I. S. McHarg

Born in Canterbury, he received his secondary school education in Christchurch. His university education was divided-he graduated B.Sc. from the Canterbury University; B.Agr. from the Canterbury Agricultural College at Lincoln; and  M.A. from the Auckland University.

He was at Lincoln 1918-20, taking the B.Agr. and Dip. Agr. courses.

Mr McHarg began his teaching career at Wairarapa College, and moved from there to Takapuna Grammar School, where he was senior science master f or 20 years. He had a long experience as a commissioned officer, and during the war served as a captain in the Home Guard.

In 1947 he was appointed inspector of post-primary schools, and in that capacity visited many schools in the Wellington and Hawke's Bay areas.

Mr McHarg took an interest in many outside activities. He was a vice-president of the Whakatane Rugby Sub-union and of the Whakatane Cricket  Association .   He was a foundation member and subsequently president of the Whakatane and District Historical Society and was a member of the Masonic Order.

He is survived by Mrs McHarg, and a son, Mr C. L. McHarg, at present on the staff of the Mt. Roskill Grammar School.                                                  ·

The chairman of the Whakatane High School Board of Governors paid tribute to the late Mr McHarg in these terms:- “Mr McHarg was the ideal person for the position of headmaster,” said Mr Shaw. “Proof of this is the manner in which the school has gone ahead and the standard to which it has risen.”

Since 1950 the school roll had doubled and the headmaster’s responsibilities and duties had heavily increased. Mr McHarg had been well respected by the board, the staff and the school’s pupils.

Much of the board’s work had been facilitated by the knowledge of secondary schools gained over the years by Mr McHarg, who had been the board’s secretary, said Mr Shaw.

Mr McHarg had been a man of high integrity and sincerity who had devoted himself entirely to the school. “Not only have we lost in him a capable administrator, but also a close friend, “said Mr Shaw. Source: 1958 Canterbury Agricultural College Magazine p82-83.