BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL.

Press, Volume XLVIL, Issue 7738, 18 December 1890, Page 6

BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL.

The distribution of prizes in connection with the Christchurch Boys' High School took place in the hall of Canterbury College, a quantity of pot plants and ferns decorating the front of the platform. Mr F. de c. Malet, Chairman of the Board of Governors, presided. On the platform were the principal of the school and his staff, the examiners and several members of the Board of Governors. Tbe Chairman read the reports of the examiners. They were as under:— Mr"T. W. Rowe, M.A., reported in' Classics:—"Form V. consists of two divisions of 5 boys each. This form was examined in Latin, Grammar and composition generally, and for translation, in Portions of Cicero's Catiline Orations, Livy and Ovid. The Upper Division had also prepared the sixth book of Virgil's O-neid. Form IV. consists of 16 boys, who were examined in Latin accidence and syntax, easy composition and selections from Cicero and Ovid. Both these forms were also set pieces of Latin translation at sight. Form UI, consists of 16 boys, who were examined in Latin accidence, easy sentences, and Caesar's Gallic War, part of. book v. The three Upper Forms were all examined in, Roman History, aod Form V, in Roman Antiquities also. Form IL, of 18 boys, was examined In Latin . accidence to the end of the section on' verbs, sentences and easy selections 1 from Ceesar, The Upper and Lower First Forms, of 26 and 27 boys'respectively, were examined in more elementary Lath, grammar, and were set easier sentences to translate into Latin. The papers sent In by all the forms were excellent, even better, I think, than those of last year. The grammar was well prepared; the composition, especiallyln the higher forms, was very good indeed; the translation was accurate and written in good English ; and the questions on Roman history were answered at great length as well as with great accuracy. There are also two boys learning Greek, who were examined in Greek grammar, easy composition, and translation. Though they have been learning Greek less than two years, they had prepared portions of Xenophon's Cyropeedia and Thucydides' Siege of Pyios. Bath papers were excellent." . _ , Mr L. Cohen. M. A., reported In English and history:—" In English the Fifth Form maintained the high standard exhibited in the work of lasc year. This year the results are perhaps more even. The composition is excellent, aud the books have been intelligently and carefully read. The papers set were fully equal to the senior scholarship standard, and the average percentage of the whole class is very creditable. The Upper and Lower IV. did excellent work. The Upper. IV, obtained a very high average percentage. The composition was uniformly good, the E repaired work well rendered. ' The lower IV., for so large a class, obtained excellent results. The books set have been read with care and appreciation by the boys. These forms show careful and effective teaching. The even results of tbe three Upper Forms in the school are satisfactory as evidence of the thoroughness of the preparatory work done. The lower school is responsible for the foundation that makes a high general average in the upper school possible. I found tbe critical work of the Upper Forms greatly improved siuce last year. The Upper and Lower Third Forms, as constituting the middle school, acquitted themselves very creditably. The Upper llL'is a very large class, and tbe results, though somewhat uneven, show thorough and careful teaching. The Lower lII,Is a more even class, and the standard is well sustained. In history and English the Ist and 2nd forms are engaged in preparatory work. Last year 1 commented favorably upon the general efficiency of these forms. This year there is a distinct improvement in their average attainments. The First Form was orally examined. The whole class displayed considerable brightness and intelligence in tbe rendering of readings and in recitation. In history the Upper IV., the Lower IV., and the preparatory forms (1 and 2) showed the best results, though the whole work of the school was creditable in this subject. The constitutional portions of history, however, require more attention. The subjects I examined are comprehensively and effectively taught, and the excellence of the preparatory work, combined with the high results obtained in the upper forms, gives some assurance that the present standard wiU be maintained."

