MR. G. L. STEWART RESIGNS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 139, 10 December 1930, Page 12

MR. G. L. STEWART RESIGNS

EDUCATION BOARD SECRETARY

Mr. Ct. L. Stewart, secretary of Uio Wellington Education Board, tendered his resignation to the board this morning. The resignation was accepted with great regret, many eulogistic remarks being passed on Mr. Stewart's services to the board. Mr. T. Forsyth (chairman) said .that the- board felt considerable regret at losing Mr. Stewart, but they must congratulate him on being able to retire with credit to himself and to the board. (Applause.) Mr. Stewart had been an ideal officer, and from the board's point of view they had been very well served by Mr. Stewart, whoj incidentally, was recognised as an authority on education law; courtesy, ability, and integrity wero other outstanding qualities which had won him the high esteem of all with whom he had came in contact. The meeting decided to place on record the board's very high appreciation of Mr. Stewart's services to the board and to' vdueation generally throughout the .Dominion, and in regretfully accepting his resignation to grant him three months' leave of absence, which, Mr. Forsyth said, would hardly equal the periods ' which Mr. Stewart had spent in looking after board matters instead of taking leave which was due to him. MR. STEWART'S CAREER. Mr. Stewart, who feels that he would like now some little leisure after years of strenuous work, will have occupied the position of secretary for twentyseven years when his resignation takes effect iti April next. He was born in Forfarshirc, Scotland, and received his education in Dunedin at Albany Street School, of wliich he was dux in his year, and at Otago University. His educational work began as a pupil teacher in tho same school, and was subsequently continuedl in succession in the positions of third, second, and first assistant of the school at Mornington, which then numbered about 500 pupils. The last-named position was conferred on him at the age of twenty-one years. For health reasons he resigned.from the teaching profession when about to complete his degree, and thereafter resided for several years in Central Otago. There he engaged in journalistic and secretarial work. He was secretary of the Mount Ida Hospital Board and the Maniototo Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Later, returning to Dunedin he entered into partnership with Mr. J. M. E. Garrow, afterwards Professor Garrow of Victoria College. He undertook secretarial and financial work and obtained a seat on the Dunedin Stock Exchange, becoming its chairman the year after. It was while Mr. Stewart was secretary of the Otago Farmers' Union that the first steps were taken to establish the Farmers' Insurance scheme, which afterwards proved of great benefit to farmers. Mr. Stewart was hon. secretary of the Kew Zealand Bowling Association and of his own club, the Dunedin Bowling Club. In 1904 he was appointed secretary of the Wellington Education Board, which position he has held up to the present date. He has always identified himself with the social and religious life of tho community in which he has resided. At present he is president of the Wadostown and Highland Park Men's Society, and of th,o Wadestown Children's Playground Society.