Gunnedah Public School headmaster William. H. Montgomerie was so highly regarded as an educator that he was presented with an illuminated address by a grateful community when he was transferred to another school at the turn of the 20th century.

Mr Montgomerie came to Gunnedah as headmaster of the public school in December 1885, 10 years after the school had been established on the corner of land bounded by Conadilly, Elgin and Little Barber streets.

During the first 10 years after the school was opened, four headmasters had come and gone and Mr Montgomerie’s tenure of 16 years was a stabilising influence on public education in Gunnedah.

Affectionately known as Monty, William Montgomerie was a dedicated teacher, keen to give his scholars extra instruction. Two of his outstanding proteges were Alec McDonald, who later became Dux of Hawksbury Agricultural College, and then the director of NSW Agriculture. Another student Hedley Guest became the Under-Secretary for Lands in NSW.

School enrolments rose steadily during Mr Montgomerie’s stewardship and by 1892, overcrowding had become a serious problem.

Mr Montgomerie asked for a school board to be established to agitate for more classroom space. When the board was formed, the chairman was an influential grazier TP Willsallen, of Gunnible, with the police sergeant JP Ewing as secretary. As a result of their representation a new residence for the headmaster was built, freeing up the previous accommodation in the school building for extra classrooms.

Gunnedah Public School headmaster William. H. Montgomerie.

Consent came in 1899 for a new, modern school on the site and a tender was let to builder Montague Audet of Narrabri. The new building was an imposing structure, consisting of hand-picked Gunnedah bricks blended with Armidale blue bricks, with hardwood floors and 52 windows with the interior fittings of cedar with brass fittings.

The new school was officially opened by Thomas HH Goodwin, the local member for parliament. The education facilities had 350 scholars with an average daily attendance if 275.

When Mr Montgomerie’s imminent departure was announced, there was enormous regret in the school as well as the wider community.

On display at the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum, the impressive illuminated address expresses the ‘sincere regret’ of the community at the departure of Monty.

“During your 15 years residence among us, you have commanded the respect of all. Occupying a public position, your actions have of necessity been subject to the closest scrutiny but you have always evidenced an example which might be worthily followed by those who have, more especially, come within the sphere of your influence.

“We are unable to estimate the benefits which you have conferred on our community in your capacity as a teacher and citizen, but at all times you have successfully held the entire confidence of the parents and fully merited the thanks which can be but inadequately expressed.

“While noting with pleasure that your best efforts have been concentrated upon training and instruction of the children, over whom you have been placed, we gratefully acknowledge the valuable and willing service you have given in promoting the advancement of public institutions of the town, more especially as a member of the hospital and School of Arts committees.

“In appreciation of the character of your life and work amongst us, we ask your acceptance of this address and regretting your removal, we beg to offer you our best congratulations upon the promotion which you have just received.”

The illuminated address included sketches of the hospital and School of Arts and was signed by THH Goodwin MLA, chairman of the hospital board mayor WH Pritchard, and clergyman George Baker. It was also signed by TP Willsallen, chairman of the hospital board and secretary John Smyth.

Mr Montgomerie left Gunnedah for Hay Public School. Among schools of which he was headmaster were Tingha (1882), Gunnedah (1885), Hay (1901), Naremburn (1902), Ultimo (1904), and Arncliffe (1911 to his retirement in 1928). He eventually retired to Rocky Point Road, Artarmon.

In November 1932, William Montgomerie died suddenly at Waverton at the age of 69. His association with the Education Department of NSW extended over more than half a century.

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