PORTRAIT OF MR J.LEGGAT

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28979, 21 August 1959, Page 24

PORTRAIT OF MR J.LEGGAT

Presentation To High

School

Mr J. Leggat, the retiring headmaster of Christchurch Boys’ High School, yesterday accepted on behalf of the school a portrait of himself painted by Mr W. A. Sutton.

Presenting the portrait to Mr Leggat on behalf of the High School Old Boys’ Association, the president (Mr E. C. Munt) remarked that the school was fortunate to have had only five headmasters since 1881. Mr Munt said their average service hud been 16 years. Asking Mr Leggat to accept the portrait for the school, Mr Munt said it was a tribute to a former headmaster and a reminder of the school’s debt to the handml of men who had been entrusted with its destinies.

There was prolonged applause when the picture was unveiled. “It would be churlish of me not to accept the fact—it has been said so often—that I have done a satisfactory job," said Mr Leggat. thanking the association for the honour it had shown him. “I have been lucky to inherit from Mr Caddick a school which was running well, was of high tone and good character." said Mr Leggat. “There is a good team of masters and boys; but I am realist enough to know that all this was not my doing. “I am staggered that my portrait should hang beside those of my great predecessors,” he said. “I am very touched and very proud. One day someone will point to my portrait and say ‘that was Sutton’s finest period.’ A thought I can’t grasp is that that portrait will be hanging there after we've all gone.” Mr C. H. McPhail, chairman of the board of governors, wished Mr Leggat "every success in your new venture overseas." Mr Munt then presented a travelling bag to Mrs Leggat and a portable typewriter to Mr Leggat on behalf of the old boys’ association.