NELSON COLLEGES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, 13 December 1921, Page 4

NELSON COLLEGES

ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES LA 110 Fj AND ENT II LSI A STIC GATHERING

The annual distribution of , prizes in connection with Nelson Colleges took place at the Boys’ College Assembly Room last evening. There was a very large attendance of pupils and their parents at id friends. On the platform were seated the slafls of both schools, the Board of Governors, Mr j). Atmure, M.P., ami Mr Kellel, ALP. for Dunedin North. Mr C. R. Fell (Chairman of the Board), presided over the first portion of the proceedings, after which Mr Atmoro took charge and presented the prizes. The proceedings, as usual, were of the most enthusiastic nature.

Mr C. R. Foil, before introducing Mr Aimoro,. said he wished to iolcr, to one or two outstanding features’ which had taken place during the year. The serious step of providing, more accommodation for the Gins’ | Coliege had resulted in the Board no-j quiring the property known as “Fail’-j held.” It had not yet been decided; whether it would he used lor hoarding; this year, and in this connection hoi asked parents of intending pupils to; let tho Governors know whether they; intended to send their children to the’ Girls’ College for the forthcoming, year, because provision must ho made,; and that would depend upon the num-j her of new hoarders. Tho College for! a number of years had been filled to its limit, and if there was to ho any increase. then increased accommodation must he provided. Another matter or serious importance was the retirement of the Principal of the Boys’ College., Mr Fowler had been Principal since 11)04—the longest period than any Principal of 'the College in its long and successful history. He hud given 'the Governors every satisfaction. Ine [roll had increased hy a third, and the tone and the work of the -school had grown, and prospered under linn. It was, therefore, a very serious matter to part with a man of Mr Fowler s 1 canahilitios and attainments, end he took the present occasion, on behalf of the Governors, of publicly acknowledging his many and splendid services to the institution ovot 1 winch he had held sway, and to express to hint and Mrs Fowler tho appreciation of those services; and that thev_ wouldfor many years enjoy their retirement which their long services so well merited. (Loud applause). The retirement of "Mr Fowler throw upon the Governors the serious responsibility ot appointing a successor. The chuinnati said he did not think anyone, present quite realised the responsibility of making such an appointment. I lie Governors in the past had been extraordinarily fortunate, and 1 •felt that they had a very difficult duty to adequately fill the'position. “I think all will agree that the Board lias made a wise choice in appointing Mr Broad as | Mr Fowler’s successor,” wont on the chairman, amid loud applause, “and I fool that in Mr Broad the high traditions of the past, continued right I down to the present, will continue to {the satisfaction of the Board and the parents, and to the district and the country os ji whol©.’* r lhe choirmutv amid applause, then introduced Mr Atmoro and invited him to distribute the prizes. . , Mr Aimoro said it was with very great pleasure that ho had received the invitation to preside. As a JSeisoniau he shared the pride that the parents of the children felt at tuo filto Colleges that wo had here. Colleges that'stood in the front rank in tho, scholastic institutions ol Australasia. The schools had given men to too Empire’s services—men who would challenge comparison with the best wiio went from any other college. Job “ son had sent three generals to tho war, colonels, majors, and privates, wlio one and all hud fought to save the liberty of the world and carried out the noble 'traditions! of then College. Tho o-irls from the College had also done'their share in the hospitals. Ho felt sure the hovs and girls would be inspired by -the example of those who had gone before them, and try and live up to the traditions those men and women had handed down to them. Mi Atmoro wont on to briefly refer I secondary institutions in general. v looked upon such institutions to ext ' cise a stabilising influence m the world. We wanted men who would specialise and direct .to-day, was from institutions like the Nelson Colleges that we were looking to produce the men and women acquired. 1 "\Ve wanted men inspired with Cars tian altruism to go out and then the ! world would enter on- a new'phase ot i being. In passing Mr Atraore icfeiied I to the fact that Thomas Arnold, a son !of Dr Arnold, had taught the first her ’ condary school in -'Nelson, on th I Church Hill, then known as Fort im In describing Nelson in 1848 Mi A | nold had to the Amelia ! aF tlu- Smith. Wo wanted, piooeeueu ItL swSkor? to make Nelson the real Athens of the South. The hcq}' es t the late Mr Cawthron had mir-lens of a scientific training, union could "not he bettered, in* Wdh- the wonderful climate-: and! the SSrSaBSSB? llw.l WiSf tlio scliolasty centre 'for the whole of tlio vl “"^ ireknt t “iTmount was threatened :to irEkared. SpehWog private membei, hut as a Atmoro lin Wfincatiou Committee, Mr Atmojo 1 ll h. wouU offer most strenuous opI bill’s 1 ‘ Spe^fcore 'krec% “d iaisiiii iSEUi vied out the P™)ap| cs & Mr Fowler and other a.. J n fev to the new Principal, Mr . Atom e 111 Pa was ouitei satisfied ho .wouiu i & common**tions. (Loud app ausc). '' ( \\\ cne . very high distinction to the Regarding tho syllabus, M Aimm tollrod in he al owed to make a kta te kf hoard ■■'OVfS.'to simple economics should he < ;, Ulist of h{°I Ul of thivlie n thought, that men and women wero often M away by Violent speakers who advanced such theories asf for instance, direct action } went on tho speaker, was an ri&l place for education and d 1 “ ment would assist the Board of Gove - nors rather more liberally and allow

