NELSON COLLEGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLV, Issue XLVIII, 16 December 1914, Page 8

NELSON COLLEGE

PRIZE-GIVING. The annuul prize-giving in connect ion with the Nelson Colleges was held m the Assembly Hall at the Boys t ollege last evenina." There was a crowded attendance of pupils, and their friends. On the platform wcr>' the teaching staffs of the Colleges, the Governors. and Mr I ■ A. H. Field. 31.P.-elect for Nelson, who presented the prizes. Dr. Gibbs. a Oliver-nor. who presided, in intruducting Mr Field, on beha.f ot the Governors, said there was a mostsuccessful year of endeavour and achievement to report. The work had bo"n to some extent interfered with by outride happenings. •. vei which they had n« ' cmtrol; but th»- whole year had been one of almost unsurpasced achievement. Dr Gibbs. in referring to the changes on the staffs of the Colleges during the year incted in the report), made special reference to Messrs Neison and 3lalthus, who had. along with hundreds « f others, ccne to serve "the Empire. (Prolonged applause.) In connection with the ieof Mrs Hamilton (Matron of the Girls' College), the speaker said that a ladv weil known to many of them. Mi« Ht-auinont. had been selected to succeed her. Dr. Gibbs then introduced Mr. Fit-Id. (Applause..! Mr. Field, who was received with loud aupiause, said that, as an old boy of Nels'.n College, he would like to express his appreciation pf the honour the C ollege Governors had done h'"n in asking him preside on this occasion. Nelson College was intimately connected with the earlv historv of Nelson. In fact, it might be said to be olJer than the Nelson settlement itself, -for the establishment of a College in a place to be called Nelson was specially mentioned in the first prospectus issued by the New Zealand Land Company *s an inducement to intending settlers in the proposed settlement. Owing to-the financial and ether troubles of the New Zealand Land Companv, it was not till 1856 that Nelson College became an establsihed fact, and the Girls' College followed in due course in 1882. Great public schools such as the Nelson Colleges,, were impressing themselves increasingly on the social and public life of the Dominion. They were .-athering valuable traditions arcund tWm. and it was inspiring for the students to remember that the names of some of the old boys were- not only on the Honours Board of the College, but were amongst tlie foretnost nanios in i...s scientific world. '"To-night, while I -»m speakinsi." continued Mr Field, amid applause. " "there are about eighty more men awav to join the colours from Nelson. Nelson College has not been backward in this great crisis of the Em- ' pire, and oveT a hundred old boys aie standing shoulder to shoulder, and we know they will worthily uphold the credit of the College, and of Nelson and the Empire One great aim of democracy, said the speaker. was t-.ie equalising of opportunities—equal oppoitunities xov all. The recent oroaaennig of the scope of the Nelson and other Colleges opened the dcor for any student from" the primary schools to the University. Any boy or girl of this district had the opportunity of taking advantage of educational facilities second to none In the Dominion. This was r.ct only An advantage to the individual, but to the State; because it meant the training and development of the best brains cf the country, irrespective of wealth ' r class. Formerly only those able to afford it enjoyed the advantage of a liberal education— to-day it was open to all. The provisions of the new Education Act should tend to make the Colleges more popular even than they had been. The commercial course of the Colleges was an important one, and the Chamber of Commerce, he believed, provided a medal in connection with it. The Chamber of Commerce, as representing the business part of the community, might perhaps take a more lively interest on°this point; and he understood the president proposed to see if something more could not be done in this direction in the near future. The agricultural course was another valuable branch that should be of great practical service. One of the objects was to make bovs more practical and scientific in their habits of thought. "Science makes, it has been said, continued Mr Field, '"a constant avpeal to individual reason. It asks us tb take nothing for granted, but to experiment for ourselves, and to see for ourselves that what we told is true. Jt teaches us also the need cf close and accurate observation —one of the most valuable habits anyone can form." But the College?, while teaching practical subjects, have not fallen into the other extreme of neglecting subjects broadly called the humanities. These subjects give a wider and broader outlook on life, encourage the taste for literatrue and knowledge that makes the cultured xnan or woman—a taste which is one of the greatest and most lasting pleasures f.jf'llfS," One great aim of education is to teach ut? to think-for ourselves. It is a most difficult lesson to learn. We are told that a fjian sitting by the fireside watching a phenomenon that millions, before yum. had watched 'unthinking, thought for himself as he saw a kettle bdii.- He thought that ther2 must be a threat- -latent power in steam, and then he {"Bought the power might be utilised. ; He revolutionised the world—the indus- j trial revolution it is called—and his dis- ; ?overv increased the wealth of the world enormously. Incidentally it produced, ; hv the unequal distribution of wealth, j one of the greatest problems with which the modern statesman has to deal. In j conclusion. Mr Field said he would like ■ to take this opportunity of wishing ail i present a merry Christmas and a happy > New Year, and hoped that all would en - jov themselves and have a real good time in" the holidays. (Loud applauße).

