COLLEGE STAFF’S TRIBUTE

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23962, 1 June 1943, Page 6

COLLEGE STAFF’S TRIBUTE

DEATH OF MR J. G. POLSON In moving a vote of sympathy with the relatives of Mr J. G. Poison, the principal of the Christchurch Training College, who died recently, at a meeting of the staff and students of the college and the staff of the Normal School, the president of the Students’ Association, Mr W. Waters, acknowledged the help and guidance consistently rendered to students by Mr Poison. Mr W. J. Cartwright stressed the wide influence of Mr Poison on educational thought throughout New Zealand, his kindliness, and his sympathy. The vice-principal, Mr F. C. Brew, said that though Mr Poison’s life had been governed by high ideals of work and duty, no one had ever heard him profess these ideals in so many words. Community service to many organisations had been given freely and unstintingly by Mr Poison, always quietly, without any thought of popularity or publicity, and with a comrlete disregard of his own ease and comfort. The following resolution was carried: “That the Students' Association, the staff of the Training College, and the staff of the Normal School place on record deeo appreciation of the life and work of their late principal, and extend to Mrs Poison, to his sons and daughters, and to other relatives their deepest and most sincere sympathy.” Tributes to the “calm, logical, and fearless” judgment of Mr J. G. Poison and to his services to education were paid by the Canterbury University Col, lege Council yesterday afternoon. Mr Poison was deputy-chairman since 1938 and since 1926 had represented teachers on the council. He was chairman of various college committees. The chairman (Mr A. E. Flower) expressed, regret that Mr Poison had not been able to take office as chairman of the council, and that he was not able to enjoy his retirement which was expected at the end of this year. A resolution of appreciation of his services' and regret at his death will be sent to Mr Poison’s relatives. A similar resolution with tributes will be sent to the family of the late Professor J. E. L. Cull, who was formerly Professor of Civil Engineering.