Mr HA Henderson - 1948 to 1951
Mr HA Henderson - 1948 to 1951
Mr HA Henderson came from the South Island, attended Timaru Boys High School and then studied at Otago University and Canterbury College. His early professional career was spent as an assistant in Primary Schools in Christchurch and Wellington and for a short time he was sole-charge teacher in the Pahiatua district.
As an athlete Mr Henderson had almost impressive record. He represented Otago University in 1926 as a rugby forward and played for Wairarapa-Bush in 1930 against the British touring side. He represented Hawke's Bay in 1931 and 1933. In 1928, he visited Australia with the New Zealand University Athletic team and won the Shot Put event at the Inter-Varsity tournament. He has also held the Tennis and Golf Championships of Dannevirke, as well as serving as a Judge for the Dannevirke Boxing Association.
In 1930 Mr Henderson joined the staff of Dannevirke High School as the most junior assistant and then in 1945, he was appointed Head of the Department of History and Social Studies and Housemaster of the Boys' Hostel of which Mrs. Henderson became Matron for several years he was also O.C. of the Dannevirke High School Cadet Battalion. In 1943 he obtained his Diploma of Education, after submitting to the University a thesis which received high commendation.
Although a married man with a family, Mr Henderson early volunteered for service during the Second World War and served overseas as a subaltern in the Third N.Z. Division.
Mr Henderson, who became the second Headmaster at Whangārei in the first Term of 1948, and became the second Headmaster of the Whangārei Boys High School.
He promoted the welfare of the school and was the driving force behind the School Swimming Bath Fund and for the Assembly Hall conversion and Gymnasium. As a keen sportsman he was the motivation that helped speed up improvements to the playing fields.
Mr Henderson was remembered, as well as Mr Ryder, as men who did not hesitate when it came to joining in manual work. Whether it was mixing concrete for the swimming pool or the mowing and raking of the football field, they did not hesitate in doing their share.
He resigned in 1951 to take up a similar position at the Napier Boys High School.