Mr. West
was principal of the then Adelaide High School from 1920 to 1948 and
taught at the school for 46 years.
He was a member of the council of the University of Adelaide
from 1933 to 1953 and in 1947 he was made an OBE for his service to
education.
Mr. West was born in SA and was the son of a chief inspector
of schools, Mr. W. A. West.
After having won an exhibition scholarship from the Norwood
School, he continued his studies at Prince Alfred College and the
University of Adelaide where he obtained the degrees of Bachelor and
Master of Arts.
In 1902 he was awarded the Roby Fletcher Prize in psychology
and logic.
He joined the Education Department in
1903 as an assistant teacher at Adelaide High School, which was then known
as the Pupil teachers School.
He was vice-principal for some time before
succeeding Mr W. J. Adey in 1920. |
Seven of Mr. West's pupils at the school were Rhodes Scholars. his pupils
included Sir George Ligertwood, Sir Mark Oliphant, Sir Hugh Cairns and the
chairman of the SA Housing Trust (Mr. J. P. Cartledge).
Mr. West was president of the Public Teachers' Union in 1928,
1931 and 1939 and was made a life member of the union in recognition of
his services.
He was a former president of the High School Male Teachers
Union and the High School Headmasters' Association.
In 1952, old scholars of the Adelaide High School presented a
portrait of Mr. West, by the Adelaide artist Douglas Roberts, to the
Adelaide Boy's High School.
Mr. West, who had been in hospital for several months lived
in Birdwood avenue, Allenby Gardens.
He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. E. J. Jacobs and Mrs.
N. B. Pryor, both of Adelaide. A private funeral will be conducted today. |