Mr Alexander Charters – 1924 to 1932

Mr Alexander Burnet Charters – 1924 to 1932

Born In Christchurch in 1876 Mr Charters was educated at the Opawa and West Christchurch primary schools. He gained the Somes Scholarship and entered Christ’s College, where he matriculated. His first appointment was as a pupil/teacher at Opawa School. Gaining his D certificate he entered the teachers’ training college. Mr Charters then became assistant master at Inglewood, Clyde Quay, and Thorndon Schools (Wellington), second assistant at Masterton District High School. His first appointment as headmaster was at Greytown District High School in 1907.

He became inspector of schools in Wellington in 1912 and from 1921-24 in Auckland. He was then appointed principal of the Whangārei High School in succession to Mr R Lupton, who retired at the end of May 1942. 

Mr Charters had an extensive athletic career. He represented the Union Rowing Club at Christchurch regattas, and played in the Athletic senior XV. Wellington, for several years, was chairman of the Wairarapa Rugby Union for eight years, and refereed many inter-union matches.

He served in two wars. In the South African War Mr Charters gained the Queen's Medal, with three clasps, and he served in the Great War from 1914 until 1919. He became Lieutenant-Colonel, and commanded the first battalion, Otago Regiment., was awarded the C.M.G. and D.S.0. and was mentioned four times in the despatches of Sir Ian Hamilton and Earl Haig. He was an honorary aide-de-camp to the Governor General from 1928 to 1930.

In Egypt he organised the base depot at Alexandria, and was in control of the New Zealand Administration. He went through some of the heaviest operations in France, and was wounded three times, although not seriously. 

After his return Mr. Charters left the education service for twelve months and took up fanning in the Kiripaka district, and during that period he was elected to a seat on the Whangarei County Council. Deciding to return to his former occupation, he received an appointment as inspector of schools in Auckland.

Mr Charters died in Hastings 10 May 1948 and was survived by his wife and by children Jack Charters and daughter Noeline Duxfield.