Professor Cook reported in mathematics; —"The whole school was examined in arithmetic, tbe whole school with the exception of theFirst and Second Forms in Algebra and Euclid, and the Upper and Lower Fifth in trigonometry. For the Upper Fifth the highest form in the school for mathematics, the standard was that for the junior University scholarships,: and the work of the other forms was arranged to lead up to this standard. Except in the case of the Second Form the arithmetic was exceedingly well done; the best work was perhaps done by the Upper and Lower Third and the Lower Fourth. The arithmetic of these forms is very creditable both to the boys themselves and their masters. The arithmetic, too, of both divisions of the First Form is Worthy of special commendation. In the Second Form the work was altogether too inaccurate to be satisfactory. The Algebra was, generally speaking, quite satisfactory. In the Lower Fourth, however, the results were only fairly good, but possibly tbe paper set was a little too hard for boys at a comparatively early stage in Algebra. In Euclid also good work was done by almost all the forms. In the Upper Fourth too much appears to mc to have been attempted, with the result that tbe work bad received too little revision. In the Lower Fifth I was especially pleased with the way in wbich the riders were done. In trigonometry the Upper Fifth did well, but the performance of the ]_ower Fifth was quite moderate. Speaking generally of tbe work of the school ia mathematics, I may say that it is fully up tothe standard o! previous years, and that [ the various branches are so taught {as to 1 afford the hoys attending the school an excellent training, and to prepare them thoroughly for the University if they ' desire to prosecute their studies to a point beyond the school course." Mr Gray, F.C.S., reported in chemistry aud physics;—"The chemistry taught at the school embraces (1) elementary chemistry, in which the first principles of the subject are taken; (2) senior or matriculation chemistry, including the nonmetallic elements, their preparation and properties, and the elementary parts of chemical theory; and (3) advanced or j.uaior chemistry, in wjj|ch

