John “Digger” Miles – a man whose contribution to Scots College can be described as being one of generous and tireless service over two decades, and during that time through many actions, both known and probably some unknown to other than a very select few, was involved in making sure that physical changes within the College boundaries enabled the school to flourish. The significant changes that occurred during this time has ensured that Scots is now a college that can hold its head high and is recognised as a leading place of education, not only within Wellington, but across New Zealand.

Scots was very fortunate when a deck-hand arrived in Wellington from Australia looking for work on a ship to return to his home country of England, but he stayed here in the city, married, and settled down with a family. It was again fortunate when “Digger” decided that Scots was the school where he should send his two sons to ensure they received a good education and better than he remembered from England (his daughter went to QMC). That wise and far-reaching decision by a person described as a man involved in demolition work saw “Digger” very quickly become active within the Parents Association, and in a short space, elected as President of the Parents’ Association in 1987. With that step, he automatically became a member of the Board. Very soon thereafter, he became a permanent member of the Board, and his contribution to Scots leaped ahead as he saw and envisaged projects which would benefit the College in many ways, whether it was the acquisition of a building from a site in Wellington, which was going to be dumped, but which Digger saw had good features and could readily be used to further enhance the facilities, or by removing what was an eyesore or impediment to the smooth running of the College and needed to be demolished or dumped.

In a quote that accompanied the nomination of “Digger “to the Board, it is stated, "it was a unanimous decision of the Board to invite him to stay as a permanent member. The reason for this was that during his early term, he proved time and time again he was an action man, where others debated whether or not, John acted. Sometimes not always with the intended result, but always with benefit to the College.” It is further quoted, “quite simply, this man was worth any two suits on the board, and achieved much for the College. He brought sanity to many debates, he loved Scots through having seen what it did for his boys, and he more than repaid that debt with untold hours of endless toil, from which the students of the College and the wider college family are now reaping the benefits.”

Another example of “Diggers” actions to resolve an issue, was the large tree at the main entrance on Monorgan Road that obscured traffic and was clearly dangerous. The city council would not act, even though it was their tree. “Digger” acted, the tree was cut down, the Council was furious but the problem was solved for the price of a new seat in the Botanic Gardens!

It is well known and recorded that Digger, together with John Mawson and Pat Blades (who was recognised in the Garden of Honour last year), were described as the “three musketeers,” and it was not uncommon for a meeting to adjourn while these three went outside for a smoke!! It was “Digger” who nominated Pat Blades as his Vice President, resulting in a woman being on the Board – Digger said at the time, such nomination was “to provide the best bloke for the job” and how right he was proven.

There are many similar stories told about this contribution by ”Digger,” and the article in the recent issue of The Quad does touch on many of these. Ian McKinnon could have told of many encounters while he was Headmaster, where in strong words and language issues were solidly debated, a spade was called a spade or something more appropriate, but from this always came a very successful outcome that benefitted the College.

In more recent years, Diggers Pavilion was a well-known building in the grounds, next to the main pavilion and another “valuable asset” that added to the facilities for the College. This building clearly demonstrated his affection and service to the College through being able to envisage an item that someone else was going to discard or demolish – in this case it was the solid porte-cochere from St Paul’s Cathedral in Molesworth Street, no longer needed by the Anglicans, but worthy of a place at a Presbyterian school!! This copper roof became the crown on Diggers Pavilion.

Some thoughts were provided by Yvonne Curtis, who served on the Board with Digger through the late 1980’s to early 1990’s. Yvonne particularly comments on his friendship and wisdom that she appreciated. She states that during this time, Digger’s influence was very evident as the Board was in the process of overseeing the beginnings of major physical and governance changes, which has enabled the College to continue to flourish as a church school and to support maturing students to find their path to becoming “All round men,” a credit to their community and themselves.

Another comment came from Barbara Cribb – “John provided practical and sage advice, particularly on building renovations and new buildings, which was beyond what would normally be expected of a Board member." Barbara also commented that she “hoped the copper from the roof of Diggers Pavilion was sold for a decent sum when the building was demolished in more recent time!!"

Another comment by his daughter-in-law, who is a research fellow at Melbourne University, was that, “My father-in-law enjoys a lifestyle that, to put it bluntly, would leave the hardiest of cardiologists weeping in their public health information pamphlets. Statistically, he should probably have died many years ago if regard is had to smoking, disease, and death connection studies. However, he is not immune to the charms of scientific discovery when it suits, and never fails to encourage me to push aside my tumbler of water in favour of a nice healthy glass of red wine."

From all these comments, I hope it has given a picture of a man who has contributed to Scots in a very practical manner, always looking forward as to how an item or action will make for a better environment for the students and the wider College family, and which goes well beyond what was expected.

But as many have commented, and I am sure will be echoed by those present today, the service was always loyally given; Digger was steadfast in serving Scots in a manner that displayed his commitment and wish to do what he could to better the amenity and its use.

When Digger decided in 2003 that it was time to move on, he retired from the Board without any fanfare but knowing he had made a difference in so many ways and for the betterment of the College. His comment as reported in The Quad is very appropriate – he remembers his time with fondness, and the many nice friends he made – it was a lot of fun.

For these reasons, the Scots College Collegians  is honoured that John “Digger" Miles can be added to the Garden of Honour to enable this generation to remember his contribution to the College by this tangible means, and for future generations to know that here was a person who had obviously made their mark and who was very worthy of being accorded this recognition in 2015.