THE NEW SCOTS COLLEGE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 176, 15 April 1918, Page 7

THE NEW SCOTS COLLEGE

FOUNDATION STONE LAID. The ceremony in connection with tho laying of tho foundation stone of the now Scots College at Aliraniar by tho Moderator (Hon. J. G. W. Ailken, M.L.C.) of tho Presbyterian Church on Saturday afternoon was a great success. Hundreds of Presbyterians and their friends travelled to Miramar, and tho arrangements mado for them ivoro excellent. Tho Hon. AY. F. Massey had intended being present, but was prevented by pressure of Parliamentary duties. Tho Mayor of Wellington (Mr. J. P. Luke) was in the same position, mid sont an apology, as also did Bishop Sprott. The Kev. Dr. Gibb, chairman of tho board of governors, presided. After tho invocation, pronounced by the Kev. Mr. AV. Shirer, tho reading of a lesson by the Kev. J. M'Caw, and the singing of tho Hundredth Psalm, the Kev. Dr. Gibb, in asking the Moderator to lay tho foundation stone, said the!moment was a joyful one, but the joy was not complete because of tho dreadful war. Wliilo tho war raged the work of tho world must be carried on as far as possible. Tho work of education could not be neglected. He referred to the circumstances that had led up .to the Presbyterian Church providing its own schools and colleges. The decision to erect tho present college was arrived at before the war, and it was owing to tho generosity and magnanimity of Mr. Aitken, and his advice and counsel, that they wero able'to carry out their project. It was fitting, therefore, that he (should take the prominent part in the day's function. Mr. Aitken was then presented with a silver trowel by Mr. J. Matthews, of the firm of Howie and Matthews, contractors, for the building, and with which ho "well and truly" laid the stone, -which was inscribed: "This stone was laid to the glory of God by the Hon. J. G. W. Aitken, M.L.C, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand." In addressing those present, Mr. Aitken said that this was a new venture with the Church, but it was a venture forced upon the Church, and not one chosen by it. Many of the parents had said that they wished to send their children to schools and colleges where the Book of God would bo read, and that they wanted their children trained in church schools, and brought up religiously. They felt that it was time something was done, and so they had made a start. They had jjpt long begun before the war started, but they .had now eight colleges in tho North and South' Islauds, . five for girls and three for boys, and every college had proved successful. The number .of boys and girls offering to como into these schools was enormous. Two of the girls' colloges had been obliged to refuse admission to pupils last year, and again this-year. Mr. Aitken then referred to the pleasant situation of the new college, with its sunny aspect and ample grounds. He said that Wellington was a difficult place in which to find a 6ite because of the absence of flat land, and he thought the board of governors had been well advised in selecting the spot where the college was being built. In a time of war education was one of the last things that should bo put aside. Attontion was being paid to education in Britain,. whero tho effects of the war were more evident, and a new country like -Now Zealand could not afford to neglect "the matter. Ho was satisfied that the college would be a success. The physical, intellectual, and spiritual nature of tho boys would receive attention, and with the staff thuy possessed lie was sure that success must result. Tho stone was declared duly laid.

Mr. G. H. Uttley. thp principal of the college,.also addressed those present, and the singing of the psalm "O God of' Bethel," .with the Benodiction ■ (pro.nounced by the Rev. James Gumming), brought'tlie proceedings to a close.