R. W. BURCHFIELD. RHODES SCHOLAR. FAREWELLED AT TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Wanganui Chronicle, 26 July 1949, Page 7

R. W. BURCHFIELD. RHODES SCHOLAR. FAREWELLED AT TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Warm tributes and best wishes were extended to Wanganui Technical College’s First Rhodes Scholar, Mr. R. W. Burchfield, at a farewell held in the college assembly hall yesterday morning. Accompanied by his wife, Mr. Burchfield will leave from Napier in a fortnight’s time for Oxford University, where he will further his studies in literature.

Official speakers at the farewell were the mayor, Hon. W. J. Rogers, on behalf of the citizens of Wanganui, I Mr. G. P. Williamson, deputy chair- ■ man of the Board of Managers -of the i college, Dr. J. A. Duthie, vice-presi- | dent of the Old Boys’ Association, Mr I. E. Newton, former principal of the college and the head prefect, D. M. Ross. Mr. Burchfield was accompanied by his wife and his parents. There were other guests present who ar e interested in the activities of the college. Apologies were received from Mr N. Reid, chairman of the Board of Managers, Mr. W. G. Gibson, president of the Old Boys’ Association and Mr. J. B. Cotterill, M.P. In welcoming Mr. R. W. Burchfield to his old college, the principal, Mr. J. Dash, congratulated him on his | achievement and said that the college is bathing in reflected glory. The Mayor, Hon. W. J. Rogers, said that the city has every reason to rejoice upon Mr. Bruchfield’s splendid attainment of a Rhodes Scholarship. Mr. G. P. Williamson, representing the Board of Managers, extended his congratulations to Mr. Burchfield. Many academic honours have been gained by our institution and this further success is more proof of the high qualities and ability of the teaching staff, he added. Dr. JDuthie and Mr. Newton also spoke in a congratulatory manner. The latter said that R< W. Burchfield had as a class mate the well known pianist, C. Horsley. Best wishes were voiced by D. M. Ross, who presented the guest of honour with a fountain pen and pencil on behalf of the staff and pupils of the college. “This will be a reminder to write to us,’ he jokingly said when making the presentation. "I am very pleased to be back in this hall after a period of 10 years and am 'grateful to receive this gift you have made to me,’’ said Mr. Burchfield, when addressing the pupils. He mentioned that during the week-end he spent much time in reminiscing and visiting those places which had meant so much to him during his term at school. He particularly remembered the initiaation ceremony, the school singing at morning assembly and the friendship, which the Technical College developed with the Wanganui Collegiate School. H e also remembered that he was a member of the last group of pupils before World War II began. He sincerely hoped that another conflict would not break out. However, if it did he knew that the same loyalty of the old pupils would again be evident. He expressed his thanks to those teachers who had given him a diligent and careful training and especially to those he was mainly connected with— Mr. G. F. Saunders, Miss E. Newton, Mr. W. L. Walton and Messrs. A. K. and J. R. Dixon. “When the time comes choose your task and work assiduously, carefully and diligently,’ he said, when giving advoce to the pupils. It was the only advice to the pupils. It was the only Mr. Burchfield attended the Wanganui Technical College from 1935 to 1939, where he matriculated before the age of 14 years. In 1937 he was a college councillor and in 1938 and 1939 he was appointed a prefect. During his last two years he was captain of Rees House. He was also a member of the cricket and association football first elevens. In June, 1944, Mr. Burchfield went overseas with the 12th. Reinforcement of the 2nd. N.Z.E.F. When lie graduated M.A. at Victoria University College in 1947, he gained top marks in New Zealand for English. He later took up the position of junior lecturer in English at Victoria College. Mr. Burchfield is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Burchfield, of 58 Pitt Street.