people, but felt that a change would be beneficial.
Mr Berry has acted as chairman of the testimonial committee, Mr H.P. Knowles treasurer, and Mr J.I. Webster, secretary.