| Description | 15/9/1909-30/11/1909
• John C Anderson, Ferryhill Evening School. 23rd Oct 1909. Has been asked to advise if any pupils have difficulty paying fees. There is only one pressing case here.The Board has already shown sympathy in this case by exempting the boy who is not yet 14 years of age.
• James C Barnett, The Head Teacher, Middle Public School. [Undated]. Children’s Guild of Play. A draft scheme for this got approval from the staff of St. Paul Street, Porthill, and Middle Schools. Asks for the Board to grant the use of the new gymnasium at the Middle School and to afford heating, lighting, and cleaning. If approved then the Guild would begin after the Christmas Holidays.
• James C Barnett, The Head Teacher, Middle Public School. [Undated]. Free Meals. These have just begun and there has been great demand. Asks if the arrangements are the same as before: weekly accounts and cook’s wages of 10s.
• James C Barnett, The Head Teacher, Middle Public School, 18th Nov 1909. Skene Square School’s Infants’ Department has 9 teachers for 455 children while here there are 5 teachers for 320 children. The Middle School has lost some 10 pupil teachers and should be allocated more staff.
• James C Barnett, The Head Teacher, Middle Public School, 18th Nov 1909. George Watson has been admitted here a short while after being put in at St. Andrew’s School. No sufficient reason was given by the parents. Believes Practical Household Management classes could be taught here at a very small outlay cost. The old cookery room would make a good kitchen and the old manual instruction room could be converted into a sitting room and bedroom. The sitting room would be for the teachers’ use as their current room packs 13 of them into a small space.
• A K Brown, Rubislaw Public School. 24th Nov 1909. Character reference for teacher Miss Yunnie who is considered “well fitted to have the care of mentally deficient children”.
• James Campbell, Holburn Street School, 29th Sep 1909. Has received an accusation against his character (being drunk on duty) from a member of the Board and repudiates it.
• James Campbell, Holburn Street Public School, 13th Nov 1909. Is experiencing difficulties in discipline where parents are taking their children’s side even in cases where no punishment has been given, only strong remonstrances. This behaviour is characteristic of the district, is “very irritating”, and has a bad influence on classes. Relates a recent example where a boy from Marywell Street School was sent here for a Bible to use in his classes and returned using insolent language. Campbell blames the mother for this. The boy refused to listen to him at next meeting, left, and was brought back ‘by the scruff of his neck’.
• James Campbell, Holburn Street Public School, 23rd Nov 1909. Refers to the previous day’s letter from Mr Brown. Campbell previously wrote to Mr Hector about this and alleges this proves that statements given in Mr Brown’s letter are incorrect. Campbell states that three boys of the family are at Marywell Street (one James, another Norman) and have caused trouble there and previously at St John’s School. One interfered in a class visited by the HM Inspector and used disrespectful language. Believes there has been a failure in discipline which can be rectified with firm action.
• Duncan Clarke, St. Paul Street Public School, 23rd Sep 1909. Mr John Forrest’s Letter. Believes Miss McKessar is one of his very best teachers and has his full confidence. She has been hard at work in successive classes now preparing them for the Qualifying Examinations. To relieve both her and the pupils of stress the classes are now taught by two teachers, Miss McKessar still being one. As she has been working hard for so long, the concern seems to be that she has not yet adapted to easier circumstances and has interfered in the Home Lesson classes. C larke believes that if this is the case she will readily admit her fault. She speaks highly of Mr Forrest’s daughter. Mr Forrest’s original letter is appended, dated 19th Sep 1909, 51 Park Road, Aberdeen: he alleges verbal abuse and punishments meted out by Miss McKessar against his daughter who struggles with grammar and arithmetic classes. Some of the language used by the teacher is given: “fools, idiotic fools, donkeys, it’s Kingseat [school] you should be in…” and more.
• Mary A B Craig, Skene Square Public School, 22nd Sep 1909. [See also A Green 1st Oct 1909]. Mr Milne, a parent, has sent a letter “full of exaggeration”. She did not doubt the child was ill as Mr Milne’s children “are puny, delicate little things” and denies handling him roughly. States that all children under her care are treated with kindness. Implies that Mr Milne spent up to an hour with Mr Green before coming to see her “in a strange state of mind”, the implication being that he was manipulated by Mr Green, whom she believes has some kind of vendetta against her department. Due to stress and worry she wonders if she should tender her resignation but cannot afford to do so.