GIRL?' COLLEGE. Miss LorimO?/ Principal of the Girls' College, read hep report as follows: The tot3l roll number for the year has been 190, and the total number of boarders 43. , Changes in staff. —Miss MacKenzie replaced Miss Chisholm in charge of the preparatory division, and Mr Tait conducted the singing classes during Herr Lemmer's absence in England. Mrs. Hamilton h.is resigned the matronship of the College after three years' tenure of tiw* DOsitioii-

Examinations. —The results of last year's examinations were most satisfactory. Those made known this year were 68 follows: —First section B.A. Degree: I). Hunt. Junior University Scholarship: E. MeXabb. Credit passes: L. Sheat-, 0. Hunt. Senior Public Service : U. Lewis, H. Robertson, M- Roughton. A. Tuckey. Matriculation and allied examinations: M. Bell, L. Lc-iteh, MMcNabb. C. Shields, G. Shirtliff, E. Bnjifh, S. Snodgrass, K. Warnock, E. Win, M. Joyce. L. Mason. Partial passes? A. Lublow, J. MacKenzie. Senior free placo by examintaion: R. Chisnall, H. Hail, l„ Baigent. M. Bright, F. Ohing. 11. Condoll, O. Gibbs. A. Hawke, E. M arris. V. parkln6/jr)> Jv Parkes. Partial pass for D certificate wftfc special mention in botany : F- Kershaw. The results of this year\s examinations at present available are:--First year's terms: C. Shields. with jotjr»ng i>asses in Latin and French. iSenior free place by recommendation : L. Arnold, M. &ush, H. Clay. M. Cullimore. P. Dee, E. Eades. M- Fabian, R. Uibbs, F. Glover. C. Graham. G. Graham, T. Harmait, D. Hay, E. Hunt, (). Hurley, M. Kerr. V. Miller, B. Niven, ft. P/}!txiAT. IK Pitt-, P, Shields. J. Simpson, K. j Small bone, H. Stado, H. Tanner, R. | Todd, St. Tortev. C. Whitford, D. j Yonngdal. Extension was granted tu j Ij. Grace, F, Former. C, Fitzgerald, and

C. Shirlhf' Sixth Standard proficienry passes «oie ga-.ne<l by D. Sadlier. M. P. Ni -i!c. J. Yoniij. M. Fair-.-y. Li. <mi . . 1:1 i.l Coo;-: . \ l/.ard. K Lew:.-.

The ] 'ivj .w ;t t y department, cou-i-.C iii'- ,-f -.iiiU from Standaril 1. to Standard \ ha> done steady and sat isfactoi y work. but has been unfortunate in ha\iiiir its numbers leduced owing to re niova'is and other causes. It will probable i, Turn to its norma] size next year. The lns;:e< toi"s report, received W-dav. describes the work as good. The General Knowledge paper caused tile usual excitement. It was oil the whole better done than in former years, .s me gills gaining very good percentages. In addition to the prize winners the following deserve special mention: C. Shields. E. Smith, 31. Hamilton. T. K.napp. K. Grace. B. Nevin ; als;> the writers of the best- poems, 1). I'itt and S. Snodgrass. Cookery. —This subject has been taken bv 66 girls. As then- was no garden partv tliis yen- they have had no special opport unit v .f di>plaving their euliuary skili.

