RUTHERFORD AT SCHOOL

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22520, 30 September 1938, Page 18

RUTHERFORD AT SCHOOL

EARLY YEARS OP A GENIUS " TOP IN EVERY FORM »» REPORTS PRESENTED TO NELSON COLLEGE Lord Rutherford, the world-famous Kew Zealand scientist was "most conscientious" and "worked up his subjects in capital style" when he was a boy of 17 at Nelson College. He made such rapid progress that some of his masters feared he had not properly assimilated the knowledge they put before him. When he left the college to begin university studies in Christchurch it was predicted that he would "give a good account of himself" in later life. His school reports for the years 1888 and 1889 have been given by Lord Rutherford's family for presentation to Nelson College, and along with them will be preserved at Rutherford House at the college, several of his early scholarship certificates.

The form reports of Ernest Rutherford ought to have been a source of considerable pride to his family. As evidence of the principal qualities contributing to his later successes they are valuable documents. The masters who had the schooling of his genius in their care seemed rather incredulous as they watched his progress and spared nothing in their praise when the time came for setting their opinions on paper.

The first of the reports given to the college is dated March 29, 1888. Mr W. J. Ford, who was principal, described Rutherford as "satisfactory in every way." In June of the same year he said, "His record speaks for itself," and in the third term, "I can say no-

' thing new about him; he is top in every •form and. his conduct irreproachable." "Promising: Mathematician" Mr J. W. Joynt, who was principal in 1889,' said of Rutherford, "He is a very good» boy from whom one may look for good, results in the future." Most enthusiastic of all his masters was Mr W. S. Littlejohn, then mathematics and science teacher, and later a very well-known principal of the college. Mr Littlejohn in March of 1888 said of his pupil, "He has been most conscientious and shows very good ability." By May of the same year he said, "A very quick and promising mathematician: has made very rapid progress: easily first." In December of the same year, with three terms done, Mr Littlejohn said: "Rutherford has overhauled the work in shorter time than any boy I have ever had. The only fear is that he may not have quite assimilated it all." By 1889 Rutherford must have been a source of pride to his mathematics and science master. The comment of Mr Littlejohn was: "Mathematics and science 90 per cent.; nunquam non paratus. He has made a good advance on last year's form and should give a good account of himself." "In Capital Style" In subjects other than mathematics and science, Rutherford was again a prominent pupil.. Of his English it was said: "He works up his subjects in capital style and has a retentive memory and great power of reproduction." His classics master's comment was: "Has worked as usual, well, but I. am a little afraid Jhat he has got stale and may not do himself justice . in the junior scholarship examination." ' These selections from the reports of ; those two years together with certificates announcing the winning of vari- : ous school scholarships, valued at such ] sums as £6 and £l2 10s, will be • treasured possessions of Rutherford < House and will have a significant place < in the story of the life of Lord Rutherford. 1 = . *