them to have mure initiative, he was isatis-tied that the Colleges would double the numbers of. their pupils. In concluding, Mr Atmoro had a word to say to the bovs and girls wlio wore leaving this year. They wore going out to play their part in the bigger game of life, and they would lindi the qualities which stood them in good stead on the playing held would stand them in good stead in alter life. T£ they lived up to the principles taught to them they would iro through with flying colours, and Five the life that Cod Almighty intended them to 1 -vc. He hoped thev would leave their mark on ide, and that those who were staying on would keep up the traditions ot their school, and that when their time came tor leaving thev would go; away as ambassadors ot high principles doing thoii host to make the world a better one ban when they came in. (Loud apon 'behalf of the Board of : Governors, thanked the Principal and the stalf of both Colleges for •• their | work during the year. t Referring to : the changes in the staff, Mr Fell said I thev did not arise through any, friction i between the Board and the teacher*,. I The Board was not responsible for the i salaries of the staff. The changes that | ], a d taken place was on account of the i fact that the teachers had obtained ; better positions. The staff had always i been kept at a high level, and at the ! present time it had never been sur- . passed in the history of the Colleges, i Mr Fell concluded by .thanking Mx Ati more for his very eloquent address, i They had listened to some very able ! speeches at the prize-givings, but lie } thought they had never listened to fa j more able one than that night. (Apipkvusc). v j During the proceedings, the College I songs wore sung with fine effect. (Cheers were also given for the Prinj cipal and the staff of 'both Colleges, I for the hovs and girls, and for Mr Atimore. The gathering dispersed alter singing the National Anthem. REPORTS.

The reports and prize list are as follow :

