Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image

E.—7.

1885. NEW ZEALAITD.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Statement of Chairman of the Board of Governors. At the annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the Canterbury College, held on the 10th July, 1885, the Chairman's statement of the progress made and the work done iu the several departments during the year was read, as follows :— This being the twelfth annual meeting of the Board, I propose to give a short statement showing the work done during the past twelve months. During the past year we have had to deplore the loss of two of our most valued members—Mr. John Inglis and the Venerable Archdeacon Harris—gentlemen who for many years on this Board, and also in other public positions, have rendered signal services to the cause of education. Their zealous, untiring exertions have left a lasting impress on the institutions they so successfully assisted to maintain in a state of efficiency ; and I am sure it is the wish of the Governors of this College that grateful recognition of their valuable services should be placed on record. College. The number of matriculated students attending the classes during the past year was ninety-three, being an increase of sixteen over those attending during the previous year. The total number of matriculated and non-matriculated students attending lectures during the year was 201, being an increase of eleven. The number of students attending each lecture during the last term was as follows : — Classics. —Pass Latin : Translation, 29 ; composition, 29. Greek : Translation, 2 ; composition, 2. Honours Latin : Translation, 4 ; composition, 5. Teachers' class : Latin, 7. English Literature. —Pass Lectures: Characteristics of nineteenth-century literature, 33; nineteenthcentury books and authors, 34; language of Spencer, More and Bacon, 101.—Honours Lectures: Philology, 20; criticism, 28. History. —Nineteenth century, 32. Mathematics. —Lower division, 25 ; upper division, G ; mechanics and hydrostatics, 4 ; advanced mathematics, 2 ; elementary mathematics, 6. Chemistry and Physics. —Junior chemistry, 15; senior chemistry, 4; junior physics, 25; senior physics, 9 ; senior physics (teachers' class), 10 ; laboratory practice, 19. Geology. —Junior geology, 2 ; senior geology, 1 ; teachers' geology (senior), 3. Biology. —■ First year botany, 14 ; second year botany, 6; advanced botany, 2 ; pass biology (physiology), 10; honours botany, 3; laboratory practice, botany, 20; ditto, zoology, 1. French. —Senior class and honours, 16. German, 5. Jurisprudence, 10. Law, 3. Four students from the College have this year obtained the degree of M.A. Miss E. Searle gained at the same time first-class honours in Languages, aud third-class in Political Science; W. P. Evans, firstclass honours in Mathematics ; R. M. Laing, second-class honours in Biology ; and A. J. Mayne, thirdclass honours in Languages. Ten students of the College have passed the final sections of their B.A. examination, and had the degree conferred on them (two of them under the teachers' regulations)—Miss C. Alexander, H. Cross, H. Inglis, G. Hutton, 11. von Haast, P. Rime, B. Lamb, T. Rowe, J. G. L. Scott, and H. Wilson, —whilst ten have passed the first section of their B.A. examination (three of them under the teachers' regulations) —Misses A. Gresham, A. Harband, B. Jack, E. Pitcaithly, E. Milsom, and L. M. Will, W. Craddock, J. H. Simmonds, W. Haworth and W. Cuthbert. Of the two who this year obtained the degree of LL.B., J. R. Thornton belonged to this College. The Bowen prize, offered for an essay on some subject connected with English history, was this year gained by Miss M. Lorinier, of this College, A. R. Meek, also of this College, being mentioned as proxime accessit.

EDUCATION: THE CANTERBURY COLLEGE (PAPERS RELATING TO). [In Continuation of E.—1, Sess. II., 1884.]

E.—7.

