Obituary Miss M. Baker

Press, 28 November 1987, Page 8

Obituary Miss M. Baker

A South Island-bom woman who became a long-serving principal at Wanganui Girls’ college, Miss Marjorie Baker, died recently in Tauranga. She was aged 86. Miss Baker was principal at the girls’ college for 17 years from her appointment in 1938. She was bom in South Canterbury in 1901 and was educated at Christchurch Girls’ High School. After leaving secondary school Miss Baker attended the University of Canterbury, where she graduated master of arts with first class honours in English and historv.

After a year of teaching at Auckland Girls’ Grammar School, Miss Baker returned to the South Island to take up an appointment at Timaru Girls’ High School in 1924, where she remained until she became principal at Wanganui Girls’ College. Miss Baker’s willingness to promote changes in the teaching field was reflected when she introduced sex education to the school curriculum, with the guidance of a woman doctor friend. Miss Baker** also encouraged cultural and sporting activities, as well as scholastic excellence.

In June, 1953, Miss Baker was awarded the Coronation Medal for service to the public, a re-, flection of her service to the school and the community. iHer retirement in 1955 brought new interests and challenges, and a departure from Wanganui, but throughout her life, Miss Baker kept her affiliation - with the. Federation of University Women and the National Council of Churches.

Miss Baker lived at Melrose Home and Hospital in Tauranga until her death.