Maggie Devaney died after complications after an operation to remove her appendix early in 1923. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ronda Shambrook" <shambrookdr@dcsi.net.au> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2004 8:50 PM Subject: [HC] Alice Eileen Paull leaves Bruarong > Back Creek, > Yackandandah, > 12th October 1920 > > Sir, > I have the honour to state that I last did duty at the above named school (Bruarong) at 5 p.m. of 8th October 1920. > > On Monday morning - very wet morning - I informed the 16 children present that I should not be with them longer and dismissed them. For over an hour they, including Margaret Devaney, tearfully stayed around before bidding their many affectionate good byes. > > Margaret through her mother hoped I did not bear her all will as she did not wish me to leave. Another pupil returned with a half crown from her money box to offer as a present. > > Mrs Devaney wished to assure me that, in no way, was she connected with Mr Cooper in his complaint. Spite with a Gessler-like desire alone prompted his actions - not the rendering of service to anyone. > > I should not, in trying to serve, have informed him that work at home was not to interfere with the children's lessons, regular attendance and punctuality. > > I was aware of over-stepping the mark especially of school law. (There's the "moving" one cannot always pen, for occasional "loss of control of self", even as a teacher. > > If I have failed to serve satisfactorily as a teacher, I trust that I have not done less than my utmost - if minus great show - for my country; and I do not hesitate to say that I carry from every where I've been, the good will (often material testimony with it), of a very large majority of schools and districts. I should scarcely be human were I able to say all. > > However, only during my stay at Bruarong have complaints come to me - Mrs Devaney's though friendship remains and Mrs Cooper's which following the severe strain of having a brother on active service missing for 7 months (not unattended by other private trials) - were hardly conducive to an equable temper. > > Contrast that, on entering the service as a Junior Teacher my H.T. frequently (advisedly) told me I was too sympathetic with my charges. > > I have had the honour and desire to be, > Sir, > Your obedient servant, > A.E.Paull >