BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL.

Evening Star, Issue 6476, 18 December 1883, Page 2

BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL.

A large number of the parents and friends of the scholars assembled in the school-room at noon today, when the annual distribution of prizes took place. Among3t those present were the Revs. Dr Stuart, Dr Roseby, W. Will, C. S. Ross, and J. M. Sutherland, Messrs J. Fulton, M.H.R., T. Bracken, M.H.K., M. W. Green, M.H.R., E. B. Cargill, G. Turnbull, G. Bell (chairman of the Chamber of Commerce), Professor Sale, F. R. Chapman, W. M. Hodgkins, J. Park, Dr Ferguson, Professor Macgregor, S. Solomon, Izard (Wellington), J. A. Connell, and Glendinning. The Rev. Dr Stuart, chairman of the High Schools Board of Governors, moved that Mr Cargill take the chair. Mr Cargill had taken a very warm and active interest in education all along, both in the primary and secondary schools. (Hear.) When there was a proposal long ago to aid the people of this country with the higher education in the shape of a few scholarships tenable in England for a few years, Mr Cargill and others came forward and agitated bo heroically and so persistently for a modest University in opposition to these scholarships that the battle was won.— (Applause.) That gentleman had therefore earned his honorable position, apart from the fact of his long relationship to the school in the capacity of a member of the Board of Advice. He (the speaker) was quite Bure that all present would endorse with acclamation the proposition that Mr Cargill should preside on the present occasion.—(Loud applause.) Mr Cargill then delivered a lengthened address, for which we have not room in this issue.

The following is the Rector's report and prize-list:—

During the past 6esslon 100 boys have entered the High School for the first time, and the total number enrolled is 321—120 hi the Upper and 201 In the Lower School. The numbers on the roll for the four quarters were 280, 289, 287, 275 ; the lower average attendance this year having been caused by the sickness prevalent in Dunedin. Nineteen senior ana ehzht junior scholars of the Otago Education Board and three provincial scholars of "the Westland Education Board nave been in attendance during- the year. Mr Thomson informs me that fifty-one boys have been received into the boarding' establishment. By an unspeakably sad accident we have lost William Edward Street, who was a pupil of the Kchool for four years, and whose memory is dear to all that knew him.

The candidates who went up from the school to the junior university scholarship examination of last year —John Somerville, Charles T. Little, and Robert Donald —were all successful. This result was highly gratifying ; and it has caused, as might have been expected, an increase in the number of competitors this year. No fewer than six have presented themselves, and the total number throughout the Colony is forty-five. Our candidates arc younger than those of la9t year; and this circumstance causes us to look forward to the issue of the examination with greater anxiety. My acknowledgments are due, and are roost heartily given, to the chairman and the other members of the Board of Governors for their unfailing kindness to me during my recent severe illness. I have also to return my sincero thanks to Mr Brent and Mr Wilson for their efficient administration of the school during my absence. The following old pupils of the High School have gained University honors during the past year:—

UNIVERSITY OP NEW ZEALAND. John W. Salmond : Degree of Master of Arts, with sccond-olass honors in mental science.

William D. Milne: Degree of Bachelor of Laws. D. W. M. Burn, James Johnstone, Petor A. Lind< say : Degree of Bachelor of Arts.

UNIVERSITY OF OTAQO. A. Montgomery, M.A. (University Senior Scholar): First class second course mining, first class petrography, second class geology. William D. Milne, 8.A., LL.B. (University Senior Scholar): First class English law. J. Johnstone, 8.A.: First class biology (prize), first class practical biology. W. A. Fleming (University Scholar): First class surgery (prize), second class senior anatomy. William Allan: First class surgery, second class senior anatomy.

