OBITUARY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19571, 18 August 1933, Page 12

OBITUARY

MR H. T. POOLEY. United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, August 16. The death is announced of Mr H. T. Pooley, Director of the Empire Producers’ Organisation. MR J. R. MONTGOMERY. By Telegraph—Press Association CHRISTCHURCH, August 16. The death occurred yesterday of Mr John Rogerson Montgomery, at the age of 67 years. Mr Montgomery was for many years a master at the Christchurch Boys’ High School, and hie was a member of thi- Canterbury College Board of Governors. Mr Montgomery was educated at the Otago Boys’ High School, where he won the dux medal and a junior university scholarship. He stands in the traditions of the school as one of its most notable athletes, for he was outstanding as a footballer, cricketer, gymnast, track athlete, and rifle shot. He played in the first match between Otago Boys’ High School and Christ’s College in August, 1883, the oldest inter-schools match in New Zealand. After 10 years on the staff of the Otago Boys’ High School Mr Montgomery was appointed headmaster of the Geraldine District High School. Here, in addition to his activities at the school, he became prominent in military matters, being a leading volunteer officer in the district. In 1914 he joined the staff of the Christchurch Boys’ High School, filling the vacancy caused by the retirement of Mr B. K. S. Lawrence, who since the foundation of the school in 1881 had been first assistant. Mr Montgomery took his full share and more in the life of the school, where he was known as a wise and sympathetic master, ready with friendly counsel and yet maintaining firm but kindly rule. He was for a time in charge of the school cricket, and in the war years commanded the cadets. In 1920 he took over the control of the funds of the school sports committee. More especially the creditable state of the school playing fields was the result of his effort. He retired from teaching work at the school in I "ay, 1928. Subsequently Mr Montgomery was elected a member of the Conterbury College Board of Governors as graduates’ representative, and he continued to repiesent them until his death. As a member of the board he took a keen interest in the three high schools under its control, being particularly helpful in many matters concerned with the layout of the grounds and the general equipment of the Boys’ High School. He also took a particular interest in the welfare of the Canterbury Public Library.