• B J Davidson, [no address], 20th Sep 1909. Asks for a salary review / increase, gives his history of employment starting at Ferryhill School.
• J Donald, Rubislaw (Special) Public School. 4th Oct 1909. There are 23 pupils in the Physically Defectives’ Department whereas the limit for a Special Class teacher is 20 when all pupils are of the same average attainment and ability. The ages range from 4.5 to 14.5 years forcing the teaching to be individual and has led to the impossibility of teaching of Drawing and Colouring. Arithmetic, Composition and some forms of Manual Work suffer. Additional staffing in the form of an assistant teacher is required.
• A L Dunbar, The Supervisor of Manual Instruction, Aberdeen Grammar School, 16th Sep 1909. Has investigated an accident involving a Woodwork Class pupil at Causewayend School. The incident has been described fully elsewhere. Dunbar is concerned only about the suitability of whitewood in these classes. This is less than half the price of yellow pine or canary wood and has been used successfully in the Inverness Technical School. Wants teachers to report how much wood is used and what quality it has, i.e. low number of knots and impurities. Believes the instructor Mr A G Strachan is being too forgiving in which pieces should be kept for use. Also believes the pupil’s first cut shows he did not hold the chisel in the way proscribed by the teacher. Thinks the wood is suitable for the classes but should not be used by beginners, and that the instructor should revise his supplies. Asks also that the opportunity be given for him to discuss with the instructors any problems with new wood supplies before they are used in classes.
• George Fenton, 2 Loanhead Terrace, Oct 1909 [only October date given]. Grammar Evening School. Points out prospectus error. Prospective evening Industrial School pupils believe they will be learning 4 nights per week instead of 3. Believes this will lead to smaller class sizes. Also points out that Hall & Russell have about 40 apprentices in the country that would affect this centre. Wants an Osram Lamp installed in the physical laboratory to improve lighting.
• George Fenton, 2 Loanhead Terrace, Aberdeen. 26th Oct 1909. Asks for a reconsideration of his salary as headmaster of the Grammar Evening School. Expands on the status of the school, the quality of teaching necessary, and his efforts to achieve this.
• James Findlay, Rosemount Public School, 22nd Nov 1909. Asks the Board’s permission to form another Supplementary Course class. This would not need additional staff and would last only until the summer holidays when the school’s congestion would be relieved. At that point there would be only one 6th Standard class to feed it. The classroom needed seats only 50 pupils. The classes other than supplementary ones would consist of 65 pupils each. Evident that some classes have high proportions of pupils (in some classes over 30 pupils) that must either be advanced with a 3rd supplementary class formed or that 423 pupils will need to be kept back and repeat work done in the last 6 months. Asks if Miss Cook or Miss Fowler should have charge. Qualifications for both are provided. Second page gives figures of classes, rolls, and numbers of pupils to send up or left behind.
• Alexander Forbes, The Head Teacher, Ruthrieston Public School. 23rd Sep 1909. Mrs Lovie of 113 Great Western Road has one child with us and two at Mile End and wants them all at this school. This does not comply with the letter regarding non-transference of pupils form one school to another during currency of a session. Asks for instructions. The address is closer to this school than Mile End. “I don’t want to trample on any one’s toes even though I don’t mind their kicking out as long as the kick falls short”.
• Alex Forbes, The Head Teacher, Ruthrieston Public School. 17th Nov 1909. Defective Pupil. Catherine Burnett (7), 648 Holburn Street, daughter of Mrs Burnett (widow) is a subject for Rubislaw [special school]. No progress has been made with her after one year.
• Alexander Forbes, The Head Teacher, Ruthrieston Public School. 17th Nov 1909. Destitution. Several families are in such a state of want that the children cannot properly be provided for with food or clothing. There is an urgent need for action now that the weather is severe. The most pressing cases are (with extra work history and relief details given for each family): Joseph Pirie, moulder, 10 Bloomfield Road who has a family of 9, 4 at school and a child of 5 who cannot attend; Andrew Mitchell, 21 Bloomfield Road, formerly railway servant (dismissed) who has a family of 9, 5 at school; R Miles, baker, Brick House, 3 children at school; John Milne, joiner, 413 Holburn Street, 7 children, 4 at school; - Lumsden, painter, 413 Holburn Street, 7 children, 4 at school [mix up with Miles above?]. P.S. has conferred with Cookery Teacher Miss Ross about the cost of providing dinners for the neediest. Under a penny per head per day would work for approximately 50-60 pupils.
