DON, JOHN ROBERT (1860-1919) was born in Gisborne, Victoria, the son of John Don, and educated in Victoria. He came to New Zealand in 1880 and received an appointment on the staff of the Oamaru South School, from which he moved in turn to Forbury, the Normal School (Dunedin) and as first assistant to Macandrew Road (1884). At Otago University he graduated B.A. (1886) and M.A. (1887), with honours in chemistry. In 1887 he became first assistant at the Normal School. In 1889 he graduated B.Sc., and in 1896 D.Sc.; in 1898 he was elected a fellow of the Chemical Society and in 1900 of the Geological Society. He was demonstrator in chemistry and lecturer in geology at the University. In 1895 Don was appointed vice-principal of the Training College, and two years later rector of the Waitaki Boys' High School. His influence there was very marked, changing the character of the school from ultra-classical to ultra-scientific. As in previous appointments, he had considerable success in examination and scholarship results. He paid great attention to school sports and in 1906 opened a preparatory department. Following the death of his wife in 1906 his health broke down, and he resigned. On returning to New Zealand from a trip abroad (1909) he was appointed inspector of schools under the Otago board. Don died on 23 Mar 1919.

K. C. McDonald (p); Otago Daily Times, 24 Mar 1919.

Reference: Volume 1, page 125

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