MR J. F. D. WHITE An Appreciation

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29264, 23 July 1960, Page 10

MR J. F. D. WHITE An Appreciation

In undertaking to write a brief appreciation of the work of Mi J. F. D. White, I am fully conscious of doing what he wbuld not have wished me to do. The outstanding feature of his character was his dislike of any form of public appreciation. Was there ever another teacher who, after a long and useful career, positively declined to allow his fellow •teachers to pay a tribute to him on the occasion of his retirement? His many friends are well aware that he was by no means unsociable; but he detested publicity and would have none of it. To many of the university staff he was unseen and unknown; but to the privileged circle of his friends, including hundreds of his former students, he was a friend indeed. Our acquaintance began 50 years ago, when he came up to Canterbury College from Christ’s College. The number of full-time students at the time was relatively small, and we all became well acquainted, especially if we attended the same classes. Jeff was immediately a popular figure, especially at the billiard table in the old cottage on the corner of Montreal street. Cheerful, humorous, open-hearted, he devoted so much time to social contacts that it was surprising to find him also achieving brilliant academic success; ■■ ■ ■ ■ <■ Throughout his life, his intellectual interests were wide and deep.- It was many years before he could make a final choice between science and French. In fact, even when . the choice was made, his keen interest in science was not abated. However, French literature increasingly Claimed his time and attention. Mr White first joined the staff of Canterbury College in 1917 as a part-time assistant in-French, while carrying on as a science master at Christ’s College. This dual role, not uncommon in those days, continued for seven years, until he received a .full-time appointment as lecturer in French, which lasted till the end of 1958. His 42 years on the staff of Canterbury University form possibly the longest period of service recorded in any of the New Zealand universities. Several thousand students passed through his classes, and it is safe to say that every one ot them liked and admired him. He had the supreme gift of the- teacher, an easy friendliness and keen sympathetic interest in every individual pupil. Literally hundreds of students have told me how. he went out of his way to give them special assistance. In- particular he sympathised with those who had no aptitude for French, but were compelled by the requirements of the syllabus, not only in the arts course, but in commerce, science and law. to get some sort of pass in a foreign language. To this unpromising material. which almost broke the hearts ot many teachers, he devoted special attention. and did it- with a zest and charm of manner which will be long remembered.