• Ellen Garsweller, The Head Teacher, Beech Lodge Public School, 26th Nov 1909. Asks for more fee slips and receipt forms but without the statement “oral school for the deaf & dumb” printed on them as she believes seeing this gives the “parents an unnecessary stab”.
• A Green, Skene Square Public School. 22nd Sep 1909. Sends account for a cab engaged to drive an injured student to the infirmary: a girl who slipped while skipping rope. The injury is less severe than first feared and amounts to a badly bruised elbow joint.
• A Green, Skene Square Public School, 1st Oct 1909. Concerns correspondence around the ‘Milne complaint’ that requires his attention [see Mary A B Craig letter 22nd Sep 1909]. Believes he can disprove most of the charges laid out by Miss Craig and repudiate the rest, “while admitting the difficulty of removing an innuendo which combining the admirable qualities of a subtle poison, and a filthy stain is both dangerous and difficult of erasure”. Believes he has been asked to express an opinion on the matter coincident with the finding of the Board, this obviously being of common sense, and denies the allegations put against him. Goes into detail about the nature of the complaint but in roundabout descriptions at the same time, e.g. “that I was priming Mr Milne with mischief, or stroking his fur in the wrong direction”. The complaint seems to surround allegations of interfering or controlling behaviour by Mr Green against Miss Craig, a fellow teacher and head of the Infant Department, involving a member of the public, Mr Milne. Mr Green denies he spent more than a couple of minutes with Mr Milne.
• A Green, Skene Square Public School. 19th Oct 1909. James M Taylor seems to have been admitted to the Infants’ Department inadvertently. Miss Craig has been distracted being away attending to her seriously ill mother. Will take this matter up with her on her return.
• Path [?] Hicks, 49 Holburn Street. 21st Sep 1909. Application for the post of violin teacher at the Girls’ High School. History given.
• J V Hyslop, The Supervising Cookery Instructress, Central School, Aberdeen. 7th Oct 1909. Regarding the classes for the Provincial students, Miss Able will take the Cookery Classes and Mrs Nugles the Laundry Classes on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 4-6pm. Mr Smith will be sent schemes of work. Each class has 20 pupils. Extra tables with felting and sheeting will be required for the Laundry as it can only host 12 pupils. Some extra utensils will be needed in the Cookery Room and the Laundry. A note attached gives the worked out costs of teaching and facilities for the classes.
• Mary A S Ingram, 19 Forbes Street, Aberdeen. 4th Oct 1909. A pupil teacher in 4th year, she asks for her salary to be matched to other PTs on her level (an increase of 10s per month).
• John N Jack, Waker Road School. 11th Oct 1909. Gives details on two pupils enquired about. James Bruce of 58 Menzies Road was admitted last April when he was 7 years 4 months old. He had previous asked for permission and been rebuffed owing to his weakness. His presence is not desirable owing to the noticeable smell he gives off and he was recently examined by Dr Rose who already knows of his condition and his case is being considered. James Campbell suffers from deafness but has shown signs of improvement and will probably be in a fit state to join the work in time.
• William Johnston, Broomhill School. 29th Nov 1909. Application for the post of headmaster. Details of work history provided and justifications for his achievements.
• R M Littlejohn, The Head Teacher, Causewayend Evening School. 1st Nov 1909. The following pupils have been exempted from day school attendance and have come to be enrolled in evening school classes and have paid fees [may be an error, the letter goes on to imply they have not paid]. According to previous instructions, Littlejohn cannot put them on his registers. Alexander Law, 1 Doric Place, Loch Street; Albert Moir, 3 Fraser Street; Alexandrina Annand, 6 Constitution Street; Maggie J D Law, 69 Orchard Street; Isabella Stewart, 20 Harriet Street; Agnes Morrice, 15 Charlotte Place. Stewart and Morrice are the latest to sign up and there is hope of them paying. He others filled up schedules of admission at the start of their sessions and they have been visited multiple times by the attendance officer. Seeks advice.
