LATE M P. GOYEN

Evening Star, Issue 19613, 20 July 1927, Page 6

LATE M P. GOYEN

TRIBUTE OF EDUCATION BOARD prominent among educationalists OF EMPIRE High tributes to tjie work, character, and ideals of the late Mr I’. Goyen, who lor many years was chief inspector of schools in the Otago district, wore paid at a. meeting of the Education Board to-day. Mr J. Mitchell, in rcfomiig_ to Mr Goyen’s services to the cause of education in Otago and throughout the dominion. said his acquaintance with him went back' for thirty years, and his association witli him for a quarter ol a century. 'When the speaker came on the board he was somewhat prejudiced against Mr Goycn, hut ho soon came to appreciate his worth a/ud to appreciate the oilorts he was making to voice the standard of education. He learned also of the influence Mr Goyen was exercising among the teachers, and particularly among young teachers, to that end.' The speaker came to one conclusion: at no time had he ever met a man who was ao fully engrossed in Ids life’s work or so thoroughly imbued with a -sense of duty. Mr Goyen was an idealist, and he sought by all means in his power to put his ideals ot education into active operation. One Icit high regard for Mr Goycn, whose friendship it was a privilege and a prize to enjoy. No eulogy of the speakers could do justice to Mr Goycn’s memory or sufficiently record the services rendered to the board and to the whole of Otago. Mr Mitchell moved;— That this board has learned with profound regret of the death of Mr I’etcr Goyen, and desires to convey to Mrs Goycn and family its warmest sympathy in their severe affliction. The board also desires to place on record its abiding appreciation of the services—services of inestimable value —rendered by Mr Goyen to the cause of education during the long years that he occupied the position of inspector, and lor the most part chief inspector. Mr Goyen was imbued with high ideals anil moved by exceptional enthusiasm in all matter appertaining <o the education of the young, and he strove oartystly to inspire all those migagcd in the work witli his ideals and aspirations. To his influence and inspiration was due the eminence attained by primary education in Otago, and the success of many teachers may he traced to his advice and guidance. Tho board gladly complies with the desire ol the Education Department to be associated in this resolution of regret and appreciation, and notes with gratification the departmental recognition of the great services rendered by Mr Goyen to tho cause of education in fbo dominion.

The Hon. D. T. Fleming, who seconded the motion, said Mr Coyon was always inspired by the responsibility and necessity of raising the standard of education. In no small measure was the good name which Otago enjoyed ns an educational centre due to Mr Goycu, who inspired mot only the teachers, but also the board and the other inspectors. His death called up memories 'of a man of outstanding ability and of high character

Tho Chairman (Mr J. Wallace) read iluv following letter, which had come from the Education Department : “ The department has learned with deep regret of the death of Mr P. Goyon, late chief inspector of schools for your district, and wishes to associate itself with any resolution of sympathy passed by your board expressive of sympathy with bis relatives, and in recognition of the very great services rendered by him in the cause of education in this dominion. While it is in Otago that his personality and influence have been most strongly felt, ho had endeared himself to a very large circle of friends throughout New' Zealand, amd through tho medium of his scientific and literary work ho had earned for himself a prominent position among tho educationalists of the Empire.” Tho motion was carried by members standing in silence.