Edward Caradus

Edward Caradus OBE (6 December 1885 – 15 February 1969) was a New Zealand analytical chemist, educator and administrator. He developed a model for training aircrew during World War II. In 1949 he became the first Chair of the National Trades Certification Board.

Caradus was born in Auckland, New Zealand in 1885 of old pioneer stock. His paternal grandparents James and Elizabeth Caradus arrived in 1842 on the first two immigrant ships, the Jane Gifford and Duchess of Argyle.

Caradus was educated at Auckland Grammar School between 1897-1902, where he excelled and won many book prizes in Science and Mathematics. He also won a University Scholarship to attend the Auckland University College.^[1][2]

In 1904 whilst at University, Caradus was awarded the Sir George Grey Science Scholarship in Chemistry. Caradus graduated from Auckland University College in 1905 at the age of 19.^[3]

Caradus started his career in 1906 as an Analytical Chemist for the Waihi Grand Junction Gold Mining Co, in Waihi. He then moved into the field of education the following year. George Douglas Robb was one of his early pupils and commented in his autobiography that chemistry, presented by Caradus in a didatic way, fired his imagination.^[4]

He held a number of senior positions: Master, Wellington College (1909-1913); Head of Science, Auckland Grammar School (1913-1922); Deputy Headmaster, Nelson College (1922-1926) and Senior Inspector of Secondary Schools (1926-1942).^[1][5]

In 1931, he made a special study of examination procedure and technique in relation to the New Zealand University Entrance Examinations.^[6] Caradus was a member of the University Entrance Board and assisted the University of New Zealand to review the results of University Entrance and University Entrance Scholarship examinations.^[1]

In 1938 Caradus was the Educational Advisor to the Air Department. 1n 1939, at the start of World War II the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) appointed Caradus as its Director of Educational Services with the rank of Wing Commander, while also continuing to work as Senior Inspector Secondary Schools.^[7] Caradus was charged with the responsibility of ensuring a steady flow of appropriately educated young men, who would go on to become aircrew with the RNZAF and the RAF.^[1] In 1942 he was appointed Chief Inspector of Secondary Schools, but in 1943 the government decided his position of Director of Educational Services was required on a full-time basis, and he was placed on leave from his Chief Inspector role for the duration of the war.^[8]

Many potential pilots and navigators did not have the required education, but a lowering of standards would have been dangerous. Caradus devised and prepared a pre-entry course of educational training which covered elementary navigation, mathematics, elementary science and some service subjects.^[9][10] After a few weeks, however, it was found that men who were nominally up to standard were at a disadvantage on entering their service training in comparison with those who had done the pre-entry course. It was therefore decided that all except those with very high qualifications should take the course.

This scheme was a great success and saw a vast improvement in the number of graduates.^[10]

The importance of the aircrew pre-entry education scheme to NZ's war effort, was personally acknowledged by the Prime Minister, Peter Fraser. It was adopted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and served as a model for similar schemes in Britain and other countries of the then British Empire.^[11] Throughout his time in this position Caradus was also a member of the RNZAF Aircrew Selection Committee.^[1] The Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–45 documents Caradus's responsibilities, activities and contribution to the air-force and NZ.^[12]

By mid 1944 the focus of Caradus' role had changed from initial training to rehabilitation of returning airmen and sailors. Education for the return to the normal workforce of Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) personnel had also been brought under Caradus' role.^[13]

In January 1946, Caradus was awarded a Military OBE for his contribution to the War effort; one of only four awarded at that time.^[14]

After the war Caradus resumed his position as Chief Inspector, Secondary Schools.^[15] At the same time, Caradus continued to act as Director of Educational Services for the RNZAF, when required.^[16] He held both positions until his retirement in 1948. He also continued to represent the Air Force and Naval interests on the Education Committee of the Rehabilitation Board.

In November 1946 Rex Mason, Minister of Education, set up a consultative committee to examine the Education Department's technological examinations. There had been problems with these for some time and a fresh approach had become necessary. Caradus was appointed committee chair. The committee consisted of six educationalists and six industry representatives. The committee recommended setting up a National Trades Certification Board. The Government adopted the committee's recommendation and Caradus was appointed first Chairman of the Board in 1949.^[17]

In 1947, while attending a science conference in Perth, Australia, Caradus was invited by A J Gibson to address a Royal Commission into management control and working of an Australian workshop.^[18] During his retirement, Caradus taught chemistry for two years part time at Wellington East Girls' College, and was on the boards of several organisations, such as the Rehabilitation Board, the Wellington Hospital Board and the Horowhenua Power Board. In 1957, Caradus came out of retirement and accepted the position of Headmaster at Scots College, Wellington, New Zealand, for a period of two years. The annual 'Best House Competition' was named in his honour: The Caradus Shield.^[19]

• British Commonwealth Air Training Plan
• First Labour Government of New Zealand#Education

• Photograph taken by Evening Post when appointed Headmaster of Scots College 1957

• An Account of His Life
• Obituary