John Somervillo (University scholar): First class (prize) chemistry, first class (prize) practical chemistry, solution of chemical problems (prize), first class junior anatomy, first class practical biology, second class biology. Charles T. Little (Univoreity soholar): First class chemistry, second class practical chemistry, solution of chemical problems, second class junior anatomy. Adolph Hamann (University scholar): Second olass advanced mathematics. John Murray: Second class senior mathematics. William A. Smith : Second class senior anatomy. T. K. Sidey : Second olass junior mental science. J. Asher: Second class Latin, second class Greek, second class mathematics. W. Dermer: Second class junior anatomy, second class practical biology. T. Burns: Second class junior anatomy. L. Joel: Solution of chemical problems. CANTERBURY COLLKQR. Robert M. Laing: First class geology, exhibition in natural science. UNIVERSITY OP EDINBURGH. Peter A. Lindsay: University medal, botany. I have much pleasure in acknowledging tho kindness of the warm friends of tho High School in presenting us with prizes, in addition to the medals and books voted by the Board of Governors. The Chamber of Commerce have again given a gold medal for the best scholar in English and arithmetic; a silver medal for the best arithmetician in the whole sohool; and a silver medal for the best arithmetician lp tbo Lower School. The Shakespeare Club have renewed its prize for the encouragement of the art of reading. Mrs Burn, Rev. Dr Stuart, Mr George Turnbull, Mr Maurice Joel, Mr W. M. Hodgkins, Mr Gilbert Matheson, Mr A. R. Livingstono, Mr Wilkie, Mr J. R. Sinclair, Mr S. Solomon, and Mr Hutton have kindly /continued their gifts. Mr James T. Mackerras and Mr James Horsburgh have also favored us with prizes. PRIZE LIST. LOWER SCHOOL. Preparatory Class. Latin : Vincent Fergusson, Kenneth Macrae. English: Vinoent Fergusson. Arithmetic: Kenneth Macrae, Harry T. Gillies. Writing : Lionel D. Cox. First Class.—Latin: Hercus Black, FrankG. Tibbits. English: William Forsyth. Writing: Charles W. Harvey. Drawing : John Carter. Second Class.—Latin: Ludwig Blllau, William M. Macdonald. English: Arthur W. Gillies, Ludwig Bulau. Arithmetic : Algernon Marr, Andrew Pitches. Writing: W. Stephenson. Drawing: W. Stephenson. Lower Third Class.—Latin: Charles F. Salmond, William Allan. English: Potcr Hercus, Lawrence Herdinan, Percy Mitchell. French : Leander E. Perceval. Arithmetic: Lawrence Herdman, George Bannatyno. Drawing ; Frederick Cluteam. Upper Third Class. English: Onslow Fulton. French: Horace Ross. Arithmetic: Neil Gilchrist, Frank Davis Drawing: Robert Wales. For the Best Reader (Shakespeare Club prize).— Robert Henry Ashcrof fc. For the Best Writer (Mr George TurnbulPs prize).— Hgil Qilohrjgt. Chamber of Commerce Silver Medal for Arithmetic. —Henry Charles Matheson. Dux of the Lower Sohool (Governors' silver medal). —Andrew Macdonald. UrTKU SCHOOL. Lower Fourth Class; Latin: Robert Isaacs, Thomas D. Pearco. English : John Porteous, Sydney Bridgman. Mathomatics: William 11. Meek, Sydney L. Beck. French : John Porteous. Science : George C. Faohe. Drawing :A. Wadio. Upper Fourth Class.—Latin : Frank E. Wilson, James Torrance. English: William W. Bird, John H. Moir. Mathomatics : Alfred E. Indcr. French : James Drabble. German : Robert H. Hogg. Science: David J. Evans. Drawing : David K. Blair (Mr Hodgkins's prize). Fifth Class.—Latin: J. Bell Thomson, William Watters. English :J. Bell Thomson (Mr Horsburgh's prize). French: Thomas Crump. Mathematics: Adam Begg (Mr Solomon's prize). Science: Adam Begg. German : James 11. lleid. Drawintr: Frank Armstrong (Mr Hutton's prize). Dux in Latin (Mr J. T. Mackcrras's prize).—Robert Bauchop. Dux in English (Mr Maurice Joel's prize).—David Watt. Dux in Mathematics (Mr Wilkie's prize).—Frank sowfln Allen. Dux in Frenoh (Mr J. R. Slnolair'a priae).—William Mill. Dux in German (Mr Mathcson's prize).—Robert Bauohop. Dux in Science (Mrs Burn's prizo).—Frank Bowen Allen. For the Best Reader (Rev. Dr Stuart's prize) Walter H. Nelley. r ' For tho Beet Writer (Mr A. R. Livingstone's prize). —Charles E. S. Gillies. Chamber of Commerce Silver Medal for Arithmetic —John Bell Thomson. Chamber of Commerce Gold Medal for Arithmetic and English.—Frank Bowen Allen. })ux qf the School (Governor's gold medal).-John Rogerson Montgomery,

TBNNIS PRIZES. Ladies' Cup: John Rogerson Montgomery. Medals: W. Burt (2), R. Isaacs, H. Fulton, F. Ciutsam, B. Fulton, A. Burt. '

CKRTIPIOATKS OP MRRIT. Preparatory Class.—Alfred White, Latin; Cecil P. Allen, Keith Ramsay, English ; Harry Guthrie, James Gray, urithniefi^ First Clasn.—«■'. V. 13. Kcnyon, Charles Low, Latin ; Alfred Kcp.tit, kicharu T ludsou, English. Second Clans.—K. lnglis, Latin, English, and arithmetic ;A. \V. Gillies, Latin aud arithmetic; J. M. Nicolson, Latin and English; J. Alvea, English; John Turton, Henry S. Mackenzie, arithmetic. Lower Third Class.—Peter Hercus, English, French, and arithmetic ; C. F. Salmond, English and French ; David H. F. Black, Latin and arithmetic; Alfred Moore, French; Norman N. Kirkcaldy, arithmetic. Upper Third Class. Charles Callis, English ; Charles Davis, Robert Gillies, arithmetic Lower Fourth Class.—Graham Turton, Latin ; Neil Paterson, English and mathematics; Hugh Clarke, English, Upper Fourth Class.—John Challis, James Inglis, Latin; John A. Scotc, English and French; F. V. Siedebertr, David Todd, French. Fifth Class.—William Elliott, Latin and English; Percy G. Morgan, Latin ; Samuel J: Harrison, EDgllsh and French; William H. Bawden, Alexander A. Cameron, science. Sixth Class.—Frank F. Haggitt, German. In presenting the Shakespeare Club's prize, Professor Sale said that he was glad of the opportunity of showing his sympathy with and love for the study of Shakespeare and the study of English generally. There was no better way of learning one's own tongue and of appreciating it than by studying, reading, and reciting the best writer.— (Applause.)

