E.—6.

[Appendix.

Owing to local circumstances the Trustees had not considered it advisable during last year to lease the Avenue frontages and other lands forming the old College site, and the Trust has consequently not yet benefited from the enhanced revenue anticipated from this source. The Trustees are confident that in this matter they have acted in the best interests of the estate. In this connexion the Trustees have decided to open for lease such portions of the estate as are now available by the completion of new streets, also to let the valuable Avenue frontages. When these are disposed of the rent revenue will be sufficient to make up the small deficiency shown on last year's operations and also provide sufficient income to pay interest on capital necessary to form new streets required to give access to further areas of the estate that may shortly be leased to advantage. In 1912 the school was thoroughly inspected by Professors yon Zedlitz and Picken, of Victoria University College. These gentlemen have placed a valuable report in the hands of the Trustees dealing not only with the school as it stands, with present staff and equipment, but also containing suggestions as to the future lines of development of the school. Frcm this report the Trustees are satisfied that great progress has been made since the previous inspection held by Professors Maclaurin and yon Zedlitz in 1907. The report includes much detailed criticism, and recommends a policy of progress on modern lines, and it is receiving serious consideration. Meantime the following extracts appear to afford cause for satisfaction :— " In going through the classes and examining the written work we were able to observe that the staff as a body carry out their teaching duties capably and conscientiously, and in some cases the teaching reaches a very high level of ability. Particularly we found the masters interested in their work and keen to improve its quality. The personal example of the headmaster as a teacher is stimulating. The organization of the work as a whole has improved very materially since 1907. " The general impression made upon us by the school, in all its activities, was very good. We saw every part of the new buildings, and were greatly impressed with their suitability and efficiency and with the general artistic effect. Boys are here placed in surroundings that should help greatly towards sound training, and should give them much to look back upon with pride in after-years. The Trustees are reaping the reward of care and forethought, and are to be, heartily congratulated on the admirable success of their plans." Annual Report. (1.) The numbers of the school for the last three years have been — 1912. 1911. 1910. Boarders .. .. 166 166 149 Day boys .. 49 60 51 Total .. .. .. 215 226 200 (2.) The school was inspected in November, 1912, by Professors yon Zedlitz and Picken, of Victoria College, and their report is in the hands of the governing body. It may here be stated that this report is in favour of the former policy of the school —to aim at gaining a sound education rather than obtaining distinctions in public examinations. This year, however, the candidates in the Senior Board Scholarship Examinations did remarkably well, and the University examination results were — Matriculation— 1912. 1911. 1910. Entered .. .. .. 21 25 25 Passed .. .. .12 19 12 Junior National Scholarship— Scholars .. .. .. . . 1 1 Credit .. 1 1 3 (3.) Buildings : The school chapel, the gift of the old boys, has been in use since its dedication by the Bishop of Wellington, on Easter Day, 1912 ; and the benefit to the highest life of the school is great. In the schools block the physics laboratory is being fitted up for use ; otherwise there have been no additions to the buildings, and our immediate needs stand the same as last year—a music school, a fourth boardinghouse, a cricket pavilion, and completion of laboratory furniture. (4.) The health of the school has been good, but additions to the school sanatorium are needed to ensure better isolation of infectious cases. The methods of caring for the teeth are being improved according to the advice of the dentist profession. J. L. Dove, Headmaster. At Easter the new College chapel, the gift of the old boys to the school, was handed over to the Trustees. The chapel cost approximately £6,000, and stands a lasting memorial to the generosity and loyal devotion of the old boys. To all old boys who contributed the Trustees desire to express their gratitude, and in an especial degree to Mr. C. J. Wray, long president of the Old Boys' Association, and to Mr. R. L. Levin, whose zeal and enthusiasm are largely the cause of the result achieved. The beautiful fabric reflects credit on the architect, Mr. W. Gray Young, of Wellington, and on the contractor, Mr. N. Meuli, of Wanganui. The Right Reverend the Bishop of Wellington officiated at the dedication, which took place on Easter Sunday. No alteration has taken place in the personnel of the Board. During part of the year the place of Mr. W. F. Jaccb, absent on a visit to England, was taken by Mr. Aleaxnder Conway, of Cheltenham. At the usual election, held annually, Mr. A. C. Bignell was again chosen to fill the position of Chairman. The secretarial Work of the Trustees continues to be efficiently performed by Mr. J. P. Williamson. A. G. Bignell, Chairman.

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