SUCCESS IN SIGHT.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVIII, Issue 2, 10 July 1912, Page 56

SUCCESS IN SIGHT.

Seventeen rears ago, in consequence of lack of room’at old S. John's, Mr Graham Bruce, one of the principals of that school, founded King's College in Remuera. In spite of the fact that there we.e then three other large private schools, the new venture proved a distinct success and speedily sprang into popularity with the Auckland public. In a short time the number attending increased to 150 boys, while the' school was noted for the soundness of its scholarship and the skill and enthusiasm of its boys at their games and exercises. A high standard both in work and in play were set and maintained. •After Mr Bruce's death in 1501. there Was rather a long interregnum, the trustees (as is -always to be expected in the Case of a private -school) being unable to find a suitable successor. Indeed, at one time it seemed as though the school must close. However, in 1005; Mr C. T. Major, of Scotch College, Melbourne, took over the I*rincipalship, and infused some of his own energy and life into the concern with such success that to-day he is able to look back on seven years’ work, during which the members have risen from 60 odd to almost 300, and the school itself has regained, if not enhanced, its old-time popularity. Nor is this success Undeserved. In examinations the school claims as high a percentage of passes in matriculation and Civil Service as other Secondary schools; in games and exercises the high standard is well known, while in military drill their excellence has passed into a proverb. That a private school, unaided by endowment or outside assistance, and against the keen opposition ‘of such splendid educational facilities as Auckland boasts, should have grown to such dimensions, is the best proof of the good work that is done, the confidence of the parents, and the need for such a school. Recognising this need, and feeling also the heavy strain and responsibility of controlling both the. finances and the education connected with so large an institution, Mr Major in 1912 offered the school to the public on condition that they found £20,000 to obtain a site and erect suitable buildings. The Old Boys’ Association took up the matter, interested several leading citizens, and called a public meeting to discuss the question. A committee waa appointed, representative of the interests concerned, to go into the whole question, and, if possible, take up the option. The committee have been working quietly for the past six months, and now find their efforts crowned with success. For the requisite amount of money has been guaranteed, and it was announced at a meeting of the committee recently that the option was completed. Tims, the first stage has been safely passed, and King's College, with all that it means, has been saved for Auckland.

The committee consists of the Right Rev. the Bishop of Auckland, Hon. E. Mitchelson, Rev. W. Beatty, Professor Dettmann, Dr. W. C. W. McDowell, Messrs. If. W. Hudson, V. J. Darner, J. <*. Macky, H. B. Morton, J. W. Stewart, ('. J. Tanks, A. C. Caughey, D. L. Nathan, A. S. Bankart, Ernest Yates, and the president of King's College Old Boya’ Association. It has been decided to add the following names to the lut: Hon. A. M. Myers, Dr. H. D. Jkimford, .Messrs W. K. Bloomfield and < . M. Calder, an 1 three members of the (fid Boys’ Association. The annonneetnent by Mr Major that the Pah C.dlege had ben amalgamated with King's has lieen received wtih expressions of approval. r

One of the most Interesting features In connection with the placing of King's on a permanent footing is the splendid

tjj I °V- Bl 7 S , Ass ' x ' ia< *'m—one of the most active bodies of its kind in the Dominion—has worked for the object in view. Of the large sum of money raised towards the project, one half is the direct result of the. exertions of the Association, and the keen regard they have for their old school is the most flattering testimony the management could have.