VAN ASCH, GERRIT (1836-1908) was born in the Netherlands, educated there and at an early age devoted himself to the study of methods of teaching and training deaf mutes. In 1859 he introduced into England the methods of lip-reading and articulation taught in Germany. In his institution near Manchester all signs and finger language were banned in favour of the spoken language and lip-reading. He moved the school later to Barnet, Hertfordshire, and then to London. Coming to New Zealand in the Scottish Prince in 1879, he settled at Sumner where under engagement to the Government he established a school for deaf mutes which he controlled for 25 years with conspicuous success. Van Asch died on 4 Mar 1908.

Cycl. NZ, iii (p); The Press, 7 Mar 1908.

Reference: Volume 2, page 210

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