John was a graduate of London University and achieved special distinction in classics and Hebrew. At New College he came under the influence of one or two professors who held views similar to the late Mark Rutherford who just prior to John’s joining was expelled from the College for alleged heresy.
He arrived in New Zealand about 1870 and worked as a classical and mathematical master at Wellington College. He then established a private school at his residence on The Terrace overlooking Boulcott Street. The cost was 5 guineas for boys up to 12 years and 5 guineas for boys over 12. Fees were payable in advance.
‘No effort will be spared to thoroughly ground the younger pupils in the ordinary branches of an English education’.
In 1880 the school moved to The Avenue off Abel Smith Street and a building formerly known as The English High School occupied by My Bowden (this is now known as Inverlochy Place).
In 1882 John was appointed the School Inspector of the Southland Board, over 17 other applicants. The furniture of his house in Tinakori Road went up for auction, as did school maps, ink wells, easels, mortar, chemicals etc. He was later appointed Inspector of Schools for Westland. He retired about 1900 and spent his retirement in Wellington where he became a Unitarian minister. He died in 1913 at his home in Seatoun. There were numerous printed obituaries throughout the country:
‘He was a vigorous controversialist, an able speaker and lecturer who kept himself thoroughly up to date in his favourite studies – theology and Biblical criticism’.
A memorial address was given by Sir Robert Stout, Chief Justice, in the Unitarian Church:
‘He lived the simple life and died poor. Truth, wisdom, freedom, love of friends – all these were his. I do not think we can set before our youths a nobler exemplar of a good citizen than John Gammell’.
John did not marry and had no family in New Zealand. He was survived by one brother who lived in London to whom he left his estate. This was valued at £49 cash in the bank, £22 furniture and effects and £47 life policy. John’s library was auctioned in March 1914. At his memorial address a collection was made towards a memorial fund, however his plot is unmarked.
Plot: *Public 2/O/150
By Julia Kennedy
