Story: Geological exploration

Geology at Waitaki Boys High School

Geology at Waitaki Boys High School

Geology has generally not been taught at New Zealand schools. When J. R. Don was appointed rector of Waitaki Boys High School in 1897, he expanded science teaching: ‘I would like to add Geology, because in this subject the student finds the generalisations of chemistry and physics applied to that most attractive of all subjects, the study of the world around him.’

Don took classes in geology himself, and is shown here with some senior boys on a field trip on the coast near Ōamaru. Among his students were Jack Marwick and Mont Ongley, who later had distinguished careers in geology.

Quoted in K. C. McDonald: A history of Waitaki Boys High School. Christchurch: Whitcombe & Tombs, 1958, pp. 111–112

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Waitaki Boys' High School
Reference: A. R. Tyrrell, Strong to endure: Waitaki Boys' High School, 1883–1983. Oamaru: Waitaki High School Old Boys’ Association, 1983, p. 49

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How to cite this page:

Simon Nathan, 'Geological exploration - The New Zealand Geological Survey, 1865–1892', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/8146/geology-at-waitaki-boys-high-school (accessed 3 May 2024)

Story by Simon Nathan, published 12 Jun 2006