HOGBEN, GEORGE (1853-1920) who was born in London, was the son of a Congregational minister, and attended a Congregational school in Lewisham, Kent, where he won a scholarship which took him to Nottingham (1867-69). After some years in the civil service as junior auditor in the office of the controller-general, he entered St Catherine's College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. (1877) and M.A. (1881) after a distinguished career. In 1881 he came to New Zealand as science master of the Christchurch Boys' High School, from which he was appointed Inspector of schools to the North Canterbury education board (1887). He became rector of the Timaru Boys' High School (1889) and inspector-general of schools in 1899. During his 16 years in this office (1899-1915) a large number of reforms in the education system of New Zealand, culminating in the Education Act of 1914, were effected. In 1907 Hogben represented New Zealand at the education conference in London. In the year of his retirement (1915) his title was changed to director of education, and he was awarded the C.M.G. Hogben was an authority on seismology and a fellow of the Geological Society. He died on 26 Apr 1920. His wife was a daughter of Edward Dobson, C.E., of Canterbury. He published a number of works on education.

Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Butchers (p); N.Z. Graphic, 16 Sep 1893; Evening Post, 26 Apr 1920.

Reference: Volume 1, page 218

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