the preparation and properties of the metals and their compounds, aa well as that of the non-metals, are dealt with. The subject generally appears to have been well taught, and to have been thoroughly grasped by the pupils. Several of the papers sent in were excellent, and would have done credit in anyexaminanation of this branch of the subject. The average percentage of marks obtained in written examinations was seventy-four. A practical examination under the supervision of the examiner was given, and the results were highly creditable. In senior chemistry the boys were set separately to prepare various gases, acids, Sec., and notwithstanding the difficulties under which the work was carried out, every boy performed tbe work required of him in a very satisfactory manner. In the advanced chemistry two boys were set to analyse simple salts for bases and acids, and the results were correct iv each case. In fact, the work was worthy of better accommodation and appliances, and it is strongly recommended that the same be provided. In physics the subject of heat only is taken up, and the papers generally, especially the advanced ones, gave evidence of a good sound knowledge of the subject. The average per centage of marks obtained in physics was 82." The Rev. C. Turrell, M.A., A.C.P. Stud. Phil., Bonn, reported In modern languages:—-"Class V.—Great Inequality in unseen translations from English into French, and also in the French exercises. Grammar and translations from French well done. J. Waddell stands a good way above the rest; the next iv order Is G. Lancaster, who is also very good. Class IV.—T, Vangioni stands very far ahead of all the rest, obtaining almost full marks in every subject; his work in every respect is worthy of the highest commendation. This class has done well throughout. Class 111, — The grammar papers very unequal; the translations almost all very good. W. Campbell is the facile princeps, followed by A. Craddock. Class j XL—Translation good. Exercises very I uneven, and some very poor. Grammar scarcely up to the mark. Freeborn, the first, has done his work very well; Hewer, the next,,has done well too. Class I. (upper)— Translations from French good. Exercises only fair. Grammar not satisfactory. G. Clark first with good marks, J. Newton follows very closely. Class L (lower Ist division).—This class is fairly even throughout, the lowest not being very low. Buchanan and O'Malley are first and equal; they both did their work welL Class L (lower division of lower Ist) —This class consisting of beginners whp have only learnt one term, it U too soon to pronounce any opinion about them." Mr H. Q. Forbes reported in geography:— "The following is a digest of the results of the examination in geography:—llo pupils sent in papers. In Form 1., numbering 19,16 obtained over 60 per cent., the fir»t name (J. Orawshaw) gaining 88 percent. In Form 11. 19 candidates were presented, of whom 12 recelved'Over 80 marks, the first prizeman scoring 81 per cent.- In Form lIL 33bbys"came forward for examination, only 6 of whom, failed tagab- half the value of the paper. The first place was assigned to E. ■ Wilsteed with 79 per cent.> The next Form, the IV., in which 90 papers were .sent in, shows a smaller proportion of first class answers, the number gaining less than 50per cent- being IpYas against 14 with'over that number of marks. The best paper, written by A. Salter, obtained 85 per cent. In Form V. 15 competed, and the first place Is accorded to Reginald Hollow with 81 percent. Twothiris of the class have gained over 60 per cent. Of the whole number sent op in geography 68 per cent, have been credited with nigre than one-half the value of the paper—a result very creditable to the school. 1 remark, . however (and this criticism applies to the results ot the geography examinations over the whole of New Zealand), that the notions of tbe pupils in respect to physical geography, the form of the earth's auatace, and of the relation of the globe to the other parts of the solar system, Seemed based on a too close study of fist iagrams. I would, therefore, venture to recommend earnestly that this subject, which from its importance Is now receiving so much more attention than formerly iv all the European centres of education, should be taught more from globes and from working models (such as some of the less complex orrerys), .and not so closely from maps and diagrams, as is the usual custom, as well as by frequent demonstrations on the field. Canterbury affords, within easy distance of Christchurch, more abundant examples than most places of the chief forces of nature, which impress on the face of a country its prominent. geographical features, whose study in tho field, under their instructor, would be of the highest value to the pupils. As far as thejwokwo-k goes, the various papers deserve high commendation, aud the examination, on the whole, therefore, results very showins that the pupils bay« riven couscieatious attention to their studies. 0 The Chairman then invited the Principal to address the meeting, remarking that the custom was a good one, because it had to be remembered that this was the one, if not the only, occasion oa which the Head Master met the pupils collectively, and it was a proper time at which to address tho3e interested in an institution the success of which depanded upon hunself and his staff. (Applause.) Mr C. E. Bevan-Brows said that in reviewing the work of the past year he must first of all mention one or two important changes wbich had occurred on tbe staff. There were now 143 boys, as against 123 last year, aod owing to this increase in numbers the Board of Governors sanctioned the appointment of two halftime masters, Mr O. T. J. Alpers and Mr ,W. R. Speight, both of whom had distiu-. guished themselves ac Canterbury College. (Applause.)' Here he could not but remark that the New Zealand University, and .Canterbury College in particular, were doing excellent work in turning out men admirably-fitted for our High Schools. This was a form of local production of which he thought Canterbury might well be proud (applause), more so because it was a local Industry which did not require protection. He added that two of their examiners were former distinguished members of Canterbury College, and one held the difficult; and honorable position of examiner for the University. (Applause). It reflected great crediton the Institution in whose hall they were assembled, that its old members should be so well able to undertake the difficult and important work of examining, and he thought the School and University were fortunate in having the services of these gentlemen at. their disposal. (Loud applause). Alluding to tbe Lower Division of the School, he said that it was in a very satisfactory position. There had been a marked advance during the past three years, and though the High School was a secondary one, be did not think it could be fairly urged against them that the younger boys .were neglected.: (Loud . cheers). As an important change to tbe boys, Mr Brown referred |to the new system of handwriting which had beeu introduced with marked success. There were sixty-five boys learning it in two divisions, and by way of encouragement two prizes had been given, one in each division. A change in the staff had occurred by the resignation of Mr Falconer, who had been elected head master of an important school in Perth, Western Australia. They all wished him success in his new sphere of work. (Applause.) The Board had elected in bis stead Mr Walton, a mathematical scholar from Cambridge, whom, they were glad to welcome among them. (Applause.) He drew attention to the modern form, which was specially a modern one under a special master. One great feature of this class was the teaching of the boys in the Museum. He had long wanted to make use of our splendid Museum, and be was convinced that under a good instructor it could be made an admirable means to a good education. The work 'was at present only tentative, but he looked forward to its continuance with considerable hope, (Applause.) He then referred to the athletics of the school, the swimming, cricket, cadets, and so on, and followed with the successes which had been gained during tbe past year. E. Buchanan bad obtained a junior scholarship of the New Zealand University, and A. Buchanan and W. EL Dawson had good places on the honors list of the entrance examination. One of the boys had passed his preliminary medical examination, and of seven sent up far matriculation six were successful. Williams, Harding and Hollow had taken three C scholarships siven by the North Canterbury Board o! Education, and a late boy, T. H. Green, had taken his M.A. degree, with first-class honors. He (Mr Brown) concluded by thanking bis colleagues, tha examiners, the monitors sod the boys (applause), and be thought he was not transgressing { the limits of modesty when he said he { believed all had earned their Christmas 1 holidays. (Hear, hear.) The prises were then given to tha undermentioned boys. I Mathematics--Upper V., G. Lancaster;■ Lower V., A. Muir, B. Dixon ; Upper IV.,* F. Harding. J. W. Bates; Lower IT., A. I Craddock. W. Campbell; Upper HL, H.! Dixon, 3. Reid and W. S. Bundle equal; Lower lIL, P. Wiffen, R. Taylor; Upper 11., L. Hunt, J. McMahon; Lower 117, E. | Barber and R. NUon equal; Upper 1., i

