SCOTCH COLLEGE HEAD

Evening Star, Issue 21751, 20 June 1934, Page 3

SCOTCH COLLEGE HEAD

MR C. M. GILRAY'S DEPARTURE FAREWELLED BY UNIVERSITY COUNCIL Mr! C. M. Gilray, M.C.-, M.A., attended his final-meeting of the Otago University Council yesterday before his departure to take up the head mastership of Scotch College, Melbourne. When Mr Gilray’s resignation was read the Chancellor (Mr W. J. Morrell) said all the members regretted that that would be the last time Mr Gilray, would be present. ‘ They 1 welcomed him gladly nine years ago, and they, felt that their sense of the value of his services had increased as time went by. The name of Gilray had long been held in honour in Otago University, and they had pleasure in his return. He was 'a son of one of the most esteemed and popular professors, and he was one of the most distinguished students. Mr Gilray had taken part in every section of University life. He had been popular at the school, at the University, and in the city, and he was well known in a wider field. •It was > gratifying when students returned with distinction gained elsewhere. Although it was a matter of regret, it was well that they should pass on from here to wider and more impoi’tant spheres of work. He had no doubt that Mr Gilray would have an equally good record in Melbourne. “ The Chancellor moved :- “ That the council place on record its sense of the valuable service rendered to the University by Mr C. M. Gilray, M.C., M.A., Oxon. and N.Z., during his nine years of membership (19251934) as a representative of the District Court of Convocation. Mr Gilray’s distinguished record in this University and at Oxford, his interest in all sides of University life, and his experience in educational work as a teacher and head master have given weight to his N opinions on the business coming before the council. His upfailing courtesy and geniality.r coupled with good judgments and force of character, have secured the respect and liking of all his fellow-members. They part with him with very great regret, but with 1 the heartiest wishes for his health, happiness, and success in the very responsible position he is now taking up as principal of the Scotch College, Melbourne.” The motion wjis , seconded by Sir James Allen, who said that, although they were losing Mr Gilray’s personal presence, they would retain his personality and the spirit of the valuable work ho had done. He would take to his new post a great deal of experience gained at Oxford, and a great deal more of what he had learned in life in New Zealand. Mr Gilray might be able to help the council from time to time with suggestions as his experience was widened by teaching at Scotch College. Replying, Mr Gilray said it had been a great pleasure to him to return to Dunedin after being away from the dominion for some years, and to have the privilege of sitting on the council. He was sure that the general public appreciated the work done of the council, perhaps more than the members realised. He had learned much, and he was grateful to members for their assistance. He very much regretted leaving New Zealand, as they knew, and both Mrs Gilray and he would go away with feelings of regret _ and very warm thoughts for the kindnesses shown to them by the people of Dunedin.