CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS

Evening Star, Issue 25724, 22 February 1946, Page 7

CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS

MR R. R. HUNTER FAREWELLED At yesterday's meeting of the Otago Education Board, Mr It. R. Hunter, retiring chief inspector of schools in Otago, was tendered a farewell by the board. Members of the inspectorate were also present. Mr James Wallace, chairman, said that Mr Hunter had given good service to the board and to the country. The board members and staff would , retain very pleasant recollections of their association with him. He made a presentation of a leather travelling case to Mr Hunter on behalf of the board. "It is a joy to any man retiring to know that he retires with the goodwill of all with whom he has been associated," said Mr D. C. Cameron. " Mr Hunter will leave the service' in the full consciousness that he has served the cause of education faithfully and well. He has had the confidence of all with whom he has come in contact, and I know, too. that he has had the confidence of the children.-' Other speakers were Messrs W. IR. Brugh, N. H. Colquhoun, J. I. Fraser, W. Jacobsen, W. M. Cooper, R. Flett. C. E. Richards, H. A. Brough, and a member of the inspectorate. " The Government in its wisdom requires a public servant to retire at three-score, if he has had 40 years in the public service," said Mr Hunter in his reply. " I have had 43 years' service connected with the schools, 23 years as trainee and teacher, and 20 years as hn inspector. I could not have wished for more practical co-op-eration than I have had from members of the Southland. Taranaki, and Otago boards." He naid similar tribute to a large variety of organisations connected with the profession. The inspectorate, in his oDinion, was grievously understaffed: and it was his hone that the board would take up this matter with the department. He spoke about the school children. " I am satisfied." he said. " that nowhere in the world can you find better specimens, either physicallv or mentally. I have the greatest faith in the who'lesomeness of our children." He retired, he said, with every confidence in his succe«nr. "Hr Mhvwpll.