HIGH SCHOOL OF OTAGO.

Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 2060, 11 December 1869, Page 2

HIGH SCHOOL OF OTAGO.

One of the Lake poets says : "The child’s the father of the man.” This is an unquestionable ti’visrn, as it has become one of the most philosophical’ aphorisms of our time. If we desire to understand who are to be the ruling spirits of a future generation; the great lights by which our knowledge and our , history are to be continued after us; the , men of future greatness in the various walks of life —merchants, professional men, poets, historians, philosophers—we must look into ; our public schools, and examine well the material there presented, in order to gain i precise information on the point. "Justus the twig is bent the tree inclines. ” It is in our school that the mind receives its first impulse and direction ; that the mental calibre is discovered ; and the peculiar aptitude for certain given pursuits is fostered and veloped. But who shall decide what are the ’ peculiar mental' dispositions or qualifications of the boys ? We confess that we are jealous of the, schoolmaster’s .privilege of judging of ’ the fitness or unfitness of his pupils for any definite object or pursuit in life; and we have less confidence in the partial judgments of parents. It is on these grounds that, we submit, the children should undergo the ordeal of periodical examinations before the public ; and it is on these grounds that we are pleased with the system inaugurated last evening am,png the High School boys ; A splendid ' entertainment was given at the Post Office Hall, to quo of the largest and most brilliant audiences we have yet seen in Dunedin. The mathematical principle of economising space was applied in all its force, for only by adroit movement in the first place, and perfect immobility in the second, was standing room secured. The programme comprised—first, elocution by the boys; and, second, music by the Dunedin Private Musical Society. After “ II Barbiere” by the instruments, the entertainment commenced with a recitation called "Cassabianca,” which was admirably rendered in tone, manner, and feeling by Tewsley. Then followed a scene from Henry IV., in which five of the alumni disported themselves in a very creditable manner. A dialogue next ensued, entitled " Current Account, ” in which much amuse; ment was caused, and Black and Tewsley were honored with an encore, to which they responded. The next was a recitation, " Our Gallant Volunteers,” rendered with great spirit; and on its being encored, Simpson repeated the piece with perhaps greater boldness and effect, and was rewarded with loud applause, Mr Henry’s Irish reading was inimitably droll. But unquestionably the event of the evening was the mock Parliamentary Debate on the second reading of the " Bill to abolish Political Distinction between the Sexes, and to confer on Women the Privilege of the Elective Franchise.” This was an immensely successful exhibition, and called forth ringing applause from the audience. Conducted with all the ceremonies and solemnities of a bona fide representative assembly, the pros and cons were forcibly put—the flaws in an opponent’s arguments were eagerly taken advantage of; ever and anon, in the heat of debate, personalities were indulged in, when the Speaker (Mr Pope) authoritatively interposed, and the whole question was discussed in a forcible and exhaustive maimer—a model for the members of our Provincial Council. The articulation of most of the boys was good, and the elocution of some very perfect; and it was clear that they had undergone severe discipline and training at the hands of their masters. They appeared to know precisely what they were about, and • |<B IXlKetfce most of their respective parts. ! last evening may be said i se*ffcytoien an examination of the boys on ■the public, and great good results from (these public examinations. It is by i jiMifaiAwiv familiarising themselves with a en c.e., that the boys acquire a confi■Hßout which the most liberal educaI^HflHjnparatively useless. Besides which, ■pHEncl that the public is entitled to know to time what educational pro■■pAnade at this the most important HnHHp’y of Otago. This, it must bo ad-HfIKL-was most satisfactorily illustrated by OHHmfaeral proficiency of the boys at last SfHßo&’s entertainment. We hope to see grow into an institution fJHHp B ’ if they maintain the high of that of last evening, they will

be not merely creditable to the masters, but also pleasing and satisfactory to the public. Nor must we omit to mention the Dunedin Private Musical Society, to whose voluntary services we were indebted for no inconsiderable part of the evening’s entertainment. They have now appeared on three public occasions—twice in aid of benevolent objects —and that they are capable of affording a great musical treat, the immense houses they have drawn on each occasion may be accepted as the best evidence. Nor is the favorable opinion of the public threatened by the musical performances of last evening, which may indeed be said to have been their most successful effort. Miss Edhouse, and Mr Towsey rendered some feongs and duets in a very charming manner ; whilst Miss Bell favored us with an inimitable solo performance on the pianoforte, which was received with unmistakeable demonstrations of applause. Indeed, each and every part was rendered with great power, feeling, and effect. Mr Coote was conductor, and the instrument in which Miss Bell played was furnished by Mr C. Begg.