GIRLS’ COLLEGE

I have the honour to present tho 39th annual report of this College. The total roll number for the year was 293, being an increase, of 25, and the average roll number 274,. - ~ The number at present on the roll iu tho upper school is 206, of whom (55 hold the senior free place, and 124 tho junior free place. in the preparatory department.wo have GO girls in (standards 11. to VI. inclusive. Our hoarding establishment has been quite fud, and we have been obliged to refuse 20 who made application for admission. , Changes in Staff. —At the beginning of the year Miss McLeod, Kbc.au House Sciehce, and Miss featcliell replaced . Mrs Church and Mrs Moymiian respectively; in the second term Miss Allan replaced Miss Sanderson, and in the third term Miss Sale was appointed to fill the vacancy made by Miss Wilson’s acceptance of a position jn Fiji. • ' Examinations.—l ho results of last year’s examinations are as follows:I. Cockburu gained a University Entrance Scholarship and the . Helen Connon Bursary. C. Fletcher headed the credit list, on which places were gained also by C. Bell ScottMatriculation and the allied examinations.: E. Condell, M. Connor, DCrumpton, M. Knapp, M. Moore, C. Robertson, 11. Taylor, 1. Henderson. Partial passes: B. Knoll, R. Stanley, E. Wells. „ jj. Field and E. Gnfliu gained pal - tial passes for the Class 1) and Class C Certificates. . • Xu the Public Service Entrance examination the following gained places on the credit list: E v . Ividson (2nd), J. Henderson (7th), D. (11th), C, Robertson, B. Knell, M. McDonald, M. McLean, K. bcott, id. Johnston. Ordinary _ passes were obtained by J. Wix, M. Knapp, 0- Allan E. Clougher, K. Cntchley, ISrwik F Lang F. Buckendge, L> au M AU M. r Pellow, G. Riley, E. Mitchell, A. Grcen L. Senior National Scholai^lups^iero won bv E. Barrowclough, K. Dodson, K Hihdmar&h, S'. Sadlier. Junior National Scholarships. ■M. Haldane, E. Walkey, D. Wills. , This year the following girls gained TS 1 ”'-I: Bickcrton, >*■ ■ T J. Clark, P. Connor, M. Davies, i - Graham. M. Haldane, E. Hardy, a «■*>***». » B £ ds r’jeu: Hmiter-Brown, V. Ungnes, u Neve N l ‘Page W. Page, E. Richard-i son ’F. Robertson, N, Swcaton, L. son r • Street' S. Tancred, -1 : Smith, t- ,r; j wwMkev of our work was - pitcaithly and jLWX from vuosp following cxtrachs takcm. E tkis ganisation school are good, nia j n . & e tS<i7rd VI Wig; Miss O’Brien have selves very well, _ , . p., o n^ e dcy, 4 gaining a certificate, is pJrtiCompetency. work is set out cularly good. , g Standard with commendable neatness.^ V. pnpds also har e 01llVj sUi bject whole, spelling being Q ra i suhfalling helof been satisjeets in both passes drawing factorily treated, aro vel -y and needlework Ige and standi"}. lli ee ai ; e |encilly in sound eonmended jeefc has ucm reading, recitation, quality of the eamug oxflposi arithmetic (Standaitl , md tion /Stsim ard j tioll ” Thero the school, and the tone prevailing is V* H'TS nt7° ffilW. ficieiicv Cci tificflrtcs. Mhucv Joyce Betts, Philippa Ctohls. Nun 3 Crcssy, doyce Poll, - Ailccu Beattice ludsonSteer. Palmer, Jean Pniiups, jVitorie’ Stephens, Enmi Waslibourn. Ruth xas- , |M ffiuea“l^ C tion continues to occupy » considerable amount oVonr hT°ind W C ’Se Hoi Science; 163