2

The Gilchrist Scholarship of £100 a year for three years, to be held at Edinburgh University or London, and offered every second year to New Zealand, was gained this year by H. M. Inglis, of this College. This year a new regulation, made by the Senate at its meeting in 1884, confining the competition for senior scholarships to the second section and final year of the B.A. degree, and their resolution applying this regulation to the examination seven months thereafter, excluded a large number of students of this College from competing for senior scholarships ; but of the two which were awarded this year a Canterbury College student—H. M. Inglis—obtained one, that for Experimental Science. The College Exhibitions, given for excellence in honours work at the College annual examination, were awarded as follows : —For Latin, T. W. Rowe ; for English, Misses B. Gibson and E. Pitcaithly, who were equal; for Mathematics, W. Haworth ; for Natural Science, Miss C. Alexander ; for Experimental Science, H. M. Inglis ; for History, Political Economy and French, W. H. A. Craddock. The graduates of the University of New Zealand who have been educated at the College now number forty-five, twenty-one of whom have attained the degree of M.A., and twenty-four the degree of B.A. Three of these have also obtained the degree of LL.B. Of the Masters of Arts one gained double firstclass honours, one a double first-class and a second, eleven first-class honours, one a double second, one a second, and seven third-class. Thus, out of 101 who have taken degrees in the University of New Zealand, forty-five belong to Canterbury College. Out of the thirty-six who have taken the M. A., twenty-two belong to it ; and of nineteen who have taken first-class honours, thirteen belong to it. Of the forty-six senior and third-year scholarships awarded by the University of New Zealand during the last six years, the period during which the present scholarship regulations have been in force, thirty have been awarded to students of Canterbury College. Of the ten Bowen prizes, which have been awarded in the University for an essay on a subject connected with English history, and open to all undergraduates of the University of New Zealand, eight have been gained by students trained in this College, whilst the only two mentioned as proxime accessit have also been of this College. Of the three Gilchrist scholarships that have been offered in New Zealand, two have been gained by students of this College. Evening Lectures. For the benefit of those who could not attend the regular University course, evening lectures were given by Professor Bickerton on the "Application of Science to the Useful Arts." These lectures were attended by ninety-two students, the moderate fee of ss. being charged for the course of twelve lectures. Mr. E. Dobson, C.E., gave a course of lectures, illustrated by large diagrams carefully prepared by him, on " Building Construction: materials, foundations, walling, beams, roofs, floors,bridges, &c." These lectures, were attended by thirty-two students. The thanks of the Board are due to Mr. Dobson for his valuable, services. The Plays op Terence. The Professorial Council, by letter dated October 18th, 1884, pointed out the immoral tendency of two plays of Terence, viz., " Ade] phi " and " Heautontimorumenos," which the Senate of the University had prescribed to be read by the undergraduates for the year 1885, and asked the Board to endeavour to obtain from the Senate the concession of alternative authors, with the hope that the sixth and seventh books of the would be substituted for the objectionable plays. The acting Chairman of this Board wrote to the "Vice-Chancellor of the University, asking him to take into favourable consideration the request of the Professors. To this letter a reply was received from the Vice-Chancellor, pointing out that he could not make the alterations himself, but that he would bring the matter under the notice of the Senate at the first meeting of that body, and that in the meantime the students could be informed that a proposal would be made to substitute the sixth and seventh books of On March 30th, the members having learned that tho Senate had met and had not made the requested alteration, the Board passed the following resolution: —''That the Board of Governors of Canterbury College regret that their request as to alternative authors in pass Latin for 1885 should have been refused. The Board cannot but think that the Senate has overlooked the fact that so large a proportion of the Latin students at Canterbury College are ladies, and that a cruel hardship is inflicted on them by the decision of the Senate. In forwarding the petition of the students to the Senate, the Board earnestly request that the matter may be re-considered at as early a date as possible, and that the projiosal of the College Professors to prescribe alternative books should be adopted." In a letter dated March 31st, the Chairman forwarded to the Chancellor of the University a copy of the above resolution, respectfully urging, at the same time, a re-consideration of the question at the next meeting of the Senate. The Senate met in Christchurch, on April 22nd, and a deputation consisting of his Lordship the Primate, Mr. C. C. Bowen, and the Chairman, waited on the Senate and urged the necessity of the alternative books being allowed to be read by the students. The Chancellor, by letter, replied on April 23rd—"That after full consideration of the question in all its beatings, and a careful examination of the different allegations made by those who object to the reading of the two plays of Terence by candidates for an ordinary degree, the Senate finds that there is not sufficient reason for deviating from the decision recently arrived at by the Senate at its last annual meeting in Auckland." A special meeting of the Board was held on May 4th, to consider the reply of the Chancellor, and also to decide what further steps should be taken. A deputation from the Ministers' Association and Young Men's Christian Association waited on the Board, and in forcible language pointed out the necessity of other books being substituted for those of Terence. This deputation read a number of resolutions strongly deprecating the reading of these immoral plays. The Board, after careful and grave consideration, passed the following resolutions: —"That the Professor of Classics at the Canterbury College be instructed not to read the plays of Terence appointed for the University examination in any class attended by female students." " That the Chairman be requested to draw up a clear narrative of

