THE CALEDONIAN SOCIETY'S CLASSES.

Evening Star, Issue 4244, 3 October 1876, Page 3

THE CALEDONIAN SOCIETY'S CLASSES.

The fourth session of the winter classes, conducted in the Normal School under the auspices of the above Society, was formally brought to a close last night, when prizes were awarded to the successful pupils. The chair was occupied by the President of the Society (Mr Ramsay), and there was a large attendance.

The report of the Superintendents (Messrs Fitzgerald and Hialop), detailed at considerable length the results of the session, which were satisfactory in every way. The Society received the cordial co-operation oftheEducation Board, and has been able to secure a highly efficient teaching staff. The average attendance at the classes has been 201, their ages ranging from 23 to 10 years, the great majority of them being working lads. The report concluded with the expression of an opinion by the superintendents that the time has arrived when an evening school of science and art rhould be established here, and that the past success of the Society's efforts warranted them on entering on such an undertaking. The following suggestions for its formation were made by Messrs Fitzgerald and Hislop :

That an institution be organised by the society, to be named the Caledonian Society's Educational Institution. That the institution comprise two departments or schools—<f 1) a preparatory school and 72) a science and art school. That the Caledonian Society open communication with the Education Board, with a view to secure the erection on the Normal School site of a suitable building containing a class room for scientific lectures and a room for the necessary apparatus. A building of this nature will be immediately needed for the students of the Normal School. That, instead of con* tributing as at present so large a Bum to the Dunedin Athencenm for library tickets, steps bet&kun for instituting a Eeference and Circulating Library for the use of the pupils of the institution. What are needed to render the proposed institution a decided success are—lst, funds; 2nd, class-rooms; 3rd, instructors; 4th, pupils; and sth, the will to do it. That wheu a pupil has gained attestations of proficiency in mathematics, mechanical philosophy, and chemistry in three different years, he shall receive a diploma of the school, signed by (soy) three directors, the three lecturers, and the secretary, which diploma shall constitute the holder of it a. life member of the institution, and admit him free to all future courses.

The adoption of the report was moved by the Rev. Dr. Stuart, who strongly encouraged the Society to give effect to the scheme sketched by Messrs Fitzgerald and Hislop, and the Chairman, in the course of some remark? he made, promised that they should receive careful consideration by'the directory. Presentations were made by the pupils to their masters, and after according cheers to the latter, to the two superintendents, and to the Society, the proceedings, which greatly interested those who attended, were brought to a close.