Dressmaking is a popular subject, and is taken by ' 102 girls, taught in five classes, the instructresses being 31iss Isaac. Miss 31. Grace, and Miss \- ]>ett-. Some very presentable garments w. Ie made by the girl.--, especially by those in their second or third year of instructs n.

Physical culture is taken by practically the whole school. 1' or the greater part of the year .Miss Irene Greenwood has been in charge «. f this branch of the work, and lias ably trained them in a course on the lines recommended by the director cf physical instruction, including marches, dance steps, breathing exercises, and organised games. _ We are indebted to Dr. Wash bourn for examining the candidates for prizes. The usual pliysieal culture display gave place this vear to "The Masque of Empire" enter tainment. The scout dr«4 introduced into it was in lio wav connected with Miss G reenwuod. It was intended more or less to furnish the comic element, and apparently did not fail of its object. The' various clubs—swimming, tennis, basket ball, and croquet—have done good work. The tennis championships were won by the following:—Senior, J. 3lacKenzie; junior, 31. Chivers; beginners, H. Macniahuii. C. roquei :RTodd. • The basket- ball cup w.-ls won by Form V.A.

The Camera Club.—A most enthusiastic body of -workers under 31iss 31cEacben'are doing advanced and really artistic work. They are again indebted to 3lr Brusewitz for his helpful lectures, and are rejoicing in tlie possession oi a new dark room, spacious and convenient, provided by the Governors. The Glee Club holds its practices on Saturday mornings, under the dirq£tiou of 3liss*Saxon and 3liss Garland. The "N.G.C.." under the management of 3liss 3lcEachen, continues to be one of the very best school magazines in the Dominion. The old girls' column increases in size and interest, and is the occasion of many felicitations which must be gratifying to the editor. The, Christian Union, managed by 3liss Garland and 31iss 31acKenzie, besides doing Bible study and organising addresses, has sent over eighty nicely made new woollen garments to the London Ragged School Union. New buildings.—The boarding accommodation has been improved by the addition of a new, commodious, and up-to-date laundry. The health of the boarders has been very good, but our splendid record of immunity from infectious diseases lias this term been spoilt by a mild epidemic of measles, to which five girls have fallen victims.

A patriotic entertainment, comprising the songs of our allies and "Ihe Masque of Empire," was given during the present term in aid of the fund for the poor of Great Britain, Ireland, and Belgium. We are grateful to cur friend? for their patronage, which enabled us to hand over a substantial sum to a cau.«e much in our minds just now, and for their kindly reception of our performance. ! At*this great and appalling crisis 111 i the world's history, when the words | "Duty," "Patriotism," and "Self-sacri-fice" are often on our lips, it behoves all to think seriously of the Empire's needs, , future as well as present-, and how best we may help to supply them. It is the men who play the heroic part; the women -work and wait at home. Butthere is a way, comparatively prosaic aiid ordinary, perhaps, in which inteilig'ent girls who are free to choose their own way of life, may do a real service i to their Yountry, and that is by entering the teaching profession. The supply of good teachers is seldom equal to the demand, and there will be increasing difficulties in this direction now that the war has called so many men from our shores. The teaching of the future will fall more and more into the hands of women ; for already the boy pupil teacher is becoming a rara avis, and soon in New Zealand, as in some parts of America, we shall see the city primary schools staffed with women under a male principal. The Government of late years has held out considerable inducements to entrants to the profession. The conditions and pay of pupil t'eachers are much improved, and girls prepared to go into the country for a year c-r two are able to earn good salaries as sole charge teachers. Their fear, I know, is tnat they mav be left in the country t-oo long, feeling that the world is passing them by ; but we cannot all live in cities, and motor cars and telephones are rapidly linking the back-blocks with the ceil- ; tres of population. Probationers are needed also for the free kindergarten of our largest towns, and teachers of domestic science and of secondary school subjects are none too munerous. If girls take up work of this kind, thinking not merely of the remuneration attached to it. but feelijig it a privilege to have the moulding and training of the plastic minds «;f the men and women of the future, they may regard themselves as' having a snare, and not an unimportant j one, in the great work of empire-build-1 ins. I

