Edward Caradus, OBE

Edward was educated at Auckland Grammar School between 1897-1902 and won a University Scholarship. In 1904 whilst at University, Edward was awarded the Sir George Grey Scholarship for Science. He graduated from Auckland University College in 1905 at the age of 19, with a B Science Degree.

Edward started his working career in 1906 as an Analytical Chemist for the Waihi Grand Junction Gold Mining Co, in Thames NZ. He then moved into the field of education where he held a number of very senior positions: Master, Wellington College; Head of Science, Auckland Grammar School; Deputy Headmaster, Nelson College; Chief Inspector of NZ Post Primary Schools and Headmaster Scotts College, Wellington.

At the start of WW11 the RNZAF appointed Mr Edward Caradus, as Director of Educational Services with the rank of Wing Commander. He prepared a scheme of educational training which covered elementary navigation, mathematics, elementary science, and some service subjects. This scheme was a great success and saw a vast improvement in the number of graduates. The scheme was also adopted in both Australia and the UK. In 1946 Edward was awarded a Mil OBE for his contribution to the War effort.

After the war, Edward was appointed Chief Inspector Post Primary Schools, a position he held until his retirement in 1948.

In retirement Edward taught Chemistry for 2 years part time at Wellington Girls East College. He was on the boards of the following organisations: Rehabilitation Board; Wellington Hospital Board and Horowhenua Power Board. He was also the Chairman of the NZ Trades Certificate Board and a member of a number of Government Consultative Committees.

In 1957, at the age of 72 Edward came out of retirement and accepted the position of Headmaster, Scotts College Wellington NZ, for a period of 2 years. The annual 'Best House Competition' was named in his honour: The Caradus Shield

Note: CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD. St. James's Palace, S.W.I. 1st January, 1946. The KING has 'been graciously pleased, on the advice of His Majesty's New Zealand Ministers, to give orders for the following Promotion in, and appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire OBE: — Wing Commander Edward CARADUS (N.Z. 1928), Royal New Zealand Air Force.

For a detailed summary of Edwards life, please refer to the biography written by his son Neil T Caradus titled 'Edward Caradus OBE' published in 1997 by Sunshine Press, Lower Hutt.

This short Biography was compiled by Grandson, David Halse Caradus