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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
School Commissioners
School Commissioners.
The School Commissioners of Wellington, like those of other parts of the Colony, were called into existence as a board by the Education Reserves Act of 1877. Among the duties devolving upon them are those of controlling the education reserves situate within the district, and in the ease of the Wellington Commissioners, “district” means also that part of the Colony where schools are under the Wanganui Education Board. The importance of the work undertaken by the Commissioners is considerable; but the Board is fortunate in having for its chairman Mr. J. R. Blair, whose devotion to the cause of education is so well known. The total receipts for the year 1894 amounted to £2574 17s. 6d., and of this sum £1700 was handed over to the cause of primary education, and £101 13s. Id. to secondary schools. The other members of the Commission are Messrs. J. H. Baker, John Duthie, M.H.R., Thomas Mason, and C. P. Powlea. Three members, Messrs. Baker, Mason, and Powlea, are appointed by the Government, Mr. Blair by the Wellington Education Board, and Mr. Duthie by the Wanganni Education Board. For many years before his death, which occurred in 1895, Mr. W. H. Warren held the office of secretary to the Commissioners, his duties having devolved upon Mr. Nathaniel John Tone. Extended notices of all these gentlemen will be found under other headings. It need only be said here that the Commissioners as a body have the confidence of the community, and that individually they are gentlemen of exceptional integrity.