JOHN E. VERNON.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1389, 22 November 1918, Page 5

JOHN E. VERNON.

AN APPRECIATION. (By R.R.0.) 1! tho success of a man’s life he judged by tho number of people whose love and confidence lie has aspired, one must acclaim the life of Mr John K. Vernon to have been pronouncedly successful. It may, perhaps, bo said that the position which ho held as headmaster of one of _ our large public schools offered him a unique opportunity towards this success, but 1 venture to say that had fate placed his life-work in any other sphere that wonderful personality and character which were his must have won for him the admiration of all. There are times when happy recollections swim back along tho River of Years, and to mo no years bring happier memories than those spent at the Alma Mater under Air Vernon’s direction. Wo loved to call him “Dad” in those days, because lie was to us such an intimate- personage, and because Ills reprimands and good advice were always administered in a kind, fatherly way which won everyone to him. In his eyes wo were always his children, whom it was his life’s work to guard and guide towards the gates of maturity and true citizenship. Abasement of self, he taught, was the true nobility, so that it is small wonder that the old school shows such a wonderful war record. These boys of his who had fought their boyish fights on tho cricket and football fields under “Dad’s’ guiding eye have fought in vast numbers, sterner lights in defence of humanity, and for many of them, alas, the shores of Gaba Tope and tho- hills of Flanders are their imperishable monuments. Verily the old school has made good the training of its late beloved “head.” A loving, genial soul has passed into tho eternal years to its fitting reward, and to tho communion of those old pupils of his who gave their all in the great cause.