Mr. Samuel Saddler, a respected school headmaster at Rushden from 1904 to 1934, died on Wednesday morning at his home at Woodthorpe, Notts, where he had resided since his retirement. He had been seriously ill for several weeks.

Aged about 72 years, Mr Saddler was a native of Derbyshire, and in the early part of his career served, with the late Mr Leonard Perkins, another notable Rushden headmaster, on the staff of the Leeds Higher Grade School. When he came to Rushden he took charge of the Alfred-street Boys' School until 1909, then opening the new North End School, of which he was head until 1925.

When the North End premises became the home of the Intermediate School, Mr Saddler transferred to Newton-road Mixed, remaining there until his retirement in 1934. By sound methods and strict discipline he won a high reputation and the true appreciation of both teachers and scholars. He was an expert in horticulture and introduced the first school garden in Rushden. North End School was always well placed in County Bird and Arbor Competitions, and Mr Saddler also excelled in art, teaching this subject at Rushden’s early Science and Art Classes.

Mrs Saddler survives her husband, and the only daughter is Miss Elsie Saddler, BA, now a mistress at Wisbech High School.