OBITUARY

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32661, 17 July 1971, Page 21

OBITUARY

Mr E. W. A. Espiner Mr E. W. A. Espiner, who was active in the teaching profession for 46 years, died in Christchurch this week at the age of 72. His early education was received at Palmerston North Boys’ High School and Victoria University, Wellington, where he was active in Rugby and student affairs. After graduating master of arts, he returned to his former school in Palmerston North where he taught for 15 years. While there, he qualified as a bachelor of commerce and was later elected an associate member of the New Zealand Society of Accountants (A.R.A.N.Z.). In 1936 Mr Espiner was appointed head of the departments of English and French at Christchurch West High School, when the school was first promoted from intermediate to full high school status. He was later first assistant at Christchurch West, an appointment he retained until retirement in 1963. Mr Espiner took an active part in the Secondary Schools Teachers’ Association for many years and became the first national president of the Post-Primary Teachers’ Association on the amalgamation of secondary school and technical school teachers’ associations. His efforts to improve salary conditions for the teaching profession were rewarded by his election to life membership, of the association. After retirement, he worked for two further years in the secondary schools’ inspectorate in Christchurch.

Mr Espiner is survived by his wife, two sons, Dr H. J. Espiner, a surgeon in Bristol, and Dr E. A. Espiner, a physician at the Princess Margaret Hospital, Christchurch, and a daughter.