RETIREMENT OF MR E. R. WEBB

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22893, 14 December 1939, Page 8

RETIREMENT OF MR E. R. WEBB

BURSAR OF CHRIST’S COLLEGE ASSOCIATION WITH SCHOOL FOE sixty-two YEARS The intention of Mr E. R. Webb, barsar of Christ’s College, to retire year, was announced at the school prize-giving yesterday by the headmaster (Mr R. J. Richards). Mr Webb was a Fellow of the college before being appointed bursar 23 years ago. He is one of the few life members of the Old Boys’ Association, of which he has been both president and secretary. “Mr Webb’s great work for the school has been in his present position,” said Mr Richards. “It is never an easy position to fill in any school—there are

always so many interests pulling in different ways. Mr Webb has seen the school through some very difficult times, not the least of which have been, I think, during the years I have been headmaster, when the financial state of the country has entailed the most careful watch on expenditure. “His greatest gift, I think; is his on- | rivalled knowledge of the history of j the school and of the people connected with it. Again and again, when i I wanted some information about a -boy, I would go to him, and at once he j would place him, and tell me all about j his uncles and aunts and family pro- | pensities. . . ' “He is not gone yet, but it is likely that he will have gone before another prize-giving; and so I feel we most now give him the school’s warmest, thanks, and our wish that he mayfor many years enjoy a well-earned retirement.” . . ... Mr Webb has been associated with the college for 62 years, since he entered as a pupil in 1877. In that time he has been absent on only one 'sports day. He played in the first football matches against Otago Boys’ High School and Wellington College, and later in the first match between Canterbury College and Otago University. Before being appointed bursar in 1916 he was in business in Christchurch as an accountant.