Archive #17/65: Mr Arthur Charles Francis, M.A. Rector (1958-70)

Mr Arthur Charles Francis arrived to take up the post of Rector in the third term of 1958. He came with a wide experience of boarding schools in New Zealand and had a great reputation from Scots College, Wellington. Mr and Mrs Francis moved to Hastings with their five children, to begin an association with the College that is still strong today.

Mr Francis brought the College through 12 challenging years, but during that period he established a loyalty and devotion among the parents and the Old Boys of the College, that can be attributed to him and his unique manner of running the School. He came to love and nurture the College, a place in which his family grew up and of which they all became an integral part.

The note of appreciation written by Mr Francis in the 1971 Chronicle states, “At the close of my period of office I would like to express in general terms my most sincere thanks for all the help that I have received from so many different quarters. The high aspirations which I had for Lindisfarne when I assumed office in 1958 have not all been realised and looking back I see so many things that I might have done so much better. But, one of the family’s happiest memories will be the spirit of close cooperation from all sections of the College, which has been evident over the years and to all those people, members of the College Council, members of the Staff, boys, Old Boys and parents who have stood with us, we extend our sincere and heart-felt thanks.”

For more photos click here.