THE WAIKINO TRAGEDY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18551, 8 November 1923, Page 10

THE WAIKINO TRAGEDY.

HEROISM OF THE TEACHERS.

EDUCATION BOARD'S TRIBUTE

Reference to the recent tragedy at.the Waikino School was made by the actingchairman, Mr. A. Burns, at yesterday's meeting of the Education Board.

The tragedy, s£?d Mr. Burns, was •without parallel in the history of education in New Zealand, and the deepest sympathy of overy member of the board had gone out to the sufferers and to the bereaved parent* of the murdered children. He made special reference to the valuable assistance given to the board in an exceedingly trying time by the local commissioner, Mr. R. H. Shaw. The speaker also paid a very high tribute to the presence of mind and courage displayed by the headmaster, Mr. R. T. Reid, immediately prior to the tragedy and to ths heroic manner in which the lady teachers had shielded timr little charges from deadly peril and had guided them into safety. The conduct of the entire staff throughout a most terrible ordeal was a credit to the whole profession. It was hoped that Mr. Reid would be able to resume his duties after the holidays. The board carried a resolution placing on record its high appreciation of the services rendered by the commissioner, and admiration of the " splendid conduct of Mr. Reid and his staff. It was decided that the advisory inspector should visit the district with a view to selecting a site for a new school.