Mr Arthur Charles Francis took up the post of Rector in the third term of 1958. He came with a wide experience of boarding schools in New Zealand and had a great reputation from Scots College, Wellington. Mr and Mrs Francis moved to Hastings with their five children, to begin an association with the College that endures today through Mr Francis’ contribution and that of his son, Jamie, and his grandsons, Kim and Simon. After  three Rectors in five years, the College badly needed a period of consolidation and stability and Mr Francis was able to provide that. He guided the College through 12 challenging years, and established a loyalty and devotion among the parents and the Old Boys of the College, that can be attributed to his unique manner of running the School. He came to love and nurture the College, a place in which his family grew up and of which they all became an integral part.

During Mr Francis’ time as Rector, Lindisfarne developed and grew as a College, laying down many of the traditions that became synonymous with the school. Sport flourished and the rugby team in particular was often victorious over teams from much bigger schools like Napier Boys. New, properly fenced, tennis courts were erected resulting in the growth of tennis at the College. New sports like basketball were introduced and the building of the swimming pool meant that many boys could complete life-saving training. The Cadet Corps remained a very important part of College life and encompassed the introduction of a Air Training Corps and an Armoured Troop. The first sporting exchanges against Scots College took place, necessitating a two or three day train journey down to the capital.

Mr Francis also oversaw the introduction of day students and the Intermediate Department and encouraged musical developments such as a choir, music clubs and a Dance Band. The Carol Service in the form of carols interspersed with Bible readings held at the end of the year was instigated by Mr Francis and still exists in the same format.

Mr Francis retired at the end of 1970 and a note written by him in the 1971 Chronicle states, “At the close of my period of office I would like to express in general terms my most sincere thanks for all the help that I have received from so many different quarters. The high aspirations which I had for Lindisfarne when I assumed office in 1958 have not all been realised and looking back I see so many things that I might have done so much better. But, one of the family’s happiest memories will be the spirit of close cooperation from all sections of the College, which has been evident over the years and to all those people, members of the College Council, members of the Staff, boys, Old Boys and parents who have stood with us, we extend our sincere and heart-felt thanks.”