PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 110, 5 November 1915, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE

NEW, SCHOOL FOR WELLINGTON

At the meeting of the Hospital Committee of the Wellington Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, held yesterday afteriioon, the tenders for the lease of the property in Hobsou-street for so long in the occupation of the late Mr. T. C. Williams were opened and dealt with. Subject to confirmation of the hoard the tender of the Rev. Dr. Gibb, of Wellington, was accepted. That tender consisted of an "offer to take over the property at a certain rental on an annual tenancy. Dr. Gibb tendered for the lease of the property on behalf of the Wellington Presbytery, which is to utilise it for the purposes of a Presbyterian College, for which it can be readily adapted. There are three acres of beautifully-laid-out grounds, and a residence containing thirty rooms, situated within easy reach of the centre of the city, yet remote from the heavy street traffic.

The Presbytery of Wellington some time ago appointed, on. the motion of Ur. Gibb, a large and representative committee to consider the question of instituting a college either for boys oV girls in Wellington or its neighbourhood. After much careful thought and consideration of all the issues involved, and having received a generous donation of upwards of £1000 as the Hrst contribution to a fund which will, it is hoped, ultimately compass the erection of suitable buildings, * the committee came to a decision to proceed with 'the venture for a boys' college, and the Pres'.ytery heartily approved. As a beginning t the fine. property mentioned above has been leased. The building is equipped with -every convenience. Several large and lofty and well-lit rooms are available for class rooms. The •college will open in February nextThe school, which will be known as Scots College, will be nnder the charge of two gentlemen of high standing in the academic and educational world Mr S R. Dickinson, M.A., holds the diploma of Education of Melbourne University and was Final Honourman*- in Classics and Philology. He was for some time principal of Leslie House School, Hobart, and examiner to Teachers' Registration Board and State Scholarship Board, Tasmania. Mr. G. H. Uttley, M.A., M.Sc, of the University b{ New Zealand, and F.G.S., London, was Honourman in! Mental Science and classified Al New Zealand Educational Department. Formerly Mr. Uttley was first assistant and senior house master in the Waitaki Boys' School, and js^ at present Science and Mathematical master, Presbyterian Ladies' College, Melbourne. The co-principals make an unusually strong combination. Mr. Dickinson, who has had many years' experience as head master of a leading day and boarding school in Hobart, will be responsible for the general organisation of the school, and will manage the classical literature a vnd history side. Mr. Uttley, who has had an exceptional scientific training and much experience in the largest boarding school in New Zealand, will control the mathematical and-science branches and organise anS manage the boarding department.

The college, we are informed, will be conducted on lines presenting many new features. The guiding principle in framing the courses of studies will be the claims of the individual boy whose special needs will receive particular attention. Classes will be kept small in order to secure this particular care. Whilethe utmost attention will be given to the development of- the pupils' minds, the formation of character will ever be a primary consideration. While the faith in which parents desire their sons brought up will, with the breadth of view which is characteristic of the Presbyterian Church, be sedulously conserved, the college will aim at imparting sound religious instruction. Although it is recognised that- religious training in schools should not merely depend on formal teaching of religious books, but should draw its vitality from the whole atmosphere of an institution, religious instruction based on the Scriptures will form a definite part of the school curriculum. It will be treated in such a manner that boys who are from other than Presbyterian homes may participate in it without' prejudice to their own faith, while exemption from attendance at such lessons may be granted to those whose parents desire so.

The executive of the committee who are responsible for the college are the Revs. Dr. Gibb (chairman), A. C. Standage (secretary),-Mr. S. Clarke Johnson (treasurer), the Hon. J. G. W. Aitken, the Revs. W. J. Comrie and J. Cumming' and Messrs. W. M. Hanna-y and G A Troop.