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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 290, 14 December 1878, Page 6

The nnnual distribution of prizes took place yesterday afternoon, the following Governors being present:— Messrs 11. Adams, Curtis, Sharp, Fell, Edwards, HoJgson, aud Richmond. There were also a few of the parents of the pupils, but uot nearly so many ns usual. In the absence of Mr Barnieoat, the senior Governor, the chair was taken by Mr H. Adams. The following report was read by the examiner, the Hey. S. Poole, M. A.: - REPORT. to the onairman of thk boahd of govkbnors, Nelson College. Sib, — In consequence of the great iuoroaso in. tho number of pupils, it was necessary for me to begin my work of examination a wook earlier than on previous occasions. Through tho kindness of tho Prinoipal and the other Masters, I had answors forwarded to mo in roply Jo printod questions (confidentially trannmiUod) before I made my personal appearance. The experiment, as far ns I mysolf am concerned, has answered, as I may safely assert that I never before, notwithstanding tho groat addition ts> our numbers, had such a thorough knowledge of the different departments of the school and tho respective merits of the successful candidates for prize scholarships and prizo books. I have now tho honoe to report to you as follows :— Latin and Gbeek. The books, in reforence to which I had to frame my questions, were Terence— tho Andrian, Cmjar de 80110 Gallico— 2 books, Virgil's JEnoid— 2 books, Dr Smith's Frinoipia Latma— parts 1., 11., and IV., and a portion of the Anabasis of Xonophon. Prom all these books I was enabled to extract a great deal of information, and to ascertain the knowlodge of tho boya in Latin and Greok. I was very much pleased with the papers of Harkneas and Fleming. They were able to make a good translation of a passage in Terence, and to give me answers in connoxion with tho grammar and matter of their author. An extract from Robertson's History of America tested the Latinity of tho Sixth Form. Considering it was translated and done without, the assistance of a dictionary, tho results were far from unsatisfactory. The moaning of that splendid "writer and historian was clearly and gramalically expressed in the languago of Ancient Rome. I may • here remark that Latin prose composition has always been a most difficult subject both to teach and to acquire. In its perfection we may test (he genius of the pupil as well as tho taste, industry, and perseverance of the teacher. To tho ripo scholar it has its esoteric charmo and utiltty, but to the exnminor of a College or High Sohool it is ono of the instruments by which he is perroittod to test the powers of mind and the growth of a classical tasto. Both Fleming and Harkness bavo done great credit to their teacher, and we may rest assured that, if they do not obtain TJniversity Scholarships, it will not bo because Nelson Oolloge has lost its far-famed powers for teaching as well oh for learning, but because tho standard of tho University has been raised too high. Last year we awarded thorn the Fell, the Stafford, and the Riohmond. Thoso Scholarships are tonablo until next year, and by the Btauding ordors of tho Collego they are not pormitted to recoive any other foundation Scholarship. It is well that I should allude to this fact, for had Fleming not held tho ono that he now has, ho might have beon, by virtuo of his age and attainments, tho glorious winner of any of these that are now vacant. But, if I cannot send hie Dame in for tho moro valuable reward in a pecuniary point of view, I am happy to say that I can give him what I am euro ho will value highly, and that is the Simmons Pbizs. This ho has fairly won, having displayed in tho recent examination that knowledgo of English, as to its Grammar and Literature, which the lute Head Master of tho Oolloge, tho Rev. F. 0. Simmons, so Buccessfully promoted during his term of office. Gratifying too must it bo to all of us to rcoogniso in the successful career of Fleming tho happy rosults of the Provincial Scholarships' system, with which Mr Simmous' memory is so intimately associated. Harknoas deserves my honorary mention, for he was below Fleming in only ono or two particulars. 