BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 4, 1 December 1934, Page 6

BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL.

Thu erection of a science block at the Boys’ High School is the consummation of a hope deferred until this year. Four years ago the Board of Governors was strongly recommended by the rector to make a request to the Department of Education for its incorporation in the school buildings, thereby strengthening the otherwise excellent facilities generally for imparting knowledge. The Board, however, considered that the time was not opportune and action was postponed until this year. The new buildings have been opened at a time when there is a much greater recognition of the important contribution science in its many branches is making towards human welfare. The School’s science curriculum was founded by the first rector, the late Mr J. E. Vernon, when secondary education was established largely through his agency in Palmerston North. Through the years as the School grew in size and importance it laboured under the disability of lacking the best of . science instructional rooms. Yet in spite of this drawback first Mr ’Vernon, to whom science was a subject of the greatest importance in secondary education., and then other masters including 1 Mr 0. A. Colquhoun who has most ably filled the position of science master for a number of years, have done excellent work in the science room. Their ability to impart knowledge to their students is to be seen in the conspicuous number who have earned distinction in many branches of learning intimately associated with scientific study. The chemistry, physics, and agricultural students have now the very best of facilities for their instruction, and they should add to the lustre of their School’s many achievements. Of particular interest in these times is the science of agriculture. The most important crop in New Zealand comes from its grasslands, and its scientific study has been given recognition for its very important bearing upon farming practice. The true scientist has. an enthusiasm tor his investigations, and tor applying the knowledge he possesses for the benefit of others. From the Boys’ High School the future undoubtedly will see the emergence of many more pupils with a sound foundation for work m the scientific fields to which they intend to devote themselves.