RECTORS RETIRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26639, 9 December 1947, Page 6

RECTORS RETIRE

PRESENTATIONS BY BOARD AND PUPILS FAREWELL FUNCTIONS The Otago High Schools’ Board yesterday afternoon bade farewell to Mr D. S. Chisholm and Mr H. B. Kidson, who have resigned from their positions as rectors of the King’s and Otago Boys’ High Schools respectively. The Mayor, Mr Cameron, members of the board, and representatives of the Education Board were among those present. Minutes of appreciation were read by the board’s chairman, Mr W. R. Brugh. Reference was made to the reputation of Mr Kidson’s scholarship and the maintaining of the school’s traditionally high standard of education during his term as rector. The minute added that he had brought to bear on his professional duties a wide outlook on educational needs and methods and a high conception of what a great secondary school should be. Mr Chisholm had been equal to the responsibility of controlling a new school, and his ability in its formative years had been of great value to the school and to the educational needs of the city, stated the minute referring to his service. Reference was also made to his distinguished service record in two wars.

On behalf of the board, Mr Brugh presented each with a cheque and wished them every happiness in their years of retirement.. Mr Cameron said that Dunedin was justly proud of its schools and the two retiring rectors had done much to inculcate in their pupils the foundations of good citizenship. The principal of the Girls’ High School, Miss M. S. Fitzgerald, expressed her apreciation Of the co-operation which had always been shown by the retiring rectors. In reply, Mr Kidson said that the schools had always had the full support of the community. He expressed thanks for the co-operation of board members and their constant interest in the schools. Both he and Mr Chisholm said that they hoped schools would continue to have individual boards and that unification of control would never become effective.

At the informal break-up ceremony at King’s High School, the head prefect Hugh Templeton, made a presentation to the retiring rector, Mr Chisholm, from the boys, whose gifts consisted of a toilet set, a hanging mirror and a bedside lamp. Opportunity was taken by the boys and staff at the prize-giving function at the Otago Boys’ High School to make presentations to the retiring rector Mr Kidson, and to Mr W. Lang, who has been appointed rector of King's High School, valedictory speeches being made by the head prefect, R. M. Smith.