OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23335, 29 October 1937, Page 12

OBITUARY

PROFESSOR D. R. WHITE Professor David Renfrew White, for a long period one of the greatest authorities on educational matters, not in Otago only, but in New Zealand, had lived to an age—9o years—at which his death, which occurred yesterday morning, cannot be said to have been unexpected. It was a quarter of a century ago when his active services as an educationist were ended, and he spent the balance of his life in quiet retirement, enjoying the society of his friends and the exercise which he derived from working in his garden, and it v/as his good fortune that it was only in the past few weeks that his health seriously failed. Professor White was born in Edinburgh, and in 1855 was taken by his parents to Tasmania, where he attended Chalmers School, the private school for boys attached to Chalmers Presbyterian Church in Hobart. He came to Dunedin as a lad at the beginning of 1862, and at that time was uncertain what class of work to follow, turning his hand for some time to various manual occupations. During this time he kept up his

studies privately, and finally made up his mind to enter the teaching professions, in which he was engaged with conspicuous success until he retired from active work. In 1872 he presented himself for the first public teachers' examination held in Otago, and after passing it was offered an appointment in the St. Leonards School, West Harbour. He next received a subordinate position in the Union Street School, and in 1878 was appointed first assistant in the High Street School. At the request of the Education Board and the School Committee he decided to accept a similar position in the Union Street School, which he held, for some five years. While engaged in teaching he availed himself of the opportunity of attending classes at the Otago University, where he secured the B.A. degree in 1883 and the MA. degree with honours in political science in the following year. He had the honour of being the first teacher in Otago to secure the New Zealand Education Department's Al certificate. This certificate can be held only by those teachers who graduate with honours and have received the maximum marks for length of service plus skill and efficiency in the art of teaching. Mr White was appointed headmaster of the Normal School in 1885, and was also a member of the Training College staff as lecturer in English language and literature. He held the dual position for eight years and in 1893 was promoted to the position of principal of the Training College and head of the school.

Mr White was In the service of the Otago Education Board for about 32 years, and during the whole of his brilliant and lengthy career did a great deal of work for the advancement of education in Otago in particular and New Zealand in general. For eight years he was secretary of the Otago Educational Institute, and subsequently filled the position of president. He was one of the founders of the New Zealand Educational Institute, of which he was the first secretary. He subsequently became president, and was a member of the executive for a number of years. In 1904 he was appointed professor of education at the Otago University, and held that position until 1912, when he resigned. In addition to his outstanding record as a teacher Mr White rendered valuable service to the administrative side of education. He was a member of the University Council from 1892 till 1904. In 1892 he was elected to the council as the first representative of the graduates, and after holding office for five years was reelected for a further term m 1897. His resignation was tendered when he was appointed professor of education. Mr White was a strong supporter ol the movement which led up to the inauguration of technical education in Dunedin; He attended a meeting on October 16, 1888, when a paper was read by Mr G. M. Thomson outlining the advantages to be derived from the establishment of evening classes to provide additional educational facilities for young people. He was a member of the committee set up at that meeting to carry the proposal into effect, and for some 20 years he took a very active part in the work of the Technical Classes Association, which came into existence in 1889 He was elected to the committee at the msx general meeting, and rendered service to the movement continuously till his retirement in 1907 The movement for the establishment of kindergarten education also found a strong supporter in Mr White, whose wise counsel was always at the disposal of those interested, assisting materially to put the structure on the sound foundation which led to gratifying results achieved in later years. For three years he acted as examiner to the society in the arts and principles of the kindergarten movement. Professor White is survived by his wife and a family of three sons and one daughter—Mr James Renfrew White of Dunedin; Mr David Renfrew White solicitor to the Public Tiust Office,' Wellington; Mr Mackenzie John White, accountant. Gisborne; and Miss Ida White, of Dunedin. MR W. A. THOMPSON The death is announced of Mr William Arnold Thompson,, aged 96 a former well-known carrier and iesident of Hokitika for 71 years. Hes was one of the founders of the Westland Racing Club, a former member of the Borough Council, the Hospital Board and School Committee. He leaves one daughter and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. -