RETIRING HEADMASTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19513, 17 December 1926, Page 13

RETIRING HEADMASTER .

MOUNT EDEN PRESENTATIONS MR. F. H. BROWN'S LONG SERVICE After a continuous teaching service .pi 40 years, Mr. F. H. Brown, houdm'astev of Mount Eden school,, retires on jinparanunaltkm to-day. Entering the service at Iho ago of 20, Mr. Brown lias bejeU under this Auckland Education Board during the whole period. He is president of the Auckland Headmasters;' Association and lias been a member of the Teachers' Institute for many years. Mr. Brown states there have been considerable changes in the teaching profession during his service. "Whet) T commenced," he said yesterday, "'it ;wa : a .accessary only to have passed tbo sixth standard.'The applicant, was put', oa probation, foir a few mouths and durirjg that period was reported on by an inspector. If the report was favourable ho was sent out to tho sole charge of a school and if it was: not he was dismissed. It, waEs simply a case of sink or swim. Xhqjfe was no teachers' training college. ; . " Probationers taught pupils during tho week and: then attended Saturday iti&trpction classes in Auckland. The spiffing and, salaries were not so good as now. Teacher!! were often faced with" the responsibility of taking 98 children in one class. There was no grading, system in the early days. If a teacher wanted nny appointment he had to press bis claims upon til® board and the committee." The pupils and staff of Mount Eden school farewelled Mr. Brown yesterday afternoon, Mr. S. E. Chappell, chairman of the sichool committee, being present, Mr. Brown was presented wii.fi an armchair and suitcaso from the pupils, a travelling rug from the staff.and a goldmount fed fountain pea from the committee. A tribute to Mr. Brown's good service wag made at the meeting of the Eduction Beard this week, the chairman. Mr. A. Burns, saying he carried the _gooct wishes of the board with him on ihis" retirement.