OBITUARY

Evening Star, Issue 23175, 26 January 1939, Page 15

OBITUARY

MISS WINIFRED BOYS-SMUH Advice has been received of the death of Miss Winifred L. Boys-Smith at Milford-on-Sea, England, on January 1. Although Miss Boys-Smith Jived in Dunedin for only 10 years, her name is not likely ever to be forgotten, for she left behind her a lasting memorial in the form of the home science courses at the Otago University. Miss Boys-Smith graduated at Girton College, Cambridge, and was later on the staff of the Cheltenham Ladies’ College, remaining there for some years. In 1910 she came to New Zealand to inaugurate the home science chair at the University of Otago. She continued her work until 1920, when, after a brief interlude, she returned to England, where she had lived ever since. Miss Boys-Smith was possessed of the true pioneering spirit. Undaunted by the difficulties she encountered in inaugurating the course in home science, she kept at her task until success greeted her efforts. The establishment of the course meant that it was the first university course in the British Empire which led to a degree in home science. Often in indifferent health, she worked indefatigably for the cause she had so much at heart, and she had the satisfaction of seeing it established on sound lines before her resignation. _ . . ... The passing of a valiant spirit will be regretted by many old students and citizens of Dunedin, who will always admit the debt owing to Miss BoysSmith for her work in laying such solid foundations for a course that is becoming more and more -recognised as essential at anv university. Her last years were marked by much suffering from arthritis, and her death was the end of a long illness.