H. Richmond and 3. Nixon equal. W. iH. Purdie; Lower IL, W. H. Barnett. Latin-Upper V., G. Lancaster, J. Waddell ? Henderson; IV., F. Harding, 9 ,!. Murphy: m.,W.C^pbell, fc D. ShMaw, A. Craadock; tt, 5. IW.T. Chaplin; Upper L, L Newton, J. MclVlahon; LowsTLlißichmoha, B. CaUaghan; Modern Form, J. A. Glasgow. English—V., G. Lancaster, J. waddell; Upper IV., W. Campbell. A. J. Orchard, F. Harding; Lower IV., A. Craddock, D, Shirlaw; Upper IIwH; Dixon, C. Klingenstein, L Newton: Lower HI., A. G. iQuMtermain, J. IL, M. A. Powrie, F. Scott: L (preparatory), W. R. Lyttelton, W. Chrystall. French-V., J. Waddell, G. Lancaster; IV., S. K. Bassett, T. .Vangioni; HL, W. Campbell, A. Craddock, D. Shirlaw; IL, J. a Hewer, S. Freeborn; Upper L,L Newton, fc. Bundle, E. Cull; Lower L—A., C. Buchanan, C. K_Ungensteih; Lower L—B., S. H. Agar. Greek—H. Craddock, H. Williams,

History—T. Murphy. „_-.„„ Geography—V., W; CJampbell, R.Hollow and A. Adair (equal); IV., ». Shirlaw. E. Smith, J. A. Glasgow; ill., X C. Willsteed, P. Wiffen; 11., J. McMahon, L. P. Symes; 1., W. R. Lyttelton. Bookkeeping and Correspondence—A. Adair, P. Wiffen. ,-,- _ - Writing—Division L, J. McMahon, 15. a Willsteed; Division IL, F. Bassett, Physics—G. Lancaster, J. Waddell. Advanced Chemistry—J. Waddell, G. Lancaster. , _ Senior Chemistry—S, Pemberton, (A. Craddock. Junior Chemistry—D. Shirlaw, A. Craddock. Geometrical Drawing—J. Sinclair, A. Adair, R. Croy. Senior Freehand Drawing—W. Chaplin, G. Hardy, A. Adair. Model Drawing—C. Pemberton, A. Adair. Junior Freehand Drawing—Division L, F. De la Mare. W. Lee; Division H., J. Crawshaw, J. Welch, W. Purdie. Singing—W. Barnett, W. Purdie. Natural History Collections—Mr Laing s prize, S. Pemberton (collection of Insects). Cadet Corps—Prize tiring, L. Greenaway (Open), R. Seay (Recruits). _ Foundation Exhibitioners, 1890—A. G. Buchanan, S. L. Pemberton, T. Murphy, A. Salter.

Governors' Exhibitioners, Elected Jan., 1890—C. Buchanan, S. Clark, T. E. Cutler, B. GUlman, C. Klingenstein, F. A. de la Mare, A. S. Morley, J. B. Reese, E. C. Willsteed. District Scholars, Elected 1890 — C Scholarship, H, Williams, F. Harding, J. gollow; A Scholarship, E. Cull, R. W. organ, L Newton; B Scholarship. J, Reid, A. Sims. List of Honors gained by pupils of the school in 1890— T. Green, M.A. University Of New Zealand (first-class honors iv chemistry); H. Williams, F. Harding, J. Hollow, C Scholarship, Board of Education. The Chairsian then said he wished to refer to some remarks made by the examiners, because they were of interest to the Board : of Governors whoi were charged with.the.administration of the school, andto the public who were deeply interested in the success and welfare of the school. Among others he would refer to the paragraph in'Mr Cohen's report on English and- history:—" The lower school is responsible for the foundation that makes a high general average in the upper school possible." That remark showed clearly to hia mind the satisfactory condition of the .school, the sound work which was being done in the lower and middle school. That was one of the most satisfactory paragraphs which had been read that evehiher. He did not select that paragraph as hlone being evidence of good . work,, because be thought that any unbiassed person, who . read tbe whole of the reports iv the papers would haye as gpod an opportunity of judging the work of the school as they had that eyening, and would come to a similar conclusion as be had done, If any school was to be a success, it was not to be judged by the few good boys at the head, but by the good work which was done throughout the school. (Applause,) The platform having been cleared, the school choir sang very creditably a number of choice selection?, and several of the boys took part In scenes from "The Rivals,", and "Terence Phorraio," the formal proceedings Closing with the singing " Dulce Domum." After cheers had been given for the Principal, the Masters, the Chairman and the Board, the visitor? retired to the hall,'where were exhibited some highly creditable specimens ox work from the*boys' workshop.