• I Leask, 39 Osborne Place, Aberdeen. 15th Sep 1909. Application for the post of Infants’ Mistress at Causewayend School. Work history enclosed. She had been senior assistant mistress there for 16.5 years.
• Duncan Mackenzie, George Street Public School. 2nd May 1909. Urgently requires objects for the use of the Higher Grade Drawing Classes. These were previously provided by the college. Mr Symonds believes they can be acquired for £3.
• Duncan Mackenzie, George Street Public School. 22nd Sep 1909. Disturbed for having not received notice from the Board regarding the re-assignment of his sewing teacher, Miss Jessie Laing, something he only found out about second hand. He has also heard (in the same manner) that a Miss Keith had been instructed to start on Thursday – this transfer had also not been communicated to him properly. If it had, he would have refused as the sewing classes are continuing only at half-day sessions with external assistance. The visiting teacher is entrusted with two important sewing class grades and he cannot countenance these being transferred into less capable hands: “I believe [Miss Keith] could simply not do the work”.
• Duncan Mackenzie, George Street Public School. 22nd Sep 1909. Architect’s Department. Nine classrooms still have the old-fashioned desks which are bad for pupils; these require alteration. The lighting in most of the classrooms is inadequate: suggests installing incandescent drop lights.
• Duncan Mackenzie, George Street H. G. School. 6th Oct 1909. Considering candidates for the school’s vacancy. The candidate must demonstrate certain qualities under Essential (university qualifications in Natural Philosophy, Practical Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry), Desirable (university qualification in Natural Science), and Professional (teaching experience preferably in Science) headers. Three candidates show outstanding merit: W S Catto, Alexander T Adam, and Roderick Macrae. Mr Catto seems to have disqualified himself by asking for £140 up front. Mr Adam and Mr Macrae have very evenly balanced qualifications (these are listed for comparison along with their training histories). Gives detailed reasonings for discounting the other 6 candidates (John W G Cameron, Robert S Clark, David S Davidson, Andrew J A Falconer, Fred W Hardie, Herbert Murray, Charles Thomson.
• Duncan Mackenzie, George Street Public School. 19th Oct 1909. The school rarely closes for the afternoon and therefore it sometimes finds itself disrupted by pupils of nearby schools which have closed. It is difficult to find out who these are but recently they seem to mainly be pupils of Skene Square School. Hesitant to write to the School Board office or Mr Green but has chosen the Board as he is not prepared to say Skene Square pupils were the only offenders.
• Duncan Mackenzie, The Head Teacher, George Street Public School. 25th Oct 1909. A student called asking for the use of the hall and adjacent rooms for an assembly. This same request is likely to occur a dozen more times during winter and if granted will have a considerable effect on the amount of gas and fuel used and cleaning needed. The time limits for them are not clear. They would be in the part of the school let to the Provincial Committee. The two rooms are each as large as the school hall.
• Duncan Mackenzie, The Head Teacher, George Street Public School. 3rd Nov 1909. Miss Munro, who replaced Miss Barnet, is unable to manage her classes in a satisfactory manner.
• Duncan Mackenzie, George Street Public School. 16th Nov 1909. The department has deducted superannuation contributions from the recent grants to the end of the school year. Some adjustment is required as the Provincial Committee also holds deductions.
• Duncan Mackenzie, The Head Teacher, George Street Public School. 29th Nov 1909. The blotting paper supplied by the school board is of poor quality. Sent samples of the old and new papers and wants them compared with the contractor’s sample.
• James C MacLeod, The Head Teacher, Skene Street Public School. 7th Oct 1909. Has been sent 100 ‘hygenic pen & pencil boxes’ by Messrs. Colman the mustard manufacturers. Although the boxes are the wrong dimensions to hold the rubbers used in our schools, the idea is sound and can be improved on and could reduce the waste of pencils and rubbers which is a longstanding problem. The boxes and their contents will be retained in the school. Suggests it would be advisable for the Board to order in suitable boxes for all the senior division students of other schools.
