EMPSON, WALTER (1856-1934) was born in Northamptonshire, a son of the Rev Arthur Empson, vicar of Eydon, and was educated at Charterhouse School. Weak eyesight prevented his taking a commission in the army and he went to Trinity College, Oxford, where he graduated B.A.

In 1877 he came to New Zealand and commenced farming at Rangitata. Shortly afterwards he gave up this occupation and spent some time travelling amongst the Pacific islands. In 1883 he was appointed second master at Wanganui Collegiate School and on the death of the headmaster (Dr Harvey) four years later he was appointed to succeed him. During his headmastership Empson greatly raised the standard of the school. To encourage self-reliance he developed the prefectorial system and appointed pupils as officers of the cadet companies instead of masters. The Collegian was also handed over to a committee of the boys, who selected the editor. Empson was the first to introduce in New Zealand the Scottish style of uniform for school boys, grey flannel shirt and blue shorts. When he retired after 21 years service as head he had trained over 1,000 boys in the school, and he left a firm tradition for the future by making the boys the judges and masters of their own actions. Empson died on 14 Jun 1934. He married (1885) Agnes Dyke, daughter of J. B. Acland (q.v.).

Cycl. N.Z., i (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; The Dominion, 16 Jun 1934.

Reference: Volume 1, page 132

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