LATE SIR THOMAS SIDEY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21986, 22 June 1933, Page 8

LATE SIR THOMAS SIDEY

RESOLUTIONS OF SYMPATHY The following resolution has been adopted by the Professorial Board of the University of Otago:—" That the Board takes this opportunity of expressing its deep sorrow and its sense of great loss through the death of the chancellor. The association of Sir Thomas Sidey with the University, as undergraduate, member of the Court of Convocation, and member of the council, extended over 51 years, Sir Thomas having first enrolled as a student in May, 1882. In 1885 he graduated as 8.A., and in ISB9 as LL.B. In 1899 he was elected by the Court of Convocation as one of its representatives on the council. Amidst the absorbing calls of business and political life he found time to serve his university and to maintain thet keenness of his interest in its welfare and development. For the long period of 34 years his fellow-graduates, by re-elec-ing him to the council, continued _to express their confidence in him and their approval of the way in which he carried out his duties as fheir representative. The council, in 1921, unanimously alerted him vice-chancellor, and, four years later, laid upon him the very difficult task of succeeding Dr Andrew Cameron as chancellor. To that task he brought untiring industry, unvarying courtesy, and matured judgment, and his success was unquestioned. The influence of the late chancellor on the development of the University was never obtrusive but was very real. The foundation of the Dental School was largely due to his efforts, and he contributed to its support by generous gifts. The inauguration of classes in home science and commerce, and the institution of faculties in these branches of study, had his warmest support. Whilst the clock which he presented to the University will always serve in future to recall the name of Sir Thomas Sidey, the inestimable contribution which he made to the university life by his devoted service, by his kindly personal interest in every member of the University and by his generous hospitality, has loft an indelible impress and has firmly established him in affectionate remembrance” At the meeting of the Otago High Schools Board of Governors yesterday reference was made by Dr G. E. Thompson to the passing of Sir Thomas Sidey, and the following resolution was carried in the customary manner:—“ The board records its deep regret at the passing on May 20 of Sir Thomas Sidey, and extends its sincere sympathy to Lady Sidey, her son, and other relatives. Sir Thomas Sidey was rightly held in the highest esteem by the whole community for his long, untiring, and efficient public service, as well as for his charming personal qualities. His life brought distinction to the Otago Boys’ High School of which the board is proud to recall he was a former pupil. He was a member of the board for nearly 26 years (1901-02 and 1905-29) and chairman for over five years (1914-20), and during the whole of the time he was a member he rendered service of the utmost value. His wise judgment on educational questions and his kindly and never failing courtc v won him the respect and affection of all with whom he came in contact.”