The trials of W. L. Neale

Abstract

W. L. Neale, the Chief Inspector of the Education Department of South Australia, was invited to accept appointment as Director of Education in Tasmania in 1905. His attempts to centralise control of the Department antagonised the local Boards of Advice and his curricular innovations confused the many incompetent teachers, whom he rebuked and criticised publicly. The opposition of these two groups to Neale was so bitter that three Royal Commissions were held to investigate allegations made against him. The few competent teachers supported Neale, but his own lack of tact alienated public opinion and Parliament accepted the recommendation of the third Commission to terminate his services. His ability was outstanding and his dismissal a sad setback to education in Tasmania.