Imvo received lessons in dressmaking and necdlccraft, and DIG in cookery, t Tho dressmaking and plain sewing • of tho following girls isjughly com--mended;—o. Field, Ji. Kirby, (.. Al- . lan, E. Hunter-Brown. E. Bhara/.yn, ami that of tho following commended: M Hoslop, E. Mitchell, Jl. Johnston, M. Fellow, R. Moore, M. Moore, \ . .lack, F. Dock. N. Dodson, E. Squires, R. Sliirtlilf, K. Malcolm. >S. Bastm, 11. Prow sc; also tho cookery ol the IoU ; lowing; E. Beuke, :M. Kirby C }buiHuuaiin, 1. Street, E. Mitchell, M. tSeaddch. I. Merson. r llus compulsory homo science for girls handicaps thorn as compared with boys m Ilnur preparation lor Matriculation. Tim Department contemplates, 1 understand, tiie substitution of a more general course in elementary .science, suitable for both boys and girls, and eliminating the element of unlairucss to tho girls in the matter of tins examination. On the athletic side of onr work tho outstanding feature of the year ! was the holding of our first sports day on April 12th in Trafalgar Bark under tho direction of Miss Sanderson, It proved a strenuous undertaking for all concerned; for, owing to the conditions under which we bad the use ol tho Park, all tho heats and finals bad to’be run that day, necessitating an early start, and no less of time. Tim holiday.granted by His Excellency the Governor was taken on the day following. and was specially appreciated. Tho senior champion was Kathleen Scott, who bolds a cup presented by the staff. The junior champion is Ngairo Page. In basket ball Form V.A, a particularly good team, won the ■ Senior Cup, and Form lII.A tho Fitzgerald Cup. On tho 9th of July iu a drill competition among the forms on the work of the term, judged by Miss Allan and Miss O’Hara Smith, Form IV.A caruo first, and Form V.A second.. In tennis the Junior Championship was won by M. Horne with B. Field as runner-up; tho senior doubles by M. Bryant.and 1). Crumpton; tho Senior .Championship by M. Bryant with M. Scott as runner-up, and the Inter-Form by Form VI. To-day’s match with the boys was stopped by tho rain alter our visitors had won tho four gaums played. Since Miss Allan joined the staff our physical training work has changed its character considerably. Gymnastics, clubs, dumb-bells, deep, breathing, etc., though quite suitable for boys, tend to make girls too heavy and muscular. The latest authorities recommend for girls a combination ol Swedish exercises, organised games, and country dancing. Physical exorcises pure and simple appeal to elul- 1 dron more or less purposeless, but in , dancing they do them unconsciously, and with real pleasure in tho rhythmic movement. Miss Allan, having been trained by an expert recently from , England, has been able to -introduce a considerable amount of this kind of ' work, and I hope that in time it mav produce a lighter and more ‘graceful carriage than'the older system ol training. Had tho elements been kinder wo had hoped last week to give our friends an exposition of this work with a proper setting. Tho boarders this term have also under Miss Allan’s supervision specialised in firo drill. They have reduced their record for clearing tho building and assembling on the teuma courts to 40 seconds. They have learnt to jump from an upper window into a strong rug, (iu tho absence of a fireman’s sheet) and to cbmb out of a window and down a fireman s ladder, carrying an apparently insensible girl. Some of them m attm luo may ho glad of this training. On April 4th wo were honoured by a visit from Their Excellencies, \ ascount and Lady Jellicqo, who were accompanied by their daughter, luo speech which His Excellency put into tho mouth of the Honourable Lucy amused and delighted tho girls, who are looking forward to a second visit in accordance with His Excellency s promise. , . This year has seen tho passing ol a member of our governing body, whom it could ill-afford to lose, the late Mr jp H, Cock. Those who have had a long connection with tlic College know how deep was his interest in all that pertained to it. Ho was always appreciative of one’s efforts, sympathetic in difficulties, genial, courteous, cultured, and kindly in his judgments. Ho was tho author of our College song. -In conclusion I have to say something in reference to the work of next year: My staff and I are agreed that tho intellectual standard of tho junior free place entrants of this year is distinctly below tho average. This is not, perhaps, surprising, because in 1914 these girls must have been in the primer classes, and, tborcipio, most of their education was secured under war conditions, when tho cmciency of the, schools must have suffered from changes in staff, frequent holidays, the expenditure of, energy on patriotic efforts, _ and the. genera l psychological conditions. The point now is that they must try hard to re-medy'the.-deficiencies of the past, and reach the standard winch will he expected of them at tho end of the next year. A few of them are quite up to the standard, some are delicate, some slack, and some irregular in attendance. The delicacy we must excuse, but tho slackness and the irregularity W 6 hope with the co-operation of the parents to overcome. Work is not a thing to bo afraid of. The best/ people of our race like standing .up-to difficulties, and overcoming them, io he a slacker is to he uu-Lntis!i. You Su have noted that all holding positions of authority and responsibility—fltatesmou, business men, members ot the teaching profession —stress tlie importance of work at tlie picsent of work is bourn preach, cd as never before, and, in the inteiosts nob only of themselves but ot om race, boys and girls should bo made to feel '.the- culpability .ot neglecting to make the.host use of their powers or mind and body. Our Government does much for our young people ami ha ve tho will to do more. Wo heads ot mstitutionsi have the responsibility of seeing that tho State gets an adequate return for its expenditure upon eiVif we are to maintain a high standard of efficiency, wo need Ml the help that parents can give us. In the course of a few supplemental remarks, Miss Lqnmcr referred WPb regret to the retirement ot Mr Fowler ° The relations exmtmg he. tween them had always been of tho ■ f 2rdi-il and tho hope was exm°st h and Mrs Fowler pressed that both u . earncd r , :st woukl etqoy thanked Mr Atpenod Miss w and eloquent Eietl the Board of Governors ho teaching staff, the prefects,for assistance „ in g ■ tho: y ear. PRIZE-LIST For General Excellence; Fom VI.: M. Scott 1, M. Connor 2.

Agorae people call Kola-Nip * ternrtta«lnti"g H»*““ g6 „r T °° Wi " l!r "”' it by its nutty flavour.

