WORK FOR EDUCATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21882, 18 August 1934, Page 13

WORK FOR EDUCATION

A COLLEAGUE'S TRIBUTE FOUNDING MASSEY COLLEGE "A LASTING MEMORIAL" "After 42 years' friendship with Sir George Fowlds I speak of him under a keen sense of personal loss," said Mr. T. U. Wells, chairman of the Auckland Education Board, and vicepresident of Auckland University College, yesterday. "I sat with him throughout his term as member of the University College Council and as president of the college, and he and I have been its representatives on the council of Masse}' Agricultural College since its foundation. Thus I think I have had as good an opportunity as anyone to estimate the value of his work.

"It is not too much to say that no single individual has done more for the cause of education in New Zealand than Sir George Fowlds," Mr. Wells continued. "I am sure that few have devoted so much of their lives to the public good. Sir George had few educational advantages in his youth, but he had a Scotsman's appreciation of the value of education."

Lasting Work as Minister

Before his entry into Parliament Sir George had been a member of the Mount Albert School Committee, and in 1906 he succeeded Mr. Seddon as Minister of Education. One of his first innovations was to found the School Journal, with the object of widening the children's knowledge through their reading-lessons. He followed this by issuing free supplementary readers, consisting of abridged versions of standard literary works. These, like the School Journal, were still an integral part of the New Zealand primary education system.

In 1908 Sir George put through an amended Education Act, effecting great improvements in staffing and salaries. He was still regarded by teachers as one of the ablest Ministers of Education that New Zealand had ever had. A really religious man, he always staunchly supported the secular character of the State primary schools and opposed the introduction of religious teaching as part of the curriculum. Respected College President "I think there can be no better tribute to Sir George's work as president of the Auckland University College than to say that all through his term of office there was scarcely ever a division in the college council upon the recommendations that he brought forward," said Mr. Wells. "He devoted a great deal of time and thought to the business of the college, and the members of the council had complete confidence in the soundness of his judgment and the fairness of his mind.

"He had a great influence in the University Senate, where be fought many hard battles for the recognition of the Auckland School of Engineering." A Lasting Memorial

"Sir George's real and lasting memorial is Massev College, to which he devoted all the last years of his life. I know of no other man who could have achieved, as he did, the apparently impossible task of persuading Auckland and Victoria University Colleges to pool their endowments and other resources for the teaching of agriculture, and particularly in overcoming the natural reluctance of Auckland people to see the central dairy college of New Zealand established outside the Auckland Province. The college to-day is a standing witness to his vision and breadth of mind." As one who had sat with him on the Massey College Council since its first meeting in February, 1927, said Mr. Wells, he could bear testimony to the extraordinary wisdom, patience and energy with which he carried out the difficult pioneer work of establishing the college upon its present sound footing.

LABOUR FOR UNIVERSITY MR. K. MACKENZIE'S PRAISE CHERISHED PLANS ACHIEVED "Auckland University College has cause for gratitude to Dr. T. W. Leys for his choice of Sir George Fowlds as his successor in the presidency," said Mr. Kenneth Mackenzie, president of the college, yesterday. "Sir George took office in 1920 and for 13 years gave to the college time and thought and labour that have raised it from a position of comparative obscurity to one of eminence in this city. His long administration was most happy for all who were associated with their councillors, staff and students. His careful thought and attention to detail made for smooth running. He was ever ready to give a sympathetic hearing to any who asked it. His innate courtesy and kindness, his absolute honesty and his unfailing tact gained for him general esteem and respect. He was always anxious to extend the usefulness of the college and to bring it closer to the people. He was happy in seeing many of his cherished plans come to fruition.

"It was with regret that we heard last year of his Intention to relinquish his presidency and to sever his official connection with the college. His interest in its welfare did not lessen and he has been a ready and valuable counsellor to his successor. Though there is sorrow in the parting, his friends cannot but be thankful that death claimed Sir George before age or infirmity had cut him off from that pleasure in public service which meant so much to him."

REFERENCES IN PARLIAMENT KEENNESS AND ENTHUSIASM [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Friday Reference to the death of Sir George Fowlds was made in the House of Representatives to-cJay. The Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes, moved that the House should place on record its high sense of the services rendered to New Zealand by Sir George Fowlds and should express sympathy with the i«alatives. Mr. Forbes said that Sir George was one of the best speakers the House had ever had. His name was associated with the single tax more than anything else, and he was always a great exponent of proportional representation. He was a keen and enthusiastic worker in any movement in which he was engaged. He was a man of great value to the community and it could be truly said that he passed away after a long life of service. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. M. J. Savage, seconded,the motion. He said Sir George was a friend of the people, who owed him a deep debt of gratitude. After other members had added their tributes, the motion was carried. The House adjourned at 4.5 p.m. as a mark of. respect.