3

E.—7

all that has occurred concerning Latin text-books for degree examinations, aud forward it to tlie Governor, ex officio visitor of the University, with a respectful request that His Excellency will take such steps as may be necessary under the circumstances." In accordance with the expressed desire of the Board, the Chairman forwarded a carefully prepared narrative, together with copies of all correspondence, to the Governor as visitor of the University, and as visitor of this College, to which the following reply was received : — "Sir, "Government House, Wellington, May 16th, 1885. "I am desired by His Excellency the Governor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (No. 700) of the 7th inst., and enclosures, with reference to a difficulty which has arisen between the Senate of the University of New Zealand and the Board of Governors of Canterbury College, with respect to certain plays of Terence which tlie Senate has prescribed to be read this year by candidates for B.A. pass examination ; and to inform, you that his Excellency is advised that under present arrangements he is not in a position to interfere in the matter. I have, &c, "F. W. Pennepatiier, "W. Montgomery, Esq., M.H.R., "Private Secretary. " Chairman of the Board of Governors, Canterbury College." I think it is a matter for deep regret that the Senate did not comply with the reasonable wishes of the Board and of the Professors and students of this College, for this non-compliance forced upon the Board the disagreeable necessitj' of forbidding one of its Professors to read, in class, the plays of an author which the Senate insisted should be read, but which the Board, having due regard for decency, could not approve of. Boys' High School. Changes have taken place during the past year, which may be said to strengthen the work of the school. The time-table has been so arranged that while the junior boys, and those whose handwriting is defective, are having writing lessons, the older boys are set to one of three subjects—Greek, Natural Science and Bookkeeping. The bookkeeping, or business class, includes bookkeeping, correspondence and shorthand. /Drawing. —The Hon. Mr. Stout, in a circular addressed to tlie governing bodies of secondary schools, advocated, among other subjects bearing on "technical education," the teaching of "geometrical and mechanical drawing," as useful subjects of school instruction. The Art Master had already anticipated this by starting a course of teaching on this subject at the commencement of the year, and at the present time is instructing a class of thirty boys in practical geometry, and next term they will be taught mechanical drawing. The remainder of the boys are taught freehand by the assistant Art Master, as drawing is now a school subject instead of an optional one. Singing. —The singing classes have been re-arranged into senior and junior, each of which has one hour's instruction iu the week. Drilling. —The drill has been taken in hand by Captain U. V. Richards, and the Cadet Corps has ■ been re-formed, and now numbers forty members, under the captaincy of Mr. G. Hogben. The school was inspected last November by the Inspector-General, who, after alluding to the check the school had received through losing the former head-master, and to the decline of the numbers attending the school attributable to the same cause, states that the " work clone is good, sound and solid." The school was examined at the end of the year by Professors Bickerton, Cook and Haslam, Rev. C. Turrell and Mr. Col bori* e-Veel, and their reports were very favourable. The reports were laid before the Board, and a summary of them was read at the annual school gathering. The school was honoured by His Excellency the Governor attending the annual gathering* and giving away the prizes. Mr. H. Cross, one of the masters of the school, having resigned, Mr. J. P. Grossman, M.A., senior scholar New Zealand University, was appointed in his place. The following honours have been obtained by boys of the Higli School during the past year : —A. R. Kirk, T. R. Cresswell, J. H. Thacker and T. R. Reese matriculated at the University at the entrance examination held in December last, one of them, A. R. Kirk, also passing the preliminary medical examination. R. Speight and J. H. Smith won junior scholarships at the same examination, and are now at Canterbury College. E. Allison, 11. Holmes and J. Tait passed the Junior Civil Service examination in October last. Last month, at the examination for the North Canterbury Board scholarships, a Caledonian scholarship was awarded to W. Dawson. The number of boys attending the school this term is ninety-five. Girls' High School. The school is still making great progress, as tlie number of pupils attending this term, 118, will show. The school was inspected in November last by the Inspector-General, who states : —" The school throughout is well taught, and the management is very good. The school will be sure to give a good account of itself at examinations fitted to test the work of the better class of grammar schools." The school was examined by Professors Bickerton, Cook and Haslam, and Rev. C. Turrell, and Mr. Colborne-Veel, and their reports (a summary of which was read at the annual distribution of prizes) were very favourable, the examiner in English stating " that it is evidently taught throughout the school in a very thorough and efficient manner." The school was also examined in needlework by three ladies, who were much pleased with the work shown. A. detached, well-finished and comfortable room, 31ft. by 21ft., has been built in the playground, to be used as a luncheon-room and a playroom in wet weather. The school staff has been increased by the appointment of Miss Lilian Edger, M.A., as assistant teacher, and Miss Aikman (an undergraduate of the New Zealand University), as part time teacher ; the services of the drawing and sewing teachers have been dispensed with, these subjects now being taught by the regular staff. The teaching staff is as follows :—Lady Principal, Miss Connon, M.A.; assistant teachers, Miss L. Edger, M.A.; Miss Grossman, M.A.; Miss Alexander, 8.A.; Miss Will; part time teachers, Misses M. Aikman, H. H. Connon and B. Gibson; teacher of music and class singing,