1 now proceed to the adjudication of the threo foundation Classical, and bofore I do bo, I would havo it clearly understood that whatever may bo the comparative superiority, aa far as murks are concerned, of one candidate over anothor, I do not ' eider myself justified in recommending any ono •who has not obtained about two thirds of the maximum required. It, is possib'e under certain circumstances, to bo at the head of tho list with only half tho numbor or value laid down. But my rule "will be to look for the first class boys, when 1 am making my selection, that is to say, to look for those, "who would be in a first or in a good second class in any examination conducted according to fixed standards. The first Classical Scholarship, valued at £16 per annum, and opon to all boys under 16 years of age, has been fairly won by Lowe. Ho is aleo good in other subjects, notably Mathematics and Modern Languages. Tho second Classical, open to oil boys under 14 years of ago, is for Andiew ii,, ■whilst tho third Classical for boys undor 12, and open to every one in tho School, who is not above that age is for Wither iv. Mathematical Scholarship. The throe foundation scholarships for tho study of Mathomatice, including Physical Goography aro open to tho whole Sohool, but restricted, as in Iho caso of tho ClaGsical, to particular agos. For the first I hove to name a boy, who ia not only well taught in the eubject, but is also a remarkably oJeur and quiuk nmthematicant Ho would do well to prepare himself ior tho University of Cambridge, and nspiro to become a wranglor. He has held tho second as woll aa the 'third, and now I havo much pleasure in mentioning for tho first the name of Evans. With regard to the second, the ege required by the rules of ttio College, and the good papers done in the examination, se:uro it for Seymour iii. Wither iv. won the third Mathematical as well as the Classical, but, as ho cannot hold both, I beg leave to recommend Young iii. GOVfSBNOBS' FBE SCHOLAB3IIir3— MoDEUN LANGUAGES, Viz, FIIENCII AND GKUMAN. This important part of higher education is progressing most satisfactorily. Thero are a considerable number of boys studying ono or both of these languages undor Mr Hurling, whose zoul and industry in tno work I havo bad ample opportunities of testing. Tho Scholarships, founded by tho liberality of the Governors will, I hope, strungthdu the teachers' bauds, and stimulate, by tho prospect of reward, a moro general study of theso languages. Instead of awarding a Scholarship to the candidate flho bad attained the highest number of marks in

one subject, wo considered it desirable to give it to tho boy who had been learning both, and whoso aggregate marks placed him woll in front. According to this principle of selection we havo much pleasure in veccommonding to the favorable consideration of the Governors, Lowe as tho winner of the first scholarship. The second Scholarships fall to Greenfield, whose papers on German were excoedingly good, and his knowledge of French satisfactory. As one who has taken the deepest interest in the welfare of Nelson College, I would ask to bo allowed to t«nder my most sincere thanks to the Governors for having made this endowment towards the cultivation of modern languages. English. As all the written answers are communicated to the Examiner in English, with tho exception of those I hat relate to translation? into othor languages, I have had many opportunities of making myself acquainted with tho general proficioncy of the boys as regards Composition nnd penmanship. This year there has been moro than ordinury neatness and accuracy. 1 must frankly acknowledge that the College spoils me for all other examinations. Well-fastened and wellnrrangod blue-lined papers with writing, in many cases, so beautifully dear, that the infirmity of uge no longer required spoctailes, lightened my task, as I waded through tho numerous manuscripts that had been forwardodto mo for perusal. But thero is a special encouragement given for tho study of English, and there are two Scholarships founded for tho promotion of the grammatical and critical knowlogo of English literature. They aro not given for the Upper Divisions, who havo beou preparing for the University and Civil Service examinations, bub for tho lower classes in the School. I would nominato for the two English Scholarships tho following boy«, viz : — Molvor for tho First ; Buckeridge for the Second. The Nbwcome Scholarship. Last year I assigned the Newcomo Scholarship to Atkiuson i., as the highest reward the College could bostow on one, who had distinguished himself highly both in Classics and Mathematics, Ho bus since gained a very good scholarship for these subjects at Cliftoa College, England, and I am truly happy to find that tho opinions I fonnod respecting the late winner of tho Newcotne have beon indorsed by tho authorities of so distinguished an institution as Clifton College The Scholarship hua now become vacant, and bus to bo givon to a boy who has distinguished himself in tho last examination. I' havo much pleasure iv nominating Thompson. Ho not only took a first class iv History, but ho was ulao tho first of tho first. With such an excellent memory, he is suro to be an honor to Nelson Collego after two or more yours of instruction. Though not tho first in Physical and Political Goography, ho was close upon M'lvor. He is good in Euglish, in Classics, and Mathematics. I havo found tho College inn very good stato of discipline. The boya have without any exception won my friendship and csteorn, and I can