AFTER 47 YEARS’ SERVICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 509, 12 November 1928, Page 16

AFTER 47 YEARS’ SERVICE

MR. E. C. PURDIE RETIRES HONOURED BY TEACHERS Mr. E. C. Purdie, who recently retired from the secretaryship of the Auckland Education Board, was met by members of the teaching profession in Auckland at the Auckland Training College on Saturday evening. Mr. Spenceley Walker president o 9 the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute was in t#e chair . Mr. A. Burns, chairman of the Auckland Education Board, and several members of the board. attended, together with many past and present members of the teaching profession. In presenting Mr. Purdie with a wallet containing a substantial cheque on behalf of the Auckland branch of the Institute, Mr. Walker referred to Mr. Purdie’s life of service and long connection with education in Auckland. Mr. Burns said the occasion was proof of the goodwill existing between the teaching service and Mr. Purdie. Mr. Purdie. in reply, emphasised the present relationship of teacher and child as making for good citizenship. When he joined the service 47 years ago. classes of 100 pupils were common and teachers could not even pretend to train the children. The idea then was of giving lessons, whereas now it was the training and making of men and women. There should be no cleavage between teacher and parent and a better feeling should be created between them. The Godlessness that was said to exist in schools was not the fault of the teacher, who had charge of the child for six hours a day, but of the parent, who controlled the child for the remainder of the day. Mr. Purdie also spoke of the humour of his duties, more especially in connection with his experiences as a backblocks inspector. Mrs. Walker presented a bouquet to Mrs. Purdie. This was received by Mr. Purdie. on behalf of his wife, who was unable to attend. A programme of musical items was given and supper was served.