• James C MacLeod, Skene Street Public School. 11th Oct 1909. Miss Burges has written to her former pupil to send him a certificate of the classes he took in 1890 and 1891. Asks if the examination schedules for these years are still stored in the board’s offices and if they might reveal any further information such as additional or special subjects he may have taken.
• James C MacLeod, Skene Street Public School. 2nd Nov 1909. Miss Mennie will be transferring to Holburn Street School. She has said she receives a £5 bonus for taking classes in Northfield School too. As it is halfway through her year, asks if it is advisable to pay her £2 10s now.
• David M Masson, 57 Holburn Road, Aberdeen. 1st Oct 1909. Tendered resignation as a Pupil Teacher owing to having been accepted for university studies.
• David M Masson, 57 Holburn Road / Rosemount Public School, Aberdeen. 12th Oct 1909. Requires exemption from the Scotch Education Department (as well as the School Board – already given) before he can enter college. Includes details of his English, Latin, Drawing, Mathematics and French Leaving Certificates.
• John McBain, Aberdeen High School for Girls, 20th Sep 1909. Hands over £3 10s donations for the High School Organ Fund.
• John McBain, Aberdeen High School for Girls. 6th Oct 1909. An excess of pupils has led to great pressure in the science department. The presence of an additional assistant now satisfies the needs of the education department. There is a group of 8 post-intermediate stage pupils who look forward to taking their BScs at university; they are taking their studies in a small, unfurnished room. Asks for materials for the room: blackboards, desks, sinks, water and gas.
• J McGregor, The Head Teacher, Old Aberdeen Public School. 27th Oct 1909. Asks if he can enrol children of 5 years old as they present themselves through the year or if this must be enforced at strict periods. Are children under this age to be excluded in future?
• William D McLean, Kittybrewster Public School. 22nd Sep 1909. As the new ‘Pupil’s Record Card’ has been adopted, the Head Teachers’ Association has discussed the issue of the ‘Quarterly Report Cards’ and are unanimous in the belief that the heads should be allowed to choose whether to continue using them.
• Margaret Mennie, 41 Devonshire Road, Aberdeen. 4th Oct 1909. On the staff of Ruthrieston School and ill. Asks for her September salary to be paid to her brother Harvey Mennie of 211 Union Street.
• Margaret Mennie, 41 Devonshire Road, Aberdeen. 4th Nov 1909. On the staff of Ruthrieston School and ill. Asks for her September salary to be paid to her brother Harvey Mennie of 211 Union Street.
• Bella Milne, 32 Belvidere Street, Aberdeen. 16th Sep 1909. Application for the post of Infant Mistress at Rosemount School. Work history given.
• Elizabeth D Nisbet, 282 Victoria Road, Aberdeen. 20th Nov 1909. The number of underfed children attending Victoria Road School at present is very small, not more than 5 or 6. Does not believe that the number likely to take advantage of a mid-day meal would justify such provision.
• John Peter, Hanover Street Public School. 6th Oct 1909. Application for Mr Watson’s vacancy at Broomhill School. Gives his professional background as a headteacher. Most of his previous schools have been in the east side of the city. He suggests that Broomhill, in the west side, has a better class of pupil to be teaching, “which makes the work of [Broomhill] more attractive and congenial than that of [Hanover]”. The schools are on the same salary grade.
• John Reid, 236 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen. 1st Nov 1909. Asks for an opinion on what his prospects would be if he became a commercial teacher. Outlines his hopes for this career and provides his work history in great detail.
• George N Ritchie, Grammar School, Aberdeen. 4th Oct 1909. Has applied for a rise in salary and brings extra information regarding his circumstances before the board – work history provided.
• John Ritchie, King Street School. 7th Oct 1909. Two teachers of Engineering have been found willing to undertake the work: William F Gaued, Glenbervie House, Skene Street West, and Alex Whyte, 10 Chestnut Row. Would prefer Mr Whyte for his school.
• John Ritchie, John Anderson, William B Duguid, John Peters, 28 Rosebery Street, Aberdeen. 11th Oct 1909. Ask the Board to reconsider the scale of Headmaster salaries, particularly for the Elementary Technical Institutes. There are three grades in evening school and it has been understood that one may advance from one school to another in a higher grade. Pupils are usually in one of these for a year before transfer to Gordon’s College or the Central H G School. This limitation does not apply to other schools in the system. The attainment of large numbers of evening school pupils does not reflect the work under taken by their headmaster and the work is not often of the type that a headmaster can judge and examine. In the Elementary Technical Institutes a headmaster must become familiar with the subjects of individual pupils and to set their exam papers personally, to ensure a reasonable number of them can enter the higher classes. Use these reasons to justify asking for higher salaries.