We anticipate that our secondary schools may suffer in some degree from the unsettfement produced by the war; but I hope that parents will not on that account unnecessarily curtail their children's school days. They come once only in a lifetime, and nothing that can be given to them afterwards quite makes pp for £he loss of what in tnis land of free education may be called their birthright. " Miss Lorimer then thanked the staff and the matron (Mrs. Hamilton) for their loyal assistance, and the Governors for their help and sympathy. .She conclu'dled by wishing the girls and boys a happy aiid pleasant holiday. The girls then gave \hrep cheers for Miss Lorimer, after whirH ihtf Frizes wete presented as follows •

J'UIZE LIST. GENERAL EXCELLENCE. Form VI. : O. Hunt 1. T,. Sheat 2. Form V. A : R. Wix 1, M. Prestidge 2. .>{• ore 3. E. 'I (lorn 4. Form V ; , 1}: J). Vitt 1, 0, Oloy 2Form IV. A : L. Arnold 1. 11. Stado 2, •]. Simpson 3. R. Palmer 4. Form IV. B : R. Gibbs 1. F. Glover 2. Form HL A: IL Griffin 1, H. Harford 2. it. Woods 3, Jj, Childs 4. Form 111. Is : M. Chivora 1, L ITagon 2Standard Vl.:—Form lIL T5 : M. Young. Sewing : Eileen Cooper, prosimaking : M- Fabian, K. Smallhone, D. Df':o. D. Oakev. Commended : M. Rogers, G. Graham. -T. Simpson, F. Clark, D. Hay, M. Johnston, R. Emnson.

' Cookery: K Grace, T), Hay??, G, Thorpe. Physical Culture: G. Glare arid 31. Andrew, equal. 1. M. Bjish 3. S. Snodllass 4. Drawing. Senior : A. Balohelor. Junior : P. Neale. General Knowledge : L. Sheat,. .SPECIAL PRIZES. Mrs. Mules".-?, for Scripture.—Form V. : R. Wix. Form IV. A: F. Shields. Form IV. P>: C. Fitzgerald. Form in. A: 1). Sadlier. F'im 111. B: -7. Young. Au Old Girls* prize for neat work in exercise books: J. Simpson. M. Miller. Miss Greenwood's, for Physical Culture : M. McNabb. Principal's, f' r Standard L: K. McMurtry. Mr Fell's, for Reading : Form V. : D. Drvdeu. Form IV.: 31. Bush. Form 111'. : F. Riley. Miss Bolton's, for Elocution: K. Pearson. 3lr. Harkness's, for best Standard passes.—Standard VI. : D. Sadlier. Standard V.: V. .Mills. Standard IV.: 31. MacKenzie. -Mrs. Blechynden's goodfellowship prize : 31. Joyce. 3lrs Fred. Hamilton's goodfellowship prize .- M. Fitzgerald.

SCHOLARSHIP. 1 iiiversity. £lO for one year: O. Hunt (failing her return it- passes to 31. Bell). J Governors' fees, £lO for one year :L. ! Sheat (failing her return it passes to E. i Win). I N.G.C. Old Girls', £lO for one vear: E. Smith. | General Work. Form V. A, £5: 31. Prestidge (failing her return it passes to ' 31. 3looreJ. General Work, Form 3'. B. £4 : D. Pitt-. Barni coat Essay Prize, £3, to be spent ■ on books : A. Crump. 3lr H. L. Fowler, Principal of the Boys College, read his annual report as i follows.