E.—7

4

Mr. Tendall, Mus. Bac. During the past year five pupils have passed the matriculation examination, and two, viz., A. Mills and C. Lamb, have gained junior University scholarships. During the past month three pupils have gained scholarships under the Board of Education, as follows : —ln Class E, E. Stevenson ; in Class D, F. Sheard ; in Class C, B. Speight. Gymnastics is still a prominent part of the teaching of the school. School op Art. The school still continues to gain favour with the public, and the Board, wishing to popularize the teaching and extend the usefulness of the school as much as possible, arranged with the Art Master to give lectures on " Building Construction " and "Machine Drawing and Construction." Lectures have been given during the past year by the Art Master on " Plant form applied to industrial design." A class for landscape work will be commenced at once when weather permits. The assistant master will take students out sketching and superintend their work, and give instruction while in the field. Tlie boys from the High School continue to receive instruction in drawing, the junior classes going to the school to be taught freehand. The Art Master attends the Boys' High School and teaches the senior class in geometrical and mechanical drawing. The number of students attending classes last year were as follows : —Evening classes, ninety-seven ; morning classes, fifty-four. The number attending during the present term is : —Evening classes, sixtyfour ; morning classes, twenty-five. Museum. The Canterbury Museum during the past year has proved, as hitherto, a place of great attraction to the public, and though, from want of adequate means, only a few small show cases could be added, through careful rearrangement some more space has been obtained for the accommodation of a number of new specimens, and for the better exhibition of collections hitherto crowded together from want of room. The public in New Zealand and numerous friends of the Institution in various parts of the world, have continued to enrich the collections with valuable donations, of which the report of the Director gives a full account. Several series of New Zealand specimens have been sent to different Institutions, and valuable collections have been received in exchange. Special attention has been paid to the further completion of the series of type specimens, both for teaching purposes and for the use of the general public. Ample use has been made of the contents of the Technological Museum by Professor Bickerton and Messrs. E. Dobson and D. Blair, for the illustration of their lectures. Leave of absence for twelve months has been granted to the Director, beginning on Feb. Ist of next year, in order that he may be able to proceed to England as Government Commissioner to the Colonial and Indian Exhibitions, to be opened in London in May next; and no doubt he will while in England obtain many valuable contributions to this Museum. The Museum has been visited by 86,097 persons during the year, of whom 57,847 visited it on weekdays, 28,250 on Sundays. Library. The Circulating Library was closed in May for stock-taking. The return then made showed the following volumes were on the shelves of the Librarv : — Vols. Architecture and Mechanics ... ... ... ... 365 Biography ... ... ... ... ... 791 Fiction " ... ... ... ... ... 3,856 History ... ... ... ... ... 785 Literature (general) ... ... ... ... 601 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... 568 Periodicals (bound) ... ... ... ... 437 Poetry and Drama ... ... ... ... 243 Science (general) ... ... ... ... 610 Travels ... ... ... ... ... 1083 Total ... ... ... ... 9,339 During the past year 475 volumes have been added to the Circulating Library, and 181 to the Reference Library. Total number of volumes in the Reference Library, 6,990. The Governments of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland have been good enough to forward bound copies of their Statutes for the Reference Library. The number of colonial papers taken in is 53, the number of English papers 6, the number of American papers 1, and the number of periodicals 20. These can be read by the public free of any charge. In the hope of inducing two or more members of a family to become subscribers, Clause 2 of the Library Regulations was altered, by which a reduction of ss. on the annual and 2s. 6d. on the half-yearly ticket was made ; and at the same time, to give every inducement to persons making a short stay in Christchurch to become subscribers, a clause was introduced in the rules by which anyone could get a monthly ticket on paying 2s. and a deposit of 55., to be returned at the end of the month. The Board is doing its best to make the Library a popular instruction. It is intended to instruct the London agent to forward by each monthly parcel an additional number of periodicals, as this class of literature is in much request by subscribers. It is a matter of regret that the limited funds at the disposal of the Board are not sufficient to make large additions to the books of the Library ; nevertheless, a considerable number have been added during the past year, and the usual parcel will be ordered for each month. It is a subject for congratulation that the annual expenditure for this year does not exceed the income ; but hopes cannot be held out that the debt owing by the institution will be reduced for some time to come.

5

E.—7.

School op Agriculture. Fifty-six students have attended during the past twelve months, there being thirty-five students in residence during the past term, viz. :—From Auckland, six; Hawke's Bay, three ; Wellington, two ; Marlborough, one ; Nelson, one ; Canterbury, thirteen ; Otago, five ; Australia, two ; and England, two. At the annual examination held in December last the final certificate was awarded to students Orbell, Gardner, Joynt, Dickson, and Tiffen. The Director having reported that although the majority of students could not pass the examination for the final certificate under three years, there was always a minority of clever and more industrious students who could by hard work pass in two years, and that these often demurred at having to stay three years, and left without completing the course ; it was decided, in order to induce these students to remain and take the final certificate, to reduce the period of the course of instruction from three years to two, those failing to pass the final examination at the end of two years being allowed to remain a third year if they thought fit. An arrangement has been submitted by the Director, at the suggestion of Professor Hutton, and approved, whereby students who have passed certain examinations in Science are enabled to obtain the final certificate in fifteen months, being required to attend only lectures on Agriculture and subjects other than those in which they have been examined, and to render themselves proficient in practical agriculture. It has been found necessary to supplement the income of the school by raising the fees from £46 10s. to £65. The cost of students is considerably in excess even of the latter amount, and as the school is now fairly well established, it does not appear probable that the alteration will diminish the number of students. Arrangements have been made with the Union S.S. Company, by which students may now travel by the boats of the Company, both ways, at the rate of a single fare for both journeys. The Examiners in practical agriculture express themselves very well satisfied with the condition of the farm, and with the proficiency in farm work of the students presented to them for examination. The yield of grain last harvest was very good, the total quantity being 11,005 bushels. Wheat averaged 49 -nj bushels per acre, oats 54|, and barley 43, or all round, 50 1- bushels per acre. The low prices ruling for grain cause the returns from even these good yields to be less than is desirable, and necessitates the observance of stricter economy in the expenditure upon experimental work than we should prefer. The turnip crop is exceedingly good. The live stock on the farm comprises 1460 sheep, 55 head of cattle, besides pigs, horses, ka. The reports of the Director of the Museum, and of the Art Master, are appended to this statement. The Board may think it advisable to publish these reports. The accounts of the Board for the year ending December 31st, 1884, have been duly audited by Mr. Ollivier, and certified to be correct.