• John Ritchie, The Head Teacher, King Street Evening School. 18th Nov 1909. The Shorthand Class has been divided into two sections at different times, both classes being under the instruction of Mr Nicol. This is necessary because of the class size (44 pupils).
• John Ritchie, King Street School. 30th Nov 1909. Applies for the post of headmaster at Porthill Public School. Encloses his work history.
• Will Robertson, Causewayend Public School. 3rd Nov 1909. Asks if the Board will enforce attendances until the last fixed date for pupils over 14 years old. The discrepancies between the number of pupils who are no longer attending and those who are staying until their fixed date of leaving will cause problems when it comes time to fill in Form 61. If the Board will not enforce then may the school remove these students from the attendance list?
• Christina M Robson, 220 Union Grove, Aberdeen. 21st Sep 1909. Application for the post of Infants’ Mistress. Work history given.
• William Ross, Westfield Public School. 7th Oct 1909. Has conferred with Physical Instructress Miss Cruickshank about the work to be done by Miss Merrylees in teaching drill for her 1.5 hours per week. So that her classes may be most useful she will be sent round the various classes in rotation and the teachers will follow these up as they see them taught. Has requested 9 copies of the Revised Syllabus of Physical Exercises to aid the teachers in teaching these classes, plus 2 plain sixpenny rubber balls.
• H F Morlund Simpson, Aberdeen Grammar School. 24th Sep 1909. Mr Allan believes his resignation takes effect from the 1st October with the usual two months’ notice, giving sufficient time to find a replacement by the 1st December. Has written to Mr James M Milne whose present salary is not as high as it had been at Campbelltown. Hopes to offer him Intermediate III classes in French. Will update later details of his present salary. Qualified M.A.s are difficult to get hold of.
• H F Morlund Simpson, Aberdeen Grammar School. 10th Nov 1909. Confidential Secondary Grant 1908-1909. Refers to Dr Southers’ Reort pp. 46-50. This school earned the highest grant value over George Watsons and Gordon’s College schools. Details of grant calculations, comparisons, and attendances are given against the six leading schools. Concludes either AGS is exceptionally good or Gordon’s College is excessively bad.
• H F Morlund Simpson, Rector, Aberdeen Grammar School, 24th Nov 1909. Intermediate Licence. Referring to the department’s letter of the 6th Nov, he has considered the matter along with H.M.I. Mr Ewen, science master Dr. McLeod and Mr J. Bentley Philip, of the Botany, Classical and Modern classes. Regrets that Botany classes have been misunderstood to be needed in elementary learning only as they are required in chemistry and medicine studies. The department has previously allowed some latitude with the selection of optional course choices in the sciences. The Board previously allowed the school to buy in provisions to set up the Botanical Garden and Conservatory which attracted much attention. Class attendances regularly exceed 30 pupils. In order to keep the science class timings, Classical and Modern pupils have to continue science one year longer at Intermediate stage, and one class only, Classical III. Reasonings for this are given and discussed in great detail. In 1907-1908 across the city’s three secondary schools, the Grammar School had disproportionately fewer pupils falling under the average metrics, yet had more pupils attaining higher and intermediate courses in science, referring to Dr. Strather’s Report of 1909. Proposals and reasonings are given for amending the class systems. A memorandum from Mr J Bentley Philip is given at the end in defence of Botany.
• H F Morlund Simpson, Rector, Aberdeen Grammar School. Playfield, Foresterhill, 25th Nov 1909. Bleachfield. The town council has counter recommended subjects in preference for a west end park. This has opened a way for negotiation. There was a hint that we may confer a long lease (say 20 years) in relation to the proposed fields at Cromwell Road and Queen’s Road. Discusses rents and lease durations and the work needed to prepare the grass and grounds. The grounds would probably meet the needs of a quarter of the whole school (of 506 boys).
