Not succeeding from the religious point of view, he is now about to try his luck as landowner.
By means of these glebe notices he seeks to remove the bravest and best so that he may once more hold the destinies of the villagers in the hollow of his hand.
The purpose of this booklet is to focus the clear white light of public opinion upon Burston. I believe I voice the wish of every true woman and man, every lover of justice and genuine freedom, when I express a hope that he may not succeed. Had he brought an atom of brotherly love or the true charity which he quotes on Sundays, or sought to crystallise the true spirit of Christianity into his dealings with his village folk, then this booklet would have remained unwritten.
However, it may serve a useful purpose if it only shows other reverend rectors what they must avoid.
When the teaching profession becomes as wide-awake to its interests as, say, the dock labourers, the miners, and cotton operatives, then will its members join their Union, loyally co-operate with each other, and form a linked breakwater against oppression.
THE BURSTON SCHOOL STRIKE.
“If the history of England be ever written by one who has the knowledge and the courage, and both qualities are equally requisite for the undertaking, the world would be more astonished than when reading the Roman annals by Niebuhr.”—Earl of Beaconsfield.
Burston village lies eighteen miles south of Norwich.
Four and a half years ago came to this village as schoolmistress and assistant-master, Mrs. A. K. Higdon, and her husband, T. G. Higdon. They were welcomed to the Council School by friends, parishioners, etc. They gained the affection of the scholars, the approval of the parents, and the blessing of His Majesty’s Inspector. Here it is:
The Government Report,
October 11th, 1912.The present mistress has had charge of the school a little over a year and a half, and its condition is very promising.
A good tone prevails; the scholars take a pride in their work, and the work done in some of the subjects of instruction is very creditable.
Mental arithmetic is well above the average, and the written arithmetic of the first class is generally praiseworthy. The singing and much of the drawing are good, and needlework is taught on sensible lines.
On the whole the infants and first-class children are making more progress than the scholars in the middle portion of the school.
(Signed) A. H. Moore, H.M.I.