BIRTHDAY HONOURS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23367, 8 June 1939, Page 10

BIRTHDAY HONOURS

Public- and humanitarian service within the Dominion has once again been fittingly acknowledged in the honours conferred on the occasion of the official celebration of His Majesty's birthday. Men and women who have won distinction in many walks of life have been singled out for honourable notice. Following a precedent that has become well established in recent years, knighthoods have been conferred on Professor,s Benham and Hunter, thus recognising the status that should belong to science and learning in an enlightened community. In this connection it is worth recalling that recent lists have included the names of Sir James Elliott, Sir Algernon Thomas, Sir Theodore Rigg and Sir Thomas Easterfield. Professor Beriham's title crowns a distinguished career as a zoologist of far wider than local fame and service for 50 years as teacher at London, Oxford and Otago Universities. His erudition and charming personality are remembered by two generations of students and, in his special branches of study, his work is known and respected by zoologists everywhere. Professor Hunter, a New Zealand graduate, has made his career within the Dominion. To <lO years of teaching he adds valuable service on the administrative side of education for the University of New Zealand, Victoria and Massey Colleges, and the Council of Educational Research. The Maori race shares in the honour conferred on Mr. Henry Tai Mitchell, whose record as chairman of the Arawa District Trust Board makes but one item in a varied career. If Mr. Arthur Tyndall receives prominence to-day as director of housing construction, his earlier achievements as chief engineer of the Main Highways Board have not been forgotten by motorists. This and other honours falling to public servants, including the three fighting services, are worthily bestowed in accordance with an established tradition. The same can be said of the remaining recipients, all gratefully known for public or social service.;