• W Sitslee, School Board of the Burgh of Aberdeen. 15th Oct 1909. Gives some thoughts on various music subjects including the feasibility of Child Music Classes in Rosemount Evening School, the efficiency of Class Drill, class sizes, forming permanent links between child teaching and adult stages of music life – forming a Guild of Music consisting of children who have just left school and are invited to join due to special ability and some who are qualified and apply to join.
• Charles Stewart, Robert Gordon’s College and Gray’s School of Art, 27th Oct 1909. Considers the committee’s upcoming decision to appoint an assistant master for the class of Coach and Motor Body Building. Outlines several points to bear in mind. 1. The principal teacher Mr Clark particularly requests Mr Peters. This should be a primary reason to install him. 2. The instructors need to be engaged with the craft or industry themselves. Refers to Department Circular no. 320 which supports this.
• Charles Stewart, Gordon’s College, Aberdeen. 29th Oct 1909. Both Mr Shinnie and Mr Clark are willing to make the Coach and Motor Body Building class successful. There is expected to be a high number of students with diverse ages and experience. Therefore, they should be divided up. Mr Shinnie shall ensure full attendance.
• Charles Stewart, Gordon’s College, Aberdeen. 12th Nov 1909. 35 students are present for the Coach and Body Building class. The teachers on duty are Mr Clark and Mr Shinnie and assistant teacher Mr Peters. Mr Smith was also appointed as an assistant but has not yet been seen. This class is focused on individual instruction and this will be accentuated as the session advances and the disparity between members becomes more apparent. The Tailors’ Cutters class has increased to 33 students who have paid fees. This is taught by Mr Battisley who had an assistant last night – more help will be required. It would be better if the class were divided in two but there is not space available.
• Charles Stewart, Gordon’s College, Aberdeen. 18th Nov 1909. Mr Battisley has agreed that the Tailors’ Cutter class should be divided meeting on different half days. The enrolment is strong (34) and benefits most from individual instruction. Given the amount of interest from the trade there is undoubtedly enough interest to keep the class on permanently.
• A G Wallace, Central Higher Grade School. 5th Nov 1909. Has no information on the students mentioned. Those seeking admission are passed on to him through the school board who have received sanction from the committee. There is no room at present for additional girl pupils. Gives opinions on the students. Rhoda Slorach: should not be encouraged to attend having just attained 12 years of age – prefer pupils attending slightly younger in August. Jessie McLean (referred to the school board, not the chairman): should not attend at such a high age (15 years old) especially as it is implied she is just visiting the area. As she previously attended the High School, Glasgow, she would fit in better at Aberdeen’s High School for Girls. Mary Reid: as she was taught mathematics and French at Newburgh, she is now a bona-fide town’s pupil and a place might be found for her in a section of the second year’s classes.
• A G Wallace, Central Higher Grade School. 10th Nov 1909. Has received the letter about the junior students awaiting nomination from the Aberdeen County Committee. Believes the Central School Committee is at fault for treating the parents harshly by imposing £5 fees. The money is not required by the board as the large grants it acquires through its junior students outweighs it. Costs incurred will be covered by the district educational funds (details given). If the claim is enforced it will encourage the County Committee to recognise a Deeside school as a junior student centre and send even fewer students into the town – a longstanding policy of the county and the school will be playing into their hands.
• A G Wallace, Central Higher Grade School. 24th Nov 1909. Reference written for student Miss Gertrude Robertson who seeks teaching work. Gives biographical information, classwork taken and scores, notes on her character. She enrolled at the school in August 1909 after previously attending the High School for Girls.
• Kate Wilson, 29 Ashley Road. 12th Oct 1909. Cover letter containing copies of character references. Main letter gives her application for Miss Farrie’s [?] post at Ashley Road School and educational background in suitability as a music teacher. The first testimonial is from Robina W Connon, 3 Abbotsford Place, 17th Jan 1890, a former teacher from Wilson’s childhood. The second testimonial is from Herr Eckermann, 2 Bon-Accord Street, Jan 1890, Professor of Music in Aberdeen, one of her music teachers. The third testimonial is from Herr Mase Hachstein, Pupil of Herr Von Bulone, Aberdeen, Jun 1890, another of her music teachers. The final testimonial is from Mr J S Jackson, 173 Union Street, 5th Sep 1891, her teacher of Singing.
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