Appendix I. Annual Report of the Art Master. I have the honour to submit the following report of work done during the year June 1884-s:— The number of students who received instruction in the school was 467, as against 482 during the preceding year. The roll just commenced shows 309, an unusually large number at this early period (the third week) of the year ; during the corresponding week last year only 237 had joined the school. Morning Glass. —A slight falling off in attendance at this class had occurred during the past year, owing probably to the commercial depression prevailing in the district, together with the increased fee adopted by the Board at the beginning of last year ; twenty-five students have entered this term. According to the wish of the Board landscape from nature is to be included in the school work. When this is known the more popular nature of this work will probably be the means of increasing the attendance. Evening Class. —This class commenced the year term with sixty-three students, an increase of thirteen on the corresponding period last year. During the third term last year I commenced weekly lectures on plant form and design, applied to the industrial arts, similar to those delivered at the National Art Training School, South Kensington, London. Each student brings a specimen of the plant announced for the work of the lecture, such as the honeysuckle, rose, or common flower, which is explained botanically, its details of form, with suggestions for ornamental treatment, drawn on the board before the students, several of whom took up the work and prepared a few elementar}* designs for competition at the annual exhibition of school work held in December. Speaking of this work, the Lyttelton Times of Dec. 20th says : —" Messrs. Petersen's silver medal for a series of competitive designs, by pupils who have attended these lectures, has brought about a most encouraging result. Every one who visits the room in which they are displayed will be both surprised and charmed at the pleasing forms of ornamentation which trained artistic skill can draw from the commonest flowers." These lectures are delivered to the morning as well as the evening class. I hope during the present year to obtain from this class designs that may be applied to practical purposes. The usual work in building and machine drawing has been carried on by the artisans attending in the evening. The Board, wishing to provide a more technical course of instruction in these subjects, communicated with me on the matter, with the result that I am preparing courses of lectures on these subjects, to be commenced next term on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. These technological classes will be distinct in every respect from the School of Art classes held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. In connection with the mechanical lectures of the technical school, I have obtained from the Hon. the Minister of Public Works a complete set of the working drawings for the locomotives about to be made by Messrs. Scott Bros., of Christchurch, for the Government railways ; these will be most useful in this class, as I purpose taking up the locomotive engine during the first course. I have also much pleasure in stating that I have obtained from Messrs. Scott Bros, permission to take our students through their workshops for purposes of study, at such times as may be arranged. Boys' High School Class. —The work of this class, hitherto confined to elementary freehand, and taken as an optional subject on the Wednesday half-holiday for two hours, viz., from 2 to 4, was in January this year made a school subject; seventy-four out of the ninety-four boys on the school roll give one hour a

E.—7.