! For the year now ending 1 have, to report the very satisfactory attendance of 255—a record for the College and a, considerable advance on last year's roll. Ono hundred and nine boys held junior : :ree places, and 75 senior, making a i total of 184, or 78 per cent, of the ; number in the secondary department of the school. No fewer than 40 boys left during the year, and the proportion of those, now leaving being, perhaps, rather higher than usual, a particularly large entry will be necessary next term if our numbers are to he kept up; and that, | I fear, can hardly be looked forward to j with any confidence at such a. time as this. The number of boarders is the . same as it was last year, viz., 112, ot j whom 35 were newly admitted, and 4 , had pre vioush- been day boys. The preparatory department, or lower school, has consisted of 20 boys, equally j divided between the V. and ~V£. standards. It is a matter of some surprise, not to say regret, that this division of ; the school is not- larger. Boys wno aro sent here young not only have the opporwiuit3", - owing to the smallness of the classes, of making very speedy progress through the standards/as many of them . do, but also share from the first the great ! advantages in the way of organised games I and a closer corporate life that a College .like this possesses. Excellent "work conI tinues to be done. Of the 18 boys who were examined by Inspector Crawford •at the beginning of this month 9 passed the Fifth Standard, and in the Sixth jone gained the • competency certificate, ; and 8 the proficiency. (One boy was ; absent from each class through illness.) j Here I would remind parents that on passing the Fifth Standard a boy has the option of proceeding at once to the ; secondary department, with the right !to sit for the proficiency certificate at i the end of the year. This is in maJiy cases the course to be recommended. The results of the public examinations held at the end of last year were in some respects exceptionally good. University Entrance scholarships were won by N. Richmond, V. Bosselmann, L. Bennett and C. Quilliam, .while two others obtained ''credit," and two qualified for Matriculation on the same papers. Twelve boys passed the Matriculation examina- ; tion, 10 of them passing at the same the j ; Solicitors' General, 5 the 3ledical pre- | liminary, and 3 the Engineering preliminary. Another secured a partial ' pass, and 2 completed their subjects. In ; the Public (Junior Civil) Service exam- '[ ination the first place was taken by A. W. Knapp, a pupil of the College; 22 passed, 12 "with credit." The Inter-! mediate,' fox senior free places, was pass-1 cd by 34. Jn the senior Civil Service I examination 2 obtained a full pass, 2 a partial. One University candidate sat i for the first year "Terms," passing in | the four subjects offered.

| To turn now to another side of our [activities. "With a few necessary exceptions, all boys take part in games, being grouped according to strength and skill. In cricket \vc had a stronger team than usual, but it was handicapped, as school teams generally are, by losing several of its members in the middle of the season. In football our representatives won the Littlejohn Shield in the seven-a-side tournament, -took a good place in the senior competition, and gained a hard-won victory over King's •College. In shooting tho College Vlll. again distinguished themselves by making the highest score in the secondary schools' match last December. The Easter camp, in for which the cadets had done much hard work, -unfortunately proved, a fiasco. Camp was formed at Brightwater on the Bth of April, but was broken up on the following morning owing to heavy rain. A little more confidence in the Nelson weather would have been well justified, for it very soon cleared, and remained fine for the rest of the holiday.

I There have been several changes in the staff during the year. Mr G. E. Archey, j who replaced Mr Davey, left at the end . of last term to take the position of I assistant curator at the Canterbury Museum. At the same time Mr Malthus joined the Expeditionary Force as did : Mr Nelson. The Litter was succeeded . by Mr Thomson as master in charge of the •preparatory Apartment, and the ' other vacancies are filled by Mr C. -P. j Worley, a former pupil of the College, ■ and Mr M. J. Morrison. ( Next year, if uiir numbers keep up, ■ it will be necessary, in accordance with | the new Education Act, to increase thej • Staff- This should result in an immediate j | gain in ease of working and efficiency . i as some of the classes have in the past j been too large. The difficulty has lain j in the expense, for which the Act may ! —or may not —rnako sufficient provision. I There are two other main points in which j th© College -will bo effected : —(1.) The • governing body will in future include a representative of the Education Board of the district and two members chosen by tne parents of the pupils. (2.) A largo number of junior and senior scholarships will bo .awarded annually by the Education Boards—not less thau onp scholarship for each five hundred children in attendance at all tho primary schools 1 in >{e\v Z«\laqc}- The age-limfts aro 14 and and the scholarships are apparently to be awarded on the recommendation of the headmasters, and not, as at present, after a competitivo exa«ii»< ation. There is, further, a, minimum salary for teachers in secondary schools. The minimum at this College is considerably higher than that fixed by tho Act, but teachers as a body will still feel that theirs is tho worst paid of all professions. In concluding my report I wish once Trior® to acknowledge the vcrg great assistance that the College at all times receives from the Old Boys' and to thank them, more particularly, ior £he fives court audi fthe (athletic

