TRIBUTE TO MR. J. P. FIRTH

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 59, 3 December 1920, Page 6

TRIBUTE TO MR. J. P. FIRTH

NEW ZEALAND CLUB LUNCHEON,

A further tribute to Mr. J. P. Firtn, the retiring headmaster of Wellington College, was paid yesterday, when the New Zealand Club gave a luncheon inhis honour. The gathering, which was held in the Y.M.C.A., was very largely attended. The guests of honour, in ad. dition to Mr. Firth, were Dr. Anderson (Director of Education), Mr. W. h. Bethunc (president of the Wellington College Old Boys' Association), and Mr. W. F. Ward, chnirmau of tho College Board of Governors. . Mr W. M. Page, who presided, said that it was unnecessary to formally introduce Mr. Firth, especially as so many of his old boys were members .of tho club. He regretted that personally, ha did not know Mr. Firth intimately, but as a mark of respect, lie could only compare the retiring headmaster with his own head in Edinburgh, a man for whom all old boys had n great regard, Mr. Firth was the same type of man in that the speaker felt bure he did not believe in liny system of education without discipline, and. did not consider a matter to be" a mere director of study at tho will of the pup.il. "I fancy that Mr. Firth believes with me," said the speaker, "that a wisely wielded wand is an excellent tonic!" The idea of a martinet being essential in the, teaching .profession was scouted by tho speaker, who contended that ,1 "firm hand and a big heart" were essential in winning the confidence of thu boys at any college. Mr Firth had believed, and had consistently advocated, that lads should be taught qualities and principles that tended to produce the ideal citizen, and had realised ■ that the greatness of .a people depended a great deal on their singleness of heart. "The greatest tribute we <ian-pay to Mr. Firth," said tho speaker, "ie to acknowledge that he did these thing'. ' Thousands of boys have passed through his hands-and under thein-(laughter)-and the success of his efforts Lg depended on his system and method." Mr. Page briefly reerredto the magnificent contributions Mr. I'irtn had made towards wilining the war. In reply, 'Mr. Firth, wfio was greeted with .prolonged nnplause. said that ho believeiHn discipline. 'T have bad to deal with boys for so long. J* said, "that now I find I don't about th>m! Having discovere !'. - Have also found that, ff flier «<v • :«l which llioy preferred, laxity or >'.«Vi. they would plump for order. (Applause.) ' r should like to thank you for Your tribute, but whon you go beyond the limit, thanks are inadequate. , In tho course of his reply, Mr IWn dealt with defence matters which are renorted in aiiothor column. The gathering concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.