GIFTED SCHOLAR

Southland Times, Issue 23827, 26 May 1939, Page 8

GIFTED SCHOLAR

REFERENCE TO DEATH OF AIR CRASH VICTIM The death of Leading Aircraftsman George West, of Bluff, who was killed in an aeroplane crash at the Wigram aerodrome, was referred to last night in the report of the principal of the Southland Technical College (Mr C. A. Stewart) presented to a meeting of the Board of Managers. “He came to the college as a lad of particularly fine promise, showing the marks of excellent training in home and primary school, and he remained with us for four years,” stated the report. “I cannot recall any lad in this school whose record was so creditable in so many directions. He passed the university entrance examination showing good natural intelligence combined with unusual keenness and power of application. He showed fine promise in engineering drawing and practical work, was unusually gifted with musical and dramatic powers, was an admirable footballer, team captain and head prefect.

“Although he enjoyed an unusual popularity with the pupils and had the esteem of all the staff, he was at all times modest in bearing with no trace of priggishness; he was a recognized leader of his fellows without being at all bumptious. We think of George West as a young man of exceptional promise, with the instincts and manners of a gentleman. We are proud that our school had a part in his training, and we realize that the school was the better for his being here.” The members stood in silence as a mark of respect.