OBITUARY

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 146, 23 June 1938, Page 11

OBITUARY

MR. A. ERSKINE

The death of Mr. Albert Erskine has occurred in Wellington at the age of 71 years. Mr. Erskine was very well known and respected, particularly by those in the teaching profession, with which he had been associated for the greater portion of his working life. He had been retired from the profession for some years, and had been in failing health for some time past. . A native of Geraldine, South Canterbury, Mr. Erskine joined the teaching profession at a very early age. He was one of the youngest and most talented teachers in the employ of the Department. His early teaching experience was gained in Geraldine and Masterton, after which he held a position for a number of years at the Clyde Quay School. From there he was appointed first assistant at the old Terrace School, where he remained for about 30 years. During absences of the principal, Mr. George MacMorran, at various times in this period Mr. Erskine acted as headmaster. He retired on superannuation from The Terrace School about ten years ago. During his long connection with the teaching profession he was most highly regarded by other .teachers, who were unanimous in their opinion of him, and also in their recognition of his capabilities. When he was first assistant at The Terrace School, the school was always to the fore as regards scholarship, and this in a great part was due to Mr. Erskine's untiring industry. Many former pupils of the school retain fond and grateful memories of his instruction and guidance. Mr. Erskine was one of the most important and prominent men connected with the New Zealand Educational Institute in its earliest days. He was honorary treasurer of the institute for many years, and was secretary for a time. The final office which he held was that of president for New Zealand. He was one of those most responsible for the present sound and influential position of the organisation, and for the many improvements in conditions governing the employment of teachers. In his early days Mr. Erskine represented the Wellington Province on the Rugby football field as full-back. He was a member of the Wellington Rugby Football Club and of the Wellington Cricket Club. Latterly his interests were more ir the direction of golf and bowling. He was secretary for many years of the Miramar Golf Club, of which he was later elected club captain and a life member. It was partly due to his efforts that the Miramar Club secured its present links, as he was secretary when the club had its headquarters at Karori. Mr. Erskine was a past master of the Waterloo Masonic Lodge, a member of the Wellesley Club, and a past president of the Wellington Bowling Club. He was unmarried. His relatives live in Patea, and he has a sister residing at Kakaramea.