THE WAIKINO TRAGEDY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4685, 9 April 1924, Page 2

THE WAIKINO TRAGEDY.

HEADMASTER’S BRAVERY. RETIREMENT UN FULL PAY. As a sequel to tlie Waikino murder, when a demented farmer, John Higgins, entered tlie school and freely used a revolver, killing two pupils and severely wounding the headmaster, Mr R. T. Reid, and several pupils, the Government has come to a decision v.hieh will relieve the headmaster of financial worry as a result of his injuries, and serve as a recognition of his bravery in endeavouring to defend the children under his care. Mr Reid was wounded in three place.:, his injuries including a fractured jaw. He has been under treatment for three months, and, although some impr ivement has been shown, his health may preclude him from resuming bis profession.

Tlie Hon. C. J. Parr, Minister cf Education, stated that under these circumstances he had submitted the ease tc Cabinet, which decided that as Mr Reid’s full recovery from his wounds is by no means assured, he shall in the meantime be paid by the Education Department his full salaiy, al« , medical and hospital expense':, cost of nursing and massage, and traveli.ing expenses to secure special treatment. The Minister added that he trusted Mr Reid would recover in some measure his former health, but if this did not eventuate he could retire on superannuatio i medically unfit, in which case the Government would make up the difference between bis ordinaiy pension and his salary of £445 by means of the special allowance of £230 annuallv. Tin’s would require Parliamentary au thi.risatiom The Government desires to deal with Mr Reid in a generous spirit, added Mr Parr, and trusts that th”.se arrangements will be deemed a recognition of his bravery and splendid devotion to duty under most trying circumstances.