Mr. A. J. Harland

After 28 years service, Mr A. J. Harland retires today (Friday), from his position as head master of Paddock Wood Primary School.

Mr Harland commenced his scholastic career on February 1, 1900 and during that time has become one of the most popular residents in the district.His interest in the education and well being of his scholars has won him the respect of both the boys and their parents.

Mr. Harland has coached many candidates for free place scholarships, several of whom have subsequently made remarkable successful careers, one of the most famous being Dr. F. Woods.

Mr. Harland has also taken a keen interest in the social life and welfare work of the village, and has been the instigator of many successful schemes.

He has twice served for long terms on the Parish Council, of which he is at present the chairman.

He is a Past Master of the Paddock Wood Lodge of Freemasons and in addition has taken a keen interest in various local institutions.

Mr. Harland was educated at Maidstone Grammar School, and in 1933 was elected president of the Old Maidstonian Society.
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"Mr. Harland head master of Paddock Wood School, was one of the pioneers in the days when Mr R. G. Hotton and Mr A. A. Farrar first brought the W.E.A. into the country.In addition to his keen work as head master he was also a most active member of the National Union of Teachers, an enthusiastic teacher of popular music and choral singing, and an eager student of social reform."Yet, somehow he always found time to address a W.E.A. propagandist meeting, to preside at a district executive meeting, to engage in long, intricate negotiations with the LEA, to attend and fight for Kent at a meeting of the central W.E.A. council."For health reasons Mr. Harland is compelled to curtail his out-of-school activities, and this has involved his withdrawal from active duties connected with the W.E.A."Those who have worked with him on the district executive can but deplore the loss of his sound council and cautious enthusiasm, while they pray that his absence may be but temporary and that his health may benefit from a much needed rest"

RIFLE SHOOTING IN SCHOOLS

Mr. Harland was one of the pioneers of rifle shooting among school children.

When Mr. Harland was head teacher at Eynsford School, it was the manager, the Rev. M. C. Elphinstone, who suggested to the Board of Education that the County Education Committee should include rifle shooting as part of the ordinary curriculum.The desired consent was given.Mr. Harland took a great interest in this part of the school work.

"GREAT IMPORTANCE"

Probably a few press cuttings relating to Mr. Harland's work may be of interest to "Free Press" readers.