SOLWAY COLLEGE.

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 45, 21 February 1917, Page 13

SOLWAY COLLEGE.

Ono of the most striking developments in the educational sphere is the .establishment of the Solway College for girls. For many years.it had been, felt that Masterton would make an ideal centre for such an institution. The Rev. A. T. Thompson, M.A., 8.D., of Knox Church, had the matter deeply at heart, and he, along with others, managed to stir up an interest in the district. The chief difficulty was regarded as overcome when those interested learnt that it would be possible for them to secure the services of Mrs. L. Thompson, M.A., late of the Manse, Carterton, ' as principal. Eirquiries for a site were immedately instituted, and by a fortunate coincidence there happened to be in the market at that tinw.a mansion house surrounded by 18g acres of land. This was magnificently situated at Solway, and with very little alteration,'was found to be admirably suited for college purposes.' The property was leased at once and the project launched. "

The aim of the college is to provide for girls a modern and refined education, and, above all, one permeated by tht> highest Christian principles. Mrs. Thompson is admirably suited for the work 6he has in hand, and she is ably supported by her husband, the Rev. L. Thompson, M.A., and a staff of resident and visiting teachers. The carriculum in eludes all the ordinary school subjects, and, if so desired,- the girls will be prepared for any of the ordinary examinations, such as matriculation or civil service. Bible study of an undenominational character finds a prominent place in the school Jife, and the girls-are all expected to attend ■ their own. place of worship oh Sunday. The musical side of the college is becoming an increasingly prominent feature, and Mr. Wallis, the musical director, is sparing no pains to. develop this part of- the tfvork. The sports field also finds an important placo in the college life, and every girl is.encouraged to go. in for some branch of sport. The large swimming baths in the grounds provide a pleasing outlet for tho physical energies of the • girls, particularly in. hot weather. The chief asset, however, is the possession of spacious and secluded grounds of indescribable beauty, situated ■ within three minutes' walk of the Solway .Railway Station.

The college is controlled by a board of governors appointed by the Wairarapa Presbytery. -These gentlemen, up to the present, have been financing the work, but the college has become so popular that large building operations have had to be initiated.- In this the second year of operations the enrolments have -increased by one hundred per cent., and it ib feared that,-even- with the large new building in course of erection, many implications will have to be declined. In view of the recent developments a larger financial scheme is imperative, and the board of governors is "confidently expecting to raise £15,000 by means of debentures. It is. quits in keeping with the best traditions of Presbyterianism to launch out in this way into the sphere of education, and increasing success is predicted for Solway College as the years go by. ■ .