6

week to drawing. The work is divided into two classes, held on Monday and Friday afternoons, from 3 till 4. The former class, consisting of forty-four boys studying freehand drawing, is taken in the School of Art by my assistant ; the latter, which I take, contains thirty boys, who during the first and second terms of the year study practical plane geometry, while the third term is to be devoted to practical solid geometry or mechanical drawing. Though the time given to drawing under this new arrangement is reduced to one hour a week, it is, I think, a matter for congratulation that it has been made a school subject. Arrangements by which at least twice that time could be given to the work, so that the boys of each class can take both freehand with geometry and mechanical drawing, are very desirable, especially as the Premier, in a circular addressed to the governing bodies of the secondary schools, and which appeared in the Wellington telegrams of January 29th, 1885, points out "the increasing attention now being paid to geometrical and mechanical drawing in other countries, and the good service schools of this Colony might do by taking up these subjects as having a direct bearing on the technical arts of modern life." It may be observed that I had commenced this work with the boys at the beginning of the term, before the Premier's circular came under my notice. Teachers' Saturday Glass (Board of Education). —This class, consisting of students from the training department, Normal School, and teachers from primary schools under the Education Board, increased from 221 in 1883-4 to 236 in 1884-5. This year we have commenced work with 147 on the roll, asagainst 104 for the corresponding date last year. The work of this class is almost exclusively confined to elementary freehand, geometry, perspective, model and blackboard work, as required by the examination of the Education Department for the drawing certificate. A few students who have attended the class since its commencement in 1882 are studying light and shade and botanical drawing. During the third term last year, I added considerably to the interest taken by the students of this class in their work by giving a short lecture for about half an hour on the conventional rendering and adaptation of plant form to elementary freehand drawing, with instruction in the method of teaching a class. This is probably one of the reasons for the increased attendance at this early period of the year. We are, however, likely to receive a still further increase, as the lectures on geometry and perspective, delivered during the second terms of the school year, commence on Saturday next. The regulations just issued in the new syllabus by the Education Department with respect to drawing, making it a pass subject in primary schools, will also, without doubt, add to the importance of the work of this class. As the number of students at this class has always been large (often over 100 being present at one time,) I found it impossible to attend satisfactorily to the work with only my assistant, Mr. Elliott. The attendance, consequently, fell off slightly towards the end of 1883-4. At the beginning- of 1884 I brought the matter before the Board, with the result that a pupil teacher was engaged to assist in the work of this class. Since then the number has, as already stated, improved, and is likely to be still further increased. Annual Examinations. —In December our annual examinations were held in the second grade freehand, geometry, perspective, model and blackboard drawing, for students of the morning, evening and Saturday classes. The papers are prepared and examined in the school, and certificates are issued to successful candidates. The standard of pass adopted is similar to that of the second grade of the Art Department, South Kensington, during the last year of my work there. A letter with reference to these examinations was received by the Registrar of the College from the Secretary to the Education Board, dated June 20th, 1884, in which the following important announcement was made : —" That the Education Department will accept the certificates given by the School of Art as fulfilling the requirements, as regards drawing, of the examination of teachers for classification and certificates." Under this concession the teachers of primary schools have additional inducement to increased attendance and attention, which lam convinced lias clone good to the class. As these examinations for teacher's certificates have been held every December since the school opened, the following table shows the number granted in each subject annual! v :— Dec. 1882 Dec. 18S3 Dec. 1884 Freehand ... ... 61 ... 59 ... 58 Geometry ... ... 23 ... 13 ... 22 Perspective ... ... 22 ... 18 ... 15 Model ... ... ... 19 ... 31 ... 34 Blackboard ... ... 5 ... 4 ... 16 In all subjects ... ... 4 ... 4 ... 12 David Blair, Art Master.

Appendix 11. Annual Report of the Director of the Museum. I have the honour to submit to you my fifteenth annual report on the progress and present state of the Canterbury Museum for the financial year 1884-85. Throughout the past financial year the Museum has been open to the public every weekday, except Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from September Ist to April 30th, and on Sundays from 2 p.m. till 5 p.m. ; from May Ist to August 31st., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. On Mondays tho Museum was not opened till noon, except the first week in the months of August, December, and April, when it is closed for cleaning purposes. Ihe Museum, according to a former resolution of the Board of Governors, has been closed only on Good Friday and Easter and Christmas days. It will be seen from the annexed statement (already published) that the attendance of visitors to the Museum during the present financial year has been very satisfactory, though there has been a slight falling off when compared with the previous financial year. This is mainly owing to the fact that during that year an exhibition took place during two months at the Drillshecl, when there was an additional constant influx of visitors from town and country districts. The total number of visitors has been 86,097. Of these, 57.847 visited the Museum on weekdays, and 28,250 on Sundays, giving an average of 100 for weekdays, and 586 for Sundays. In the statement an analytical statement of the number of visitors during the past financial year is given.

