Truth, Adelaide, 24 March 1956

Stir Over School Beating

Teacher Says: "Hasty Act"

The teacher, Mr. Graham Tilley, told Truth this week: "I realise I made a mistake, and it will never happen again."

The boy is Alan White, of Trigg St., Blair Athol, who attended form 1 C.D. at the school.

As a result of this complaint the matter was put in the hands of Det. Frank Whitrod, of the Adelaide C.I.B.

Det. Whitrod interviewed Mrs. White and Alan, and had police pictures taken of the boy's bruises.

Following this, Mr. McKinna wrote to the boy's father, Mr. Clarrie White, a driver, employed by the South Australian Gas Company, telling him there would be no police action against Mr. Tilley. Mr. McKinna added that this did not prevent Mr. White taking civil action if he so desired.

Local Interest

Alan White told Truth he was called out before the class by Mr. Tilley for not paying attention and struck heavy blows with an inch-square length of wood used as a blackboard ruler.

Mrs. White told Truth: "When I saw what had happened to Alan I was horrified. He was heavily bruised and the flesh was raised in weals where he had been hit."

Truth saw Mr. Tilley (25) in the presence of Nailsworth Technical School headmaster, Mr. C.C. Pearce.

"There is nothing nasty about Alan but is seems to me that he hasn't faced discipline. He just seems to like the fun of causing distractions in class."

Mr. Tilley again expressed sincere sorrow for his action and regret that young White had been taken away from Nailsworth by his parents.

Mr. Pearce told Truth: "Mr. Tilley is doing a wonderful job as a teacher, not only in the classroom but also because of his interest in the boys outside school hours.

"In his own time he coaches them at football and other sport. He is interesting some of the boys in photography and has started a hobby club.