assure them that tho most painful purt of my work is that in rowarding the successful, I must necessarily disappoint so many deserving candidates. Tho average scholar now is much better in all respects thau the average scholar of former years., I soo clearly the advantage dcrivod fioin tho connexion botweeu tho Collego and tho local government schools iv tho matter of scholarships. It is with much pleaauro that I rocoguiso in Mr Barnicoat and Mr Firth, tho Assistant Maators of tho Collo^o, two of tho former scholars of tho Collogo. As far as J. can judge from noarly a week's observation, I think they aro as ready in learning tbo art of touching and managing a school as thoy wero in acquiring tho knowlodgo they are now imparting. To the Principal of tho Collego, tho Mathematical Miutor, and tho othor inaslors, I beg to tender my uioit sincere thanks for their kiud assistance and co-operation. I havo tho honor to bo, Sir, Your obedient Servant, Samueel Poole, M.A., Examiner, Mr Adams, on behalf of the Governors, thanked Mr Poole for the great trouble and interest he had taken in the examinations, which he had now conducted for several years. Lpou the boys he would impress the necessity of perseverance in well doing. A determination to succeed generally ended in success, and they should not bo disheartened by failure, but rather be urged on by it to increased eilJorta. Ho would now proceed to distribute the prizes which he had no doubt the winners would in future years, when they saw them on their shelves, look upon with pride aud satisfaction as showing what had been gained by their perseverance and industry. List of Scholarships. Newcome— value £24 ... „, Thompson Ist Classical „ £20 ... ... Lowo 2".d „ „ £10 ... ... Andrew ii. 3rd „ „ £5 Withor iv. Ist Mathematical— valuo £'20 ... Evaiib 2nd „ • „ £10 ... Seyuiour ii. 3rd „ „ £5 ... Young iii. Simmon* English Prize ... ... Fleming 2nd Euglish Scholarship — £12 10s ... M'lvor 3rd „ „ £12 10.s .„ Buckoridgo Ist Modern Languages Scholarshipvalue £J2 lOi ... ... „, Lowo 2nd Modorn uanguages Scholarship — value £12 10d Greonliold List ov Prizemen. Classics — Form VI. : Harkuosa. Form V. : Not awarded. Form IV. : Holt. Form III. : Lightfoor. Form II. : Roovps. Form I. : Catloy. Mathematics — Division I.: Floming. Division II.: Not uwurded. Diviaion'lll. : Barltrop. Diviaion IV. : Wither iii. Division V. : Knapp. Division VI. ; Young ii. English — Form VI. : Nob awarded. Form V. : Vickermau. Form IV. : Hunter Brown. Form III.: Lightfoot. Form II. : Cotteroll ii. Form I. : Chisnall. French — Upper Division : Androwe i. LowoiDivision : Hunter Beown. [ Gonnan — Uppor Division : Kelling. Lower Division : Bullard. Gorman Writing— H'lvor. Drawing— Shallcraas. Mapping— Allen. The Rev. J. C. Andrew, the Principal, s.-iid thero was an old saying that everything in tho world was in some way or other connected. It was strutigc that an accident which occurred two or three weeks ago at Poverty Bay should allieet the temperature of the room in which they were that day assembled, but so it was. If the Tarauaki had uot been lost the time table would not have been altered, i\ good many of the boys would not have had to leave that morning, and if: they had not left, the room would undoubtedly have been much warmer. However, it was a matter ior congratulation, that noue of the

boys were absent through sickness. The College had throughout the year been completely healthy, not that this was to be wondered at, as it occupied, perhaps, as healthy a site as was to be found in the 1 world. But the boys must not trust entirely, to tho physical health they enjoyed to progress with their studies, nor must they be completely dependent upon the teaching abilities of their masters, but must exert themselves to learn and to understand what they learned. He regretted that the Civil Service and University examinations were so ill arranged that they took up a large portion of the holidays, but so it was, and he hoped that many of those who were going, up for their examination would be rewarded for the loss of their holidays by success. In the present age life seemed to be made up of examinations. He did not wish to say a word agaiusfc them, but what he wanted the boys to understand was that they did not thoroughly test a man. They only proved a part of his character. He wished to impress upon them that it was the character of a man and agon tieraan that they had to attend to, and he hoped that in the ensuing holidays each one would take care to practise the life of a Christian gentlemau. He concluded by moving a vote of thanks to Mr Adams which was carried by acclamation. The Bishop of Nelson said that the Rev. Principal had stated that the College was in a thoroughly healthy condition, physically speaking, and he had referred to the favorable position it occupied. But, however favorable that situation, so large an institution could not be