7

E.—7

The good behaviour of the public has been most noticeable even during Sunday afternoons, when tho rooms are generally crowded. lam much indebted to the Inspector of Police Force for sending an officer on duty to the Museum on these afternoons. Natural History Museum. —Some notable additions have been made to this branch of the Museum. Mr. B. Helms, of Greymouth, has sent some fine blocks of nephrite Maori greenstone, also a collection of New Zealand landshells, of which a number were desiderata of our collections. Mr. J. D. Enys, F.G.S., has continued also during the past year to enrich the Museum in all its different departments, having been instrumental also in obtaining a presentation of minerals, ores, and fossils from Miss Masters, of Yarmouth, England, containing amongst others several interesting crystalline forms from Cornish mines now abandoned. Mr. T. H. Potts, F.L.S., besides making several valuable presentations, has continued to identify and name eggs of the New Zealand birds in the Museum. To tho Canterbury Acclimatization Society, and its energetic Honorary Secretary, Mr. S. C. Farr, we are indebted, as in former years, for many valuable additions to our collections. Mr. A. Reischek, of Auckland, formerly an officer of the Museum, has presented a series of valuable contributions from the West Coast Sounds, where he has been exploring for about six months. Professor F. W. Hutton, F.G.S., has also made some valuable presentations of fossils and other natural history specimens. lam also greatly indebted to him for arranging a collection of New Zealand tertiary tvpe fossils in show-cases set apart for them. Mr. S. Perry Seymour, of Dunedin University, has sent us a large series of Australian eggs, and some of our desiderata of New Zealand eggs. Dr. W. L. Buller, C.M.G., F.R.S., of Wellington, has presented valuable specimens of birds and reptiles from New Zealand and Fiji. Specimens of ashes and pumice stone of the memorable volcanic eruption of Krakatoa have been presented by the captains of several ships. Mr. W. J. Hurst, M.H.R., of Auckland, has sent a beautiful specimen of crystals of antimony upon quartz, from the Te Aroha mines. We have also received from foreign Museums fine collections of Australian echinodermata from Sydney ; a collection of rare minerals from Professor H. W. Ward, of Rochester ; and another from Dr. Krantz, of Bonn. Work done. —A number of birds, both New Zealand and foreign, have been set up and added to the collection. A series of skeletons belonging to the different vertebrate classes have been articulated—the skeletons of a large turtle (Ghalonia mydas), and of a peccary (Decolylis torquatus), being the most important. In order to find room for a number of skeletons of extinct fossil mammals, the collections of foreign corals, fishes and reptiles, hitherto located in the fossil room, have been removed to the gallery of the moa room. They have, moreover, been mostly re-mounted and re-arranged, according to the newest nomenclature. In the fossil room, a new division has been made, in which the remains of the vertebrate animals that were co-eval with man have been placed. Amongst these, a large skeleton of (Ursus spelanes), the cave bear, takes a prominent position. Further notable additions have been made by Dr. A. Krantz, of Bonn, to the palseontologica] collections, stratigraphically arranged, so that the highly instructive character of this series has become still more valuable. A large amount of labour has been spent upon the moa skeletons. Not only has each of them been once more carfully examined, as to its articulation, but in order to preserve them more securely, the bones have been prepared with waterglass. In addition, another series of bones has been prepared, in which Sir Richard Owen's measurements have been closely followed. A few specimens in spirits of wine have also been placed in the Museum ; but the want of glass jars has proved a serious hindrance to the work of continuing to unpack the large series we possess of all classes of vertebrate and invertebrate animals preserved in that manner. Ethnological and Antiquity Museum. —A number of Etruscan and Roman antiquities are being prepared for shipment in Vienna, but the date of their departure for New Zealand has not yet been communicated to me. Mr. G. H. Benzoni has presented a collection of old Etruscan ware ; Mr. B. M. Mountfort a series of Roman and Byzantine coins and other antiquities; Miss Baker, of Auckland, a collection of ethnological objects from Tonga; Dr. James Cox, F.L.S., of Sydney, has repeatedly sent us valuable specimens of ethnology from Australia and the Melanesian Islands, while we have obtained a few specimens of Maori carving, and a series of ethnological objects of the South Sea Islands, from the Auckland series, from Bank's Island, and New Britain, through the Australian Museum: in Sydney. Art Gallery. —A fine water-colour painting by Mr. J. C. Richmond, purchased by the Canterbury Art Society, has been hung in the statuary room. Engravings of considerable merit have also been presented by Messrs. T. S. Cousins, W. Parkes, and J. D. Enys, F.G.S., and Mr. B. M. Mountfort has enriched our collections with some medallions of artistic value. Technological Museum. —This department has continued to form a favourite resort of the public, for, besides the general sight-seeing visitors, who devote considerable time to this room, the students and mechanics coming to consult its contents are greatly assisted therein by our existing arrangement that those who wish to examine the specimens and models more fully at their leisure can do so on application. Many of the specimens, moreover, have been used to illustrate the lectures of Professor Bickerton, Messrs. E. Dobson and D. Blair ; and I trust that these lectures are but the beginning of more extended courses of technological science, which, at the present time, are such a necessity to the future welfare of the Colony. Mr. B. M. Mountfort has presented a collection of pottery and other specimens of industrial art. The models of an electro-magnetic locomotive engine (Siemens' system), and a stationary dynamo-electric engine, for which Mr. George Gould, with his usual liberality, provided the funds, have arrived, and been placed in one of the show-cases. Through the exertions of Mr. S. H. Seager, of this city, at present in London, Messrs. Fred. Walton and Co., Limited, of Sunbury, have sent some specimens of their LincrustaWalton work ; and Messrs. Wilcock and Co., of Burmantofts, specimens of their Art Faience-tiles and pottery. The articles manufactured by these two rightly celebrated firms are of excellent workmanship and refined taste, and show conclusively that industrial art in the Mother Country advances with rapid •strides.

