THE GIRLS' COLLEGE

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 24, 30 January 1933, Page 10

THE GIRLS' COLLEGE

FINE STAFF RECORD

SOME PERSONAL NOTES

JUBILEE RETROSPECT

Throughout its existence the Wellington Girls' College, which is celebrating its jubilee at the end of this week, has been fortunate in having teachers who occupied a high academic status, and who exerted upon their charges a fine cultural influence which is reflected in the lives of all who passed through the. institution. Miss M. Or. Hamilton, the first principal, was an assistant at the Christchurch Girls' High School at the time of ' her appointment. To an upright bearing, and keen and regular features, she added force of character, outspokenness/courage, and loyalty to her frieuds. She had a most punctilious regard for thoroughness and accuracy, and when marking examination papers would take excessive pains in discriminating between pupils of nearly equal merit. Strictness of discipline was tempered by kindness of disposition. Alert and active, both physically and mentally, she was fond of conversation and the free expression of opinion. While of a very religious nature, she was broadminded and tolerant. She lived almost wholly for the school. It was always in her thoughts. Not even in holiday time could she set her mind free from its problems and plans. She threw herself into her teaching with a burning intensity that, made great ravages on her highly nervous disposition. At one time she broke down, and in tho last term of 1885 she was away from school for six weeks. Miss Hamilton held her position 'as principal until the last' year of the century, sending in her resignation in the first term, of 1900. She left New Zealand to reside in Tasmania, marrying Mr. Charles Corso deNaverne, who had been modern language teacher at the school since 1888. In later years he became blind. He died in 1914, just about the time when the invaders were approaching Paris. Miss Hamilton—to keep the name by which everybody knew her —lived some years in Victoria, and died there. Dr. J. Innes, who was first assistant at the school, came from the Timaru High School, and was a member of the staff until March, 1900. His work lay chiefly with Latin, mathematics, and English, especially English literature. He was also expected to assist in the organisation and administration of, the school, being sometimes described as assistant principal. Dr. Innes left to become headmaster of the ■ Marlborough High School, or as it is now called, Marlborough College, a position which he held until his retirement in 1922. The other assistant at the 'opening of the school, Miss Margaret Richmond, was the daughter of Mr. Justice Richmond.'' Her natural ability and her sympathetic -nature made her a very successful teacher. Her pupils were devoted to her. She left the school at the end of 1885 to marry the late Dr. AValtcr Fell. Her death occurred on Saturday. Miss Florence Gillon was appointed third assistant not'long after the opening of the school, but after two years sho left to take a position in the South. She was reappointed in 1886, however, and remained on "the staff until her marriage with Mr. G. V. Hudson. PRINCIPAL'S REPORT. Miss Edith Howitt Searle, the daughter of a Christchurch journalist who afterwards became editor of the "New Zealand Times," joined the school at the beginning of 1885, and remained until the close of 1900. She took the middlo classes of the school, and later shared the senior Latin and English. During this time she published her first novel. In her report of Miss Searle's last year, the principal said:—"The schools has now been open for eight years, and up to the present only one member of the staff, Miss Margaret Richmond, has left us , permanently. This is, I venture to say, unique in the history .of secondary schools. It arises, in my opinion, from the fact that in every case the teachers have been appointed, not only on the ground of academical attainments, but from a knowledge of personal character and general disposition."' Some, time after her marriage to Mr. Grossroan, Mrs. Searle-Grossman was in England for a few years. -After her return she lived at St. Heliers, Auckland, doing journalistic work, and she died in 1931. Miss Mary Richmond taught at the school for nearly six years, from ISBS to April, 1890. Her work lay chiefly with, the lower forms. Hei understanding of the needs of the younger children found a wider scope in connection with the establishment of the free kindergartens and her capacity found some outlet also in her work, on many ', public bodies associated with education or philanthropy. DRAWING AND MUSIC. ,For\two years drawing, was taught by Miss Holmes, who was .succeeded .in 1885 by Mr. Eustace Brandon, who in turn was succeeded by Mr. Clere. ;M. Merlet taught French and German , until he was succeeded by M. Naverne .in 1888. Teachers of rnusic,,for which an extra fee was charged, the amount varying with the instructor, were Mr. : Robert Parker, Miss Black, Miss Swainson (after 1885), and in later years Mrs. Holt. In addition to instrumental music, Mr: Parker taught class singing and the theory of music. The distribution of prizes was always accompanied by a concert for which Mr. Parker used to arrange most attractive items. The programme for 1887 included, part songs, "Merry Christmas Bells,". "Blue Bells of Scotland," "Maytime," and "Weel May the Keel Row"; rounds, "The Sunlight Slowly Fades Away," and "The Five Bells of Osney"; a duet for violin and piano, and a chorus, "The Island." The last was a great favourite and used to be sung with enthusiasm. In the new building a class, was instituted for shorthand. It was taught by Mr. Warren, who, in 1891, reported: "The work of the pupils has been examined by Mr. Isaac Pitman, who awarded first place to Miss Margaret , Konncdy and second to Miss Edith ', Evans."- ---| Other early teachers were Miss Ella [ Marchant, afterwards principal of the ' Dunedin Girls' High School, who was appointed in 1890, Miss May Morrah, who was appointed in 1891, and Miss , Isabel Ecelcsfield, who was appointed in 1892. A FORCEFUL CHARACTER. [ The appointment of Miss Mary Me- '- Lean, M.A., C.8.E., as principal, was 1 made in 1900, and she remained at the school until her retirement in .1926. Miss McLean was educated at Canterbury College, Christchurch, where she took her M.A. degree in. 1890, and later was on the staff of the Timaru Girls' High School. Under her guidance the Wellington Girls' College made rapid progress. She had a forceful character, which was reflected in the pupils, who received their training under her direction, and she earned the respect of parents aiid educationists'generally. She was largely responsible for the division of the school, and the establishment of the Wellington East Girls' College, when it became apparent that a single : institu-

tion was inadequate. Miss McLean was also successful in having formed 'a Parents' Association to co-operate with her and her staff. The.departure was much appreciated by parents, and resulted in benefits to the pupils. On her retirement she was presented with a portrait of herself, painted by H. Nichols, of Christchurch, from the many old girls who had been her pupils. Shortly after her retirement Miss McLean went for a two years' holiday trip abroad. THE PRESENT PRINCIPAL. The destinies of the college at the present time are being guided by Miss V. M. Greig, who, prior to her appointment in 1926 as principal, was headmistress of the Napier Girls' High School. Miss Greig has had a notable career. Between 1890 and 1895 she attended the Otago Girls' High School. She left that institution as dux of the school, and winner of the Board of Governors' gold medal. Between 1896 and 1899 she studied at the Otago University, and passed her B.A. with see T ond-class honours, and also gained the John Tinline scholarship of £50 a year for excellence in English and literature. She gained her B.Se degree in 1904. Miss Gr,eig began her teaching experience at the Dunedin Teachers' Training College, and in 1897 she had a varied experience as a teacher in the primary schools of Dunedin. Subsequently Miss Greig was appointed first i assistant at ■ the Waitaki Girls' High • School, and there acted as headmistress during the principal's visit to England. -In 1909 she left to take over the ; duties of headmistress at the Napier ■ Girls' High School, over which ihsti- . tution she successfully presided for six- : teen years. In .1918-19 Miss Greig i visited the schools and colleges- of I Canada, the United States, and Engi land. . l [An article reviewing the history of 1 the college appears on page 4.]