THE PRESBYTERIAN GIRLS' COLLEGE SCHEME.

Otago Witness, Issue 3115, 26 November 1913, Page 82

THE PRESBYTERIAN GIRLS' COLLEGE SCHEME.

DUNEDIN PRESBYTERY UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES. At the meeting of the Dunedin Presbytery on the 4th inst., the report of the committee on the proposed Girls’ College scheme was presented. In view of the largo amount of correspondence, and the variety of opinion oh the subject, the judgment of the Presbytery was evidently awaited with much interest by several members. A considerable discussion firkt took place as to whether or not the matter should be dealt with in private. The vote being taken, the discussion was held in private, but at the close the opening statement by the convener (the Rev. Alexander Whyte), including the committee’s report, was ordered to be communicated to the press. The report was unanimously adopted. The committee was directed to prepare a further report on the proposed financial arrangements, and submit it to a meeting of Presbytery next Tuesday. The Rev. A. Whyte’s statement, w'hich was supported by the Rev. W. Gray Dixon, stated that the committee was unanimous. On the general question of the college the committee make the following recommendations : , (1) That the Presbytery reaffirm the decision of 1905, repeated in 1906, a decision arrived at on the representation of the Session of Knox Church, and express hearty approval of the project to establish a Girls’ College in Dunedin, under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church. (2) That the college receive day pupils as well as boarders. (3) That the college provide a general education -within the atmosphere of the church, but that the privileges of the college be not confined to Presbyterians; that pupils of all other denominations' be welcomed, and allowed full facilities for attending their respective places of worship. (4) That as an exceptionally suitable site is under offer to the committee, the clfor bo accepted, provided financial matters can be arranged to the satisfaction of the Presbytery. Regarding the specific reference made to the committee, the committee report that no more suitable ladies could be got for the positions of principal and lady superintendent than the ladies who have offered their services. The statement went on to show that the college was no innovation. It traced the history of the work done for education by the Church since the formation of the association to found the settlement, and concluded by quoting two letters from Mr Littlejohn, of the Melbourne Scotch College, showing the value of Church colleges.