E.—7

8

Library. —The principal additions to the library have been presentations, of which the publications of the Geological Survey of New Zealand, of the Meteorological Department, of the New Zealand Institute, and the Parliamentary publications of the Colony, form a valuable portion. The Trustees of the British Museum Natural History collection, the British Association for the Advancement of Science, the Smithsonian Institution, the Geological Survey of the United States of North America in Washington, the Museum of Comparative Anatomy in Cambridge, North America, and a number of other scientific Societies, continue to send us their excellent publications. By purchase, Zettel's " Palasontology," and the continuation of Bronn's " Classen and Ordnungen," together with other works of reference, were obtained, while a few books have been presented by friends of the Institution in New Zealand, among which a copy of the first complete edition of Spencer's works, published in 1679, presented by Mr. C. Napier Bell, C.E., is worthy of special notice. Conclusion. —To the Directors of the New Zealand Shipping Company our best thanks are due for carrying our exchanges free of charge. No reparation in the building worth noticing had to be undertaken, but some alterations and improvements were effected in the different rooms, such as the re-arrangement of some of the show-cases and putting up bars of more elegant form round some of the larger specimens. Two small show-cases were also added, though, owing to the small amount allotted to the Museum for such purposes, larger additions could not be effected. The following is a statement of the number of visitors during the year ended June 30th : —Monthly attendance: July, 5,916; August, 7,765; September, 7,579; October, 6,700; November, 10,020;. December, 6,587; January, 9,163; February, 6,473; March, 8,914; April, 6,223; May, 7,261 ; June, 5,496 : total, 86,097. Total number of visitors on Sundays, 28,250 ; total number of visitors weekdays, 57,847. Largest day, March 12th, 2,063; smallest day, July 21st, 25. Largest Sunday, August 21st, 910 ; smallest Sunday, August 3rd, 301. Largest week, November 10th to 16th, 3,779 ; smallest week, June Bth to 14th, 1,128. Largest month, November. 10,020; smallest month, June, 5,496. Mean of weeks, 1,757; mean of Sundays, 586; mean of weekdays, 163. Julius von Haast, Director.

Appendix 111. Abstract of Accounts of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College for the Year ending 31st December, 1884. Eeceipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance from last year ... ... 1277 6 7 College— Eents— Eees paid to Professors ... ... 941 10 ft Classical schools ... ... 3,130 6 0 Salaries to Professors ... ... 4,830 0 0 Superior Education ... .. 1,847 11 4 Maintenance and Exhibitions (£100) ... 1,026 11 3 School of Technical Science... ... 1,456 13 7 Text-books ... ... ... 138 3 4 Boys'High School ... ... 2,473 0 4 Boys'High SchoolGirls' High School ... ... 2,32 0 6 Salaries ... ... ... 2,709 16 4 School of Agriculture ... ... 963 10 0 Maintenance ... ... ... 525 5 6 Land sales ... ... ... 1,540 6 0 Expenses selection of Head Master ... 402 13 6 Loans, repayment of ... ... 5,000 0 0 Girls' High School — Loans, interest from ... ... 4,720 0 9 Salaries ... ... ... 1,231 8 7 Advances from Bank on security ... 44,000 0 0 Maintenance ... ... ... 332 13 3 College— Agriculture, School of — Pees from students ... ... 94110 0 Salaries ... ... ... 1,362 14 8 Text-books, Calendars, and Laboratory 103 411 Board of students and staff ... 1,462 1 8 Miscellaneous ... ... ... 184 5 0 Students'travelling expenses... ... 313 6 6 Boys'High School— Students'labour ... ... 223 13 3 Eees ... ... ... 1,280 9 6 Labour ... ... ... 1,075 0 2 Kef und ... ... ... 3 12 6 Implements and live stock (£220 7s. 6d.) 207 10 4 Girls'High School fees ... ... 1,272 9 6 Milk, seeds, and manures ... ... 456 4 2 Agriculture, School of —■ Maintenance ... ... ... 1,104 7 7 Fees from students ... ... 1,322 1 8 Buildings ... ... ... 287 13 10 Sale of produce, wool, grain, live stock, Public Library— dairy ... ... ... 2,265 15 2 Salaries ... ... ... 310 10 0 Books and rent ... ... ... 20 15 5 Maintenance ... ... ... 644 0 4 Public Library— Reference ... ... ... 39 11 6 Subscriptions, &c. ... ... 427 12 9 Museum buildings (£35) and maintenance 1,449 19 10 Government subsidy ... ... 50 0 0 School of Art — School of Art— Salaries and fees ... ... 859 0 0 Fees from students ... ... 346 18 0 Maintenance ... ... ... 198 7 9 Grant from Board of Education ... 300 0 0 Loans, repayment of Bank advances ... 39,000 0 0 Loans, advance on security ... ... 7,000 0 0 Land purchase and costs ... ... 1,070 5 8 Interest account on loans ... ... 2,782 7 2 Interest on overdraft ... ... 1096 £72,055 5 8 Balance at Bank ... ... 3,104 3 10 £75,159 9 6 £75,159 9 6 I have audited this account, and have compared the items with the various vouchers, and find it correct. I have annexed my report to this audit.—J. Ollivier, Provincial District Auditor, 20th February, 1885.

By Authority : Geokge Didsbuky, Government Printer, Wellington. —1885.

This report text was automatically generated and may include errors. View the full page to see report in its original form.
Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/AJHR1885-I.2.2.3.11

Bibliographic details

EDUCATION: THE CANTERBURY COLLEGE (PAPERS RELATING TO). [In Continuation of E.—1, Sess. II., 1884.], Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1885 Session I, E-07

Word Count
7,712

EDUCATION: THE CANTERBURY COLLEGE (PAPERS RELATING TO). [In Continuation of E.—1, Sess. II., 1884.] Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1885 Session I, E-07

EDUCATION: THE CANTERBURY COLLEGE (PAPERS RELATING TO). [In Continuation of E.—1, Sess. II., 1884.] Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1885 Session I, E-07