THE LATE MR CHAPMAN

Evening Star, Issue 14497, 23 February 1911, Page 6

THE LATE MR CHAPMAN

Some thirty ladies and gentlemen assembled in the Arthur Street School Hall last evening in response to an invitation to discuss what was best to be done to commemorate the memory of the late Mr J. H. Chapman, who was head master of the school for many years. Mr M. M'Kenzie, chairman of the- School Committee, presided, and briefly explained the object of the meeting, and invited suggestions. About ten gentlemen accepted the invitation. Their speeches wern not long, but they were thoughtful, aiul even eloquent in their tributes to the departed teacher. Many had causo to thank Mr Chapman for some service. They all related some reminiscence which showed the true nature of the man—noble in tho highest degree, courageous yet gentle, determined in the right, a man in a. thousand. The meeting lasted for about three-quar-ters of an hour. No definite decision was made as regards the form the memorial ViJl take. Tho suggestions ottered were a tablet, to be erected in a conspicuous position in the school; a Chapman prize, which would be obtained yearly from the interest on tho money subscribed ; a headstone at the deceased gentleman's grave ; and a Chapman scholarship. This latter suggestion would mean that something in tho vicinity of £3OO would need to lie. raised. Ultimately it was decided to form a ladies' (Mrs Cameron convener) and gentlemen's (Mr M'Kenzie convener) committee, with power to add to their number, to canvass for subscriptions and report progress to a future meeting, date yet to be fixed. Several of those present hvded in subscriptions last evening, while one- of the teachers announced that- the pupils had succeeded in subscribing 10gs within the 6hort space of a week.