ST. KEVIN’S COLLEGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22776, 11 January 1936, Page 4

ST. KEVIN’S COLLEGE

The Redcastle estate was at one time part of the property of Mr John M'Lean. The M'Lean brothers had in the early days acquired large tracts of sheep country, and became the largest flock owners in New Zealand. Mr John M’Lean died at hie Redcastle home in 1902, having bequeathed his property to his nephew. Mr John M'Lean Buckley. The latter in 1903 erected the present stately mansion of “ Redcastle," considered to be one of the finest residences in New Zealand. When, in 1926, his Lordship Bishop Whyte invited the Christian Brothers to open a boarding and day college in the cliocese of Dunedin they purchased tlib Redcastle homestead, with 50 acres of the property, and opened the college on February 6, 1927. St. Kevin’s College is situated two miles and a-half north from the town of Oamaru, on the opposite side of the North road to the Waitaki Boys’ High School. From the Main North road a ■winding avenue of stately trees links with the college, which stands on a terraced slope of lawns. A crescent of rounded hills stretching behind gives shelter and a sense of repose to the whole scene. For the three elements combined—excellence of climate, grandeur of situation, and beauty of environment —Redcastle stands unrivalled. . The present imposing group of buildings, all standing apart, includes the hostel, chapel, school group hall, and a cottage for the domestic staff.

The general aim of the course of studies followed in the college is, in addition to a solid and graduated course of religious instruction, to give a thorough classical and scientific education, such as will lit the student to prosecute his studies at the university, or to apply himself with a well-developed intellect to a profession or to mercantile or pastoral pursuits. A course of wool classing may be taken. In all the classes special stress is laid on English composition, the correct pronunciation of the English language, and handwriting. Outside the classroom, culture and recreation are fostered through choir and class singing, instrumental music,' lectures, elocution, and debating. A college library is gradually being built up. It now contains 1200 volumes. Ample provision has been made for football, cricket, tennis, marksmanship, and boxing, all of which receive efficient coaching and supervision. When the college has reached its full development and organisation it will provide professional, commercial, agricultural, and industrial and mechanical courses as options for its students.