COURAGE IN ADVERSITY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 95, 23 April 1931, Page 8

COURAGE IN ADVERSITY.

LATE MR. MIETGE'S EXAMPLE,

FORMER NEWTON HEADMASTER,

A former headmaster of Newton East School, ill - . Daniel Dickenson Metge died at his home. Owens Road, Epsom, yesterday, aged 70 years.

Towards the end of his life Mr. Metge was blind. He had always suffered from defective eyesight, and when he knew that blindness was coming on, he set to work, although over GO years of age, to learn the Braille system, with the result that he became so expert that lie afterwards taught others, and was known to have remarked that since he had lost his sight he had leisure to do more solid reading than ever before. A man of great vitality, determination, and geniality Mi\ Metge never let his affliction damp his spirits. Mr. Metge was born at Bainbridge, County Cavan, Ireland, and came to New Zealand ,in the Jane Wishart about 52 years ago. Like many early arrivals he had to turn his hand at anything, and for a short period was earning his living with a pick and shovel. Then he secured employment under the Auckland Education Board, and for a time was in charge of a school at Mangapa.i. < From there he was appointed to the charge of the Helensville School, where he remained for close on 20 years. While resident in that town Mr. Metge was a vestryman. He was also a member of the Diocesan Synod for some years. Mr. Metge was next appointed to the charge of Newton East School, which was then the biggest in the Auckland district. He remained in charge of that school for about 20 years, when he retired on superannuation. Many of his old pupils now occupy prominent positions in New Zealand and abroad.

Mrs. Metge survives her husband, the couple having celebrated the golden anniversary of their wedding lat?t year. There arc four sons and three daughters.