honours "board that they have roc«ntly £ivcri tis, 31 ay the Old Boys' Day. which was celebrated for Ihe first- lime this year, be more and more the means of bringing old friends together and of renewing the tics than bind them to t-heir Alma 3fater ! 3lr Fowler also expressed his thanks to an old boy who had anonymously given £IOO to the cadet corps. He also addressed a few words to the boys who were leaving the college. Three hearty cheers were then given for 31r Fowler by the boys. Prizes won by the boys were then distributed as follow > : - -

Standai d 3". : W- Gunning 1, C. Spencer 2. Standard VI.: It. Lancaster 1, E. Paterson 2. Reading, .Juniors; D. Tcrriss. Form 111. 1> : Te Herekiekie 1, T. Weir 2. 31. Elliott 5. Form III.: C. Hodgson 1, 31. Taifc 2, Z. Tat ton 3. Form IV. B : P. MeNabb 1,- N. Green 2, K. Andrew's 3. Form IV. A : L. Tiller 1, A. Baird 2, L. Irwin 3, L. Stringer 4. Lower V. : D. Black 1, D. 31cRae 2, 11.. Te Tan 3. Upper V. : 31. Angus 1. F. 3latthewson 2, I. Barnett 3. Form VI. : N. Richmond 1, C. Kidson 2, 31. Cori'ie-Johnstone 3. Special : Field Club Collection: It. Grimmett.

Special: 3lusetnn -work: D. Jenno (Stace 3ledal.) Special: Progress : J. Gifford. Commercial :' L. Ching 1 (Chamber of Commerce medal), L. Stringer 2. "Simmons'' for English Literature: N. Manson. "Andrew 3lemorial,"' for Classics : N. Richmond. Hawke's Bay Old Boys' prize : 31. Angus. : ' Goodfellowship medal : N T . Richmond, j Head of House :P. Graves, j Head of College : J. Chaytor (3loeller medal). 4 SCHOLARSHIPS. "Richmond'' (awarded 1912) : 31. Cori ic-Johnstone. "isewcome" (3 years) : D. Black. '•Fell' (3 vcars) : F. Hudson. Prox. : C. Page. "CoTlege"' (under 18) : N. Richmond. Prox. ; N. 31anson.

"Collego"' (under 18) : Kidson Prox. : F. Matthewson.

"College" (under 16). A. Tennenfc Stafford" (History). N. Manson. 3lr Fowler, in a few supplementary remarks, said he wished to thank an anonymous donation of £IOO from an old boy towards the Cadet Fund. He also added a few words to the bovs who were leaving. Dr. Gibbs, on behalf of the Governors, thanked 3lr Field for presiding, and also, on behalf of the parents and guardians of the scholars, the principals and staffs of the Colleges for the excellent work done during the year. Thanks were also expressed to the Old Girls Association and the Old Boys Association, including the Hawke s Bay' branch of the latter. The unseifisnncss of the boys in foregoing their sports' prizes in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund was also acknowledged. During the proceedings the pupils of the Colfeges sung their College songs under the direction of 3lr Tait; cheers were, given for the principals and the staffs; and also for I\lr I'ield. The gathering dispersed after singing the National Anthem.