Mr Turnbull presented his prize for writing, aud said that in the past penmanship had been one of the weak points in the school. The specimens this year were admirable, and it was a matter of difficulty to decide which was the best. Mr G. Bell presented the Chamber of Commerce's three medals. Before a person could become a good penman he required to obtain a mastery both over the mind and the hand; his mind and muscles had to become subject to his will. If that were the case with regard to writing, it was a still more difficult matter to become proficient in the subject of mental arithmetic. He noticed that in the prize-list no mention was made of mental arithmetic, although it was distinctly understood by the Chamber of Commerce when they decided on presenting their medals that mental arithmetic should form a very important part of the arithmetical education. He could scarcely over-rate the advantages of mental arithmetic.

When the dux of the school (John R. Montgomery) was called upon, Dr Maodokald Baid that this year the examiners had no difficulty in determining the dux of the school. The dux stood out prominently before hia class-fellows.

The Chairman, in addressing the lad, said that to take the medal as the dux of the school should in any case be a very enviable distinction ; however, on the present occasion they were informed that Montgomery had not only won it, but was a long way beyond the other competitors. He had taken a very distinguished place indeed, and to earning that position was attached a very considerable weight of responsibility. Hereafter he would be known as one who had carried off the pnVe with great distinction, and great things would be expected of him in the future.—(Applause,) The Rev. Dr Stuart said that it had always been the good fortune of the Boys' High School to have had very ardent friends who had all along manifested a desire to adopt the Bchool to the satisfaction of the community and to the advancement of solid learning. As soon as any difficulty was brought to light in connection with the school it was immediately remedied.— (Hear.) Many years ago it was stated that the commercial side of the school was somewhat weak, and the authorities at the time increased its staff by the appointment of two additional teachers. He did net Bay that the school had then attained to perfection, but doubtless they were approximating to it. —(Laughter.) It had been alleged, and with some truth that the modern side of the school was somewhat weak and required to be strengthened. The authorities immediately provided additional means of instruction in English science and modern languages. Last year a competent assistant to the rector was obtained, and Sir F. D. Bell had been requested to obtain a teacher of gymnastics. Truly, the Board of Governors had been doing their utmost to promote the school as an educational institution. —(Applause.) Mr Robert Gillies and other friends two years ago brought under notice the fact that the attendance was over-straining in a measure the accom-, modation. Immediately the Board set about to obtain better accommodation, and the result was the premises now in course of erection on a beautiful site close by, and which he believed would be ready for occupation about the end of May.—(Great cheering by the boys.) Then the Board of Governors had been extremely anxious to obtain closer communication between this school and other schools in the Colony, and accordingly some years ago they resolved to give free education in connection with the scholarships. He was now pleased to Btate to those present, and through them to the public, that on the motion of the Hon. Mr Oliver the Board some months ago resolved unanimously as follows :—" That the Board of Governors will henceforth offer free education at the High Schools to all boys and girls who in the examination for the Education Board senior scholarships make 50 per cent, of the obtainable marks."— (Applause.) He thought that that would be regarded as a very considerable gain to education and as strengthening the link which connected the High Schools with the public schools of the Colony. He did not claim for the school anything like perfection either in its methods or organisatioss, but he did claim this: that if any shortcomings were pointed out the authorities immediately set about removing them. As the chairman had stated, the school bad dene and was still doing very >aluable work. He observed that at the close of the session of the Otago University the High School boys carried off about one-third of the honors of that institution. He noticed also that a lad named Laing, who had gone with his parents to settle in the sister provincial district, had last year, in connection with Canterbury College* obtained honors in geology and science.— (Hear.) Another old school boy (Lindsay), who went to Edinburgh last year 4 had, in a senior class of 600 students, obtained the University medal for botany.—(Applause.) A great deal no doubt could be said against the expensive scholastic but during the first twenty or thirty years there were necessarily expenses. Mr said feat; the pleasing duty devolved upon him of proposing a vote of thanks to the chairman for the manner in which he had presided. It must have been very gratifying to the parents and friends of the scholars to learn that those who had left the school from time to time were making their way in the world.— (Hear.) He thought he might fairly say that Dr Macdonald and his colleagues were entitled to the warmest sympathy of all present for their efforts from year to year to make the school a success.

Mr Cargill, in acknowledging the vote, wished to say that he was very glad to see the worthy rector of the school at his post. It was a matter of very great concern to the Board of Governors to find that he was suddenly obliged to discontinue his duties for a time from the effects, probably, of overwork, anxiety, and so forth. He trusted that after the holidays they would see Dr Macdonald resuming his duty with his wonted strength and vigor.—(Applause,) Before the boys dispersed he asked them tb give three cheers for their rector. The call having been responded to, The Rev. Dr Stuart intimated that. the holidays would continue until February 1L The proceedings'then'terminated. ' M