Fm-m V.A; >S. Sadlier 1, K. Dodson 2, A. Fitzsimmons 3, E. Barrowclough

' Form V.B: P. Wilson 1, O. Field 2, J. Aircy 3. i-’orm IV.A: Berisctnann !, M. Kirby 2, E. Walkev 3, E. Beuke D Form IV.B; X. I "age E,, E. i lardy 2, M. Davies 3. Form. IV.C; 3. Clark. Form HI.A: M. -May 1, M. Md-on • > (J Gillstrom 3. “’Form IT1.B: M. Fit tall 1, Ik HarIU Form 111.( 1 : I- Merson 1, N. Hutsou 2, Standard Vi.: B. limes. Standanl V.; 1). SU Jonn. Standard IV.: B. France. Standard HI.; \. Catley. Standard II.: W • nllaec. Drawing: Form IV.: B. Bickertoii. II i'diiv commended, AI. Davies. I'm ni I ID; "M. Blarnires. Highly commended, I. Barmentor. _ Dressmaking: Senior: B. I‘ield, U. Stanley. Form IV.: Mabel_ McLean, M. Davies. Form HD: G. Saxton. Cookery: h’orm IV.: \ . Hughes. Form 111.: c ■ i Scripture (Mrs Muk\s s opccidl Prizes); Form V.A: K. Dldson. form VB‘ 0. Field. Form IV.; Al. Kir.n\ S' Tailored. Form iIE A : G. Saxton. Form lii.B; B. llan-is. Form JII.C: I. Merson. scholShibs Governors’ Fees. HO lor I year. M, Scott. , N.G.C. Old Girls’, HO for i year: M. Connor, , .... University, HO for 1 year; E. Kidson. _ , _ Form V.A. Under E, Co for 1 year: S. Sadlier. ■ _ , , Form V.B. Under J 7, H ior 1 year: B. Wilson. , „ . . Barnicoal Essay Brize, 13 to he spent on books: Divided between B. Field, Al. Scott. BOYS’ COLLEGE

■ Tlit) number of names on tin* roll this vear is 272,-236 in the upper school and 36 in the lower. Nmcty-six new boys have boon admitted, and there have been 101 boarders, the corresponding figures for last year being 116 admitted, 124 boarders, and the total 302. So far as we know the principal cause of the decrease in numbers has been the fall in the price of meat and wool, by which the tanning community, who were for some time moie than ordinarily prosperous, have been seriously affected. There is every reason to expect that as prices recover the attendance will improve. One hundred and ninety-three boys, or B’2 per cent, of the upper school, have held junior or senior free places. Of the 36 boys in the lower—or primary—school, 20 have been in {standard Vi. Standard HI. was this year discontinued, but next year pupils will bo admitted to that Standard up to the limit of the accommodation available. The work done in this part of thy College Ik the rudic as that of the primary schools, the 6th Standard is regularly examined by the Inspectors, ami any boy who is capable of passing through two Standards in the year is allowed to do so. On the examination recently held 10 Prolieieucy certificates were granted, ami C> Competency. -I. have always maintained that boys would make much better progress in a good secondard .school if they joined alter passing Die 4th Standard, or, at. latest, the- oth; and when giving evidence, bobire (he Education Commission in 1612 1. suggested that free places _ should be granted to those- who did well m the otn Standard. , My _ suggestion found no support at the time, but that the Department also is coming to the conclusion that too much time is spent m primary work seems to be evident from the fact that it is now proposing to shorten the primary course by two years and to institute post-prim-ary classes. Jt would bo still better if "11 i.o most promising pupils were allowed to proceed to the secondary school direct. At present they may not do so till they have passed tlio Gth Standard. The record of the lower school is so good, especially when it is remembered that boys are Jrequeutlv sent to us after tiiey have laded to make good olsewliere, that it has deserved to bo better supported; and, other things being equal, there is no doubt that the younger a boy is at the time of admission, the more tlioioughly he will be imbued with the tone and spirit of the place. . , I Fifty-three boys obtained senior free places by recommendation or by passinn- the Intermediate examination ; o parsed the Civil Service Entrance; 13 the Matriculation and allied examinations. while 6 obtained a.partial pass, and 7 completed ; 4 gained Senior r*sa-| tional Scholarships. , , | During the year the College has lost: the services of Mr Kidson Mr Thorap-, son Mr Harman, and Mr Comes, who secured good appointments elsewhere, their places being taken b - v^ slfe Tf Wat kin, 8.A., H, I. Isaac, M.A. an : C V Worley, 8.A., and Mi Elliott joining' the stall as Instructor m Dl ffSS;. mentioned in my last report that the new scheme of £ ta .? llg t w secondary schools was not\ altogether satisfactory, in that the numbers of teachers depended entirely ou I he■ si*» of the school, no dittcroucc wh.lt vei beiu ,r made between a school ' worked merely np to standard ami one in winch the p W s were carried on for two °H tlu ; ec longer and ihorclero required special Sf-crs lor University Scholarship woik. One . suit has been that I have been obi t, ed to spend almost the whole of 11 time in actual teaching. Kueham a - raiigemcnt is not fair mtiun to the headmaster or to the> school. Tlio work of the Cadets has carried on with the usual keeuueso, though “Barracks’ ’have been discontinued for the present because ol thj expense; but wo all look ioiwaid io their being resumed Die elfeet in stimulating the mtcic. M Ho boys iu military and drill has been most marked. 1 ° Tooling has been exceptionally good, but we were \disappointed m of again winning the 1 as no competition has been 1 IW l^!rto.K S c^A ß^ ivitli iii Ni-v. L-ly.n.inOi Hip' School, who beat us after an interesting game. 1,1 cdekol the College has not dune so well, nor will it ever strong as it might be until, like pthu SSs of th» sumo .staud.ns, * » movidml with » I'TOtoMOUltl “MU-II • rite «»■«»«»“■ i,,,iv Tr r i. bv that it is not reasonable to expect j i ovs to reach the same s andai I Of oxcelleiice iu all branches ol spoi ■ They have only a certain amou . nervous energy to draw upon, and d V 1 r under a continuous strain tynl mmiSn and drill, their studies must inevitably suffci. . 1S When 1 wrote my lust upoit as Principal seventeen years ago the old College had just boon destroyed by bre After two-years wo came into the new one, built of brick with tbo addition of the handsome hall in which we meet to-night, in ~Sander and Sons Pure _ Volatile Eucalypti Extract, for colds, influenza oto.

