THOMAS SCHOLFIELD FOSTER.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16798, 1 April 1920, Page 6

THOMAS SCHOLFIELD FOSTER.

Tvrr.Mfyß.TAli TABLET UNVEILED.

In the Canterbury College Hall yesterday afternoon, a memorial tablet was unveiled to the memory of the late Mr Thomas Scholfield Foster. Thero was a largo attendance, comprising members of the Board of Governors and Professorial Board of Canterbury College, fellows of the College, members and officers of the Canterbury Education Board, members of Hie Vestry of St. Michael's Church, members of Mr Foster's family, and students of the College. Professor J. P. Gabbatt presided, and with him on the platform were Messrs H. D. Acland, J. C. Adams, and Professor Chas. Clnlton. Professor Gabbatt said that tho late Mr Foster had been one of the most distinguished of the early graduates. He had been on the College Board of Governors for two periods, and had been a member of the Professorial Board. The occasion was a solemn one, but it could not be said to be a sad ono by anyone who had known Mr Foster, who had always held that this life was an imperfect prelude to a lifo to follow.

Mr J. C. Adams said that Mr Foster had been one of those appointed to inaugurate the Institute of Teachers, and in that capacity the speaker had come much in contact w'th him. Ho was glad to add his tribute to a man he admired ana revered so much. Mr Foster had _ been keenly interested in the institution of Church schools, and whatever be had undertaken to do ho had carried out with an earnestness and thoroughness that was characteristic of all liis work. He inspired all young people with his ideals, and the inspiration he had received as an undergraduate at Canterbury College had remained with him and been transmitted to others throughout his life. "Though he bo dead, yet he speaketh," said Mr Adams, in conclusion.

Professor Chilton said that ho had first met Mr Foster nt the West Christchurch school. M r Fester had attended the. first lectures /it Canterbury College. under the three first professors, Professors Macmillan B'own and Bick°rton and the late Professor Cook. He took a great part in College matters, bring one of the fcunde-s of t'le Dialectic Society. "When the general convocation of graduates was established, ho was its first chairman, and, later, he was chairman of the Graduates' Association. He had been lecturer in education at the College, but his great work was in connexion with the West Christchurch school, whore he and his teachers did a great work in building up the school and laying the foundations of the character of its pnpila. By the benefit of Mr Foster's advice many of these pupils came on later to Canterbury College. His best memorial was the- one formed for himself in the hearts of his pupils, colleagues, and friends, but it was only fitting, from his long association with Canterbury College, that there should be a memorial to him in the College Hall, which would testify to the character and achievements of one who took so prominent a part in College matters. Mr H. 3>. Acland then unveiled the tablet, the inscription on which read as follows:— In Memorv of THOIIAS SCHOLFIELD FOSTER. Born 1856. Died 1918. Graduated JI.A. from this- C'olleg-a in 18S3 with First-class Honours in Latin and Greek. Headmaster of the West' Chiistchurch Fchool 1882-1901. Member of the Board of Governors, 1693IS9J and 1892-1912. Inspector of Schools fopr the di-trict of North Canterbury, 19M-1912. Lecturer in Education at thus College, and Principal of tho Training College, 1912-191 S. His life was devoted with untiring zeal and perfect singleness of aim to the cause of education.

This tablet was erected by his colleagues is token of affectionate regard.