FIRTH, JOSEPH (1859-1931) was the son of Aaron Firth and was born at Cobden, Westland. He proceeded to Nelson College as an education board scholar in 1873. Two years later he was appointed fourth master at the College, where he remained till 1881. He then accompanied Joseph Mackay to Wellington College as assistant master. In 1886 he accepted a similar appointment at Christ's College, Christchurch. While there he graduated B.A. at Canterbury College (1889), and two years later he was appointed headmaster of Wellington College in succession to Mackay. Firth represented Nelson province at Rugby football (1876) and played for Wellington against New South Wales in 1882. He was also a successful cricketer. While in charge of Wellington College (1891-1921) he led in all games and for years coached the first XI. He devoted his energies especially to the building of character by hard work and hard play. He was a fine administrator and an exceptional scholar, devoted to English language and literature. When he retired he left his mark upon the school in the expansion of the roll, the building of character and many improvements in buildings and grounds. Thereafter he assisted to bring about the erection of the hall as a war memorial, and devoted his energies to the Navy League (of which he was a vice-president), the National Defence League and the Community Club for territorial forces. He married (1889) Jessie, daughter of N. McRae (Marlborough). He died on 13 Apr 1931. (Firth adopted the second name 'Pentland' while he was at Nelson College.)

Nelson Coll. O.B. Reg.; Christ's Coll. List (p); J. S. Elliott, Firth of Wellington, 1937 (p); The Dominion, 14 Apr 1931 (p); Evening Post, 13 Apr 1931 (p)

Reference: Volume 1, page 142

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