another material the admirable archb tocturo of its predecessor. Throe new science rtionis lm*p since been crocked, and. .the playground has boon levelled and extended. The atiendance lias risen iroiti about 2UU to an average ol' 300, and, as ;wn are often assured, tho College enjoys to-day a higher reputation than at any previous time not in the neighbourhood only, but throughout tho Dominion. tor such a happy consummation paienls and pupils have in tho first place to than].; tho staff, past and present, limy have given their t ime ami thought lavishly and ungrudgingly to the advancement of the school, and those ot them who have lott ns have hy then success elsewhere borne striking less timonv to the soundness ol the Aelson I raining. Their work, however, would not have produced such satistactoiy results if it had not boon .or the excellent preparation which onr hoys had for the most part received in c primarv schools, --schools ol tv hid Nelson and the district have good reason to be proud. . Before concluding 1 <’ K ’ again to ackiuiwledge tlie u - P j has alwavs been afiordod us by thi. Old Boys’ Association, whose mcuea.i strength and influence promise to b a most important actor m toe i> tu ■ success of the College. In i\l.i liiqad, himself au Old Boy incut has given me the S I0(I _ , sure, tho public may 1m tliev have a sound and well-t u d man. who will carry ou the old traditions to the satisfaction oi alb , ~ Mr bowler added that although du subject of economics, mentioned > Mr Atmoro, did not appeal *”[, - l ‘ t svllabus, tho oleinenls ot the hUDjtct ireretaWht ™i £ s„ r c r ;; i I“| c , S '" n Ho tiiorouglily agreed tlint, of economics. Mr aooreedaAfrs Fowler lb had always been a l °! lore for M« hml 'alway s J tiiod i«<l» his duty, but llto S .rot foil » ta * shortcomings when • rp c p. u ; Seldy ha°d the opportunity of saying oooddive to tho boys and the old boys SO he bad nothing m narticul.u ti •Md He hoped that the boys and S's who were now at Co lege and flmse who inio-ht conic in the future, would m?t thc°very best out of it they CO d Ho wished all an enjoyable ’holiday, (Loud and prolonged applause).