FORMED AT LAST.
A School Teachers’ Association. SUCCESSFUL MEETING
At Spaniard’s Bay on Saturday
Eloquent Speeches.
Editor “Evening Telegram.”
DEAR SIR,-The meeting of teachers, of which notice was given last week, came off with great eclat, on Saturday last, at Spaniard’s Bay, in the room of the Church of England School, presided over by Mr. B. B. Squires. The day was a fine one, and everything looked well for a good meeting, as anticipated. However, a fair number put in an appearance, and at 12.30 p.m., Mr. J. F. Bancroft took the chair, and in his usual and eloquent style, addressed the assembly on many things appertaining to the profession-immediately followed by Mr. Robinson, of the Carbonear Grammar School, who,
In a Lucid and Able Manner, (much to the delight of the teachers present) set forth his views on the matter.
It was here proposed and seconded, right away, that “A Newfoundland Teachers’ Association” be formed, which proposition, being put by the chairman, was carried unanimously. Mr. James Munn, of the Harbor Grace Academy, now took up the strain, and things took a very lively turn for more than an hour. Many teachers came to their legs, and gave vent to feelings that had been pent up for years, conspicuous among whom, was Mr. John Martin, of Upper Island Cove, who made many very sensible remarks, expounding his views in a right royal way.
A Message Received.
At this juncture a message was received by the Chairman from Rev. W. Pilot, B.D., Superintendent of Church of England Schools, which contained the following:- “Please convey to Teachers’ meeting, Spaniard’s Bay, my heartiest wishes for success of their efforts.” I can assure Mr. Pilot that we were very much pleased to receive the above expression of his good will for the cause, and hope that, ere long, the other two Superintendents will fall in line. It was now proposed by Mr. Robinson, and seconded by Mr. Munn, that Mr. Bancroft be re-elected “President of the Association,” pro tem., which motion, being put, was carried unanimously.
The Corresponding Secretary. Mr. R. Dawe, teacher of the R. C. School, Bay Roberts, was again re-elected secretary pro tem., to whom all communications should be made respecting the “Association,” and who will answer any questions in respect thereto.
The Next Meeting.
The next meeting is to be held, D.V., on Wednesday, January 7th, 1891, at Spaniard’s Bay, to commence at noon, sharp. The subjects of discussion are: “Increased Denominational Grant”-which means an increased salary; also an Insurance Scheme, to provide for incapacitated teachers who from age, sickness or infirmity are incapable of providing the wherewithal to exist. Other business of importance to the profession will be ventilated, and a deputa- tion will be appointed to proceed to St. John’s, and there, before the members of the House of Assembly, explain to the best of their ability the pros and cons of the grievances to which teachers are subjected.
Not a Religious Matter.
This is not a religious matter, and should not be made sectarian, so that all teachers (to whatever denomination belonging) are cordially invited to attend and enroll their names on the lists of the Association.
A Request to the Editors. And I would here state that we shall be glad if the editors of the daily papers will be kind enough to keep the name of the Association out of politics; we shall thank those papers for ventilating our grievances, but request that they kindly refrain from dragging the subject into a political channel. Hoping that I have not trespassed too far, I hereby subscribe myself,
Yours, &c., NIL DESPERANDUM. District of Harbor Grace, Nov. 24, 1890.
TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION. Meeting at Spaniard’s Bay. OFFICERS ELECTED, And Important Matters Discussed.
Twenty-Two Present.
DEAR SIR,-On Wednesday, the 7th inst., notwithstanding the very disagreeable state of the weather during the previous night and following morning, a goodly number of teachers, male and female-twenty-two in all-responded to the call of the “Teachers’ Association,” and assembled at the Central Schoolroom, Spaniard’s Bay.
Address by the President. The meeting was opened at noon with a short address from the President pro tem., and business was proceeded with. The minutes of the last meeting were read and adopted. Reports of committees were then called for, whereupon Mr. J. A. Robinson laid before the meeting a draft of the Constitution of the Association which, upon being carefully considered, was adopted article by article.
Officers for Ensuing Six Months.
The officers for the ensuing six months were elected by ballot without nomination, viz.: Mr. Bancroft, President, re-elected; Mr. Robinson, Vice-President, elected; Mr. R. Dawe, Secretary, re-elected; Mr. E. H. Williams, Treasurer, elected. Committees were appointed, of which Messrs. Robinson, Munn, and Moulton formed one; and Messrs. Eli Martin, J. Munn, and Miss Emma Martin, another.
Branch Associations.
Mr. Munn then suggested that Branch Associations might be formed in different parts of the country at the request of five teachers of the Association, co-operating with the main body. This suggestion, on motion, was adopted and embodied in the Constitution.
Petition to the Legislature. A committee was authorized to draw up a petition, to be presented at the next Session of the Legislature, embodying two resolutions, which were unanimously carried by the meeting.
The first defining the minimum salaries to be paid to males and females, and the second a State-aided insurance scheme for the benefit of teachers. Relief of Teachers in Distress. Several matters of importance were debated upon whilst considering the Constitution; the first being, that 20 per cent. of the funds of the Association be laid aside for the relief of teachers in distress or otherwise incapacitated.
Second, any certificated teacher in any part of the Island may become a member of the aforesaid As- sociation, by corresponding with the Secretary and remitting fifty cents as initiation fee for enrolment.
Third, any person, who may have the cause of the Education of This Colony at heart, may be entitled to become an honorary member of the Association by the payment of two dollars. Such honorary member, aforesaid, shall be entitled to assemble with the other members at all meetings, and shall have the same privilege of voice, but no vote, on any occasion.
And fourth, any one desirous of becoming an honorary Vice-President of the Association may do so on the payment of four dollars. Names Recorded and a Sumptuous Dinner.
Twenty-one teachers then had their names recorded, and after partaking of a sumptuous dinner, which was prepared through the committee by Mr. W. T. Cleary at his house, each returned to his or her destination.
Sanguine of Good Results.
I may be permitted to say that the teachers who were present are resolved, if possible, to carry into effect the several matters which were passed at the meeting, and, by hearty and earnest co-operation of all the teachers and others who may interest them- selves in the very important cause of education, they are sanguine of good results. Thanking you for space, I am, dear Sir, Yours truly,
ONE OF A COMMITTEE.
Carbonear, Jan. 9, 1891.
THE TEACHERS’ AGITATION. Letter from Spaniard’s Bay.
Neither Edifying Nor Creditable.
Editor “Evening Telegram.”
DEAR SIR,-I notice a letter in the Evening Herald of the 16th instant, from Spaniard’s Bay, over the caption of “A. B. C.,” which is neither edifying to the public nor creditable to the teacher who penned it. And, mark you, this vociferous letter was written simply because the Gov- ernment had refused an absurd request made by the Teachers’ Union of the districts of Harbor Grace and Carbonear, for an increase in the Educational Grant of $80,000- making the whole grant $205,000. Now, I ask you, fishermen, and others, if you could have believed that such a ridiculous request would be made by any persons possessing common sense, much less our teachers, who claim to have a certain amount of Intelligence Among Them.
I am confident that they never anticipated that the Government would grant such a monstrous request, when so many of the bone and sinew of the country are in a state of semi-starvation, and who would have to be further taxed for the purpose of increas- ing teachers’ salaries. Are not the teachers as well provided for at the present time, or better, than formerly, whilst many fishermen and others, who have seen better days than those clamorous for increase of salaries, are compelled to live on from $40 to $80 yearly? And, in the face of these facts, the teachers have the presumption to ask for an increase of grant. If their salaries are too low, I would recommend them to quit teaching and begin at some more profitable work, as there is no lack of teachers; but I am afraid many of those who complain would be some time looking before they would better their state, as they are not capable of filling positions Of Responsibility.
Are you not surprised that the teachers did not ask for the whole revenue? Surely, they might assume the right to one as the other; furthermore, those teachers claim the right to increase of salaries and prominent situations for canvassing. The right they arrogate to themselves for such services is unjust; admitting they did canvass, they enjoyed a few holidays, and were paid for their time by their respective Boards, whilst the children of the fishermen and others, who returned the Government by their votes, were roving about the streets. The abusive remarks of “A. B. C.,” in remembers fighting for their own aggrandizement, comes with very bad grace from teachers, as they were, one and all, apparently, canvassing for increase of Salaries and Situations.
But the greatest absurdity of all is their threatening what they will do. Now, we know that one of their No. 1 men at Carbonear did his best for the ex-member, and, I presume, some No. 2 and 3 men did the same; and what did their canvass amount to? Nothing! As a rule, school teachers are unpopular in the districts they reside inconsequently, they have but little influence. I am very apprehensive that the Teachers’ Union will work more harm than good. Unions, as a rule, are generally managed by men who have plenty of talk, but no ballast. Hence, they accomplish no good. D. E. F. Spaniard’s Bay, March 18, 1891.
Yours truly,
Since it is getting closer to the end of the school year, a nice little post on the formation of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association. There is a monument to this near the site of the aforementioned school house on Church Hill in Spaniard’s Bay for those readers not familiar with the area, if you have ever seen a picture of Holy Redeemer Church, it’s almost right along side of it.
Unions were very necessary in the 19th century, they forced employers to give better wages, safer work environments, ended child labour, created work weeks and more.
As the last letter in this post demonstrates a favorite pastime of certain people, complaining. The letter does have valid points, because of bank failures hunger was at many doorsteps, the brunt of increasing pay for teachers would be borne by the fishermen who’s livelihood depended on the capriciousness of mother nature.
Bancroft, an English man, was from Chester a union stronghold in England, realized the desperate situation of teaching conditions in Newfoundland and sought to create a union that was protective of its membership.
They sought to have a minimum wage of $300 per male teacher, $240 for female teachers with a pension plan, this much to the consternation of the letter writer was approved by government, insurance for teachers would not be approved until 1964.
Because of these meetings the teaching profession has come a long way since they had to worry about termination from typhus or from diptheria, colleagues that traveled from town to town, losing students to dig potatoes, look after siblings or go to the Labrador. Having parents take children from school for family activities and then complain when schools are closed.
Some things never change.
Forgotten History of Spaniard's Bay 