BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2254, 19 May 1881, Page 3

BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL.

If any evidence, further than that afforded by the schools already in existence, wore needed of the encouragement given by the people of Canterbury to the cause of education it would be amply supplied by the one above referred to, which was opened yesterday. All the arrangements have been made so as to secure the greatest amount of supervision by the masters over the different classes, yet ample accommodation is provided, so that the different sections of the work have each a local habitation and a name. Before very briefly noticing the internal arrangements as to class rooms, &c., which have been made by Mr Miller, the head master, reference may be made to the attendance on the opening day. The number —seventy—must be taken as very encouraging, the more so as the school itself may be regarded somewhat in the light of an experiment. Naturally, therefore, before parents remove their boys from schools where they are now under tuition they desire to have some practical evidence of the working of the High School. This, of course, it has been impossible to afford until the school got into actual work, though the high reputation borne by the principal and assistant masters amply justified the fullest confidence. There can be no doubt that after a term or so, the attendance of yesterday will at least be doubled. No very elaborate description of the school is necessary as this has already been done, but it may be of interest to some to be acquainted with the arrangements made for the disposal of the classes and the accommodation for the masters, &c. On entering the hall the headmaster’s room is on the left hand, where Mr Miller is located. Opposite this is room A, which is devoted to the chemistry classes. It is fitted at present with dual desks for twenty-four scholars, and has also a chemical cabinet and gas tubing for experiments. Next to this is room B, which is devoted to the second classical classes. This is now fitted with dual desks for eighteen, but is calculated to seat forty scholars. Opposite is room O, the second mathematical room, which is seated for twenty-two. This completes the ground floor arrangements, and it is only necessary to remark that all the rooms are excellently ventilated and lighted. Upstairs is room D, the chief classical room, fitted at present to seat eighteen. Next to this is the masters’ common sitting-room, wherejall the masters can assemble. ‘Opposite is the large school-room, which is devoted to French classes in the morning and music in the afternoon. This concludes the arrangements of the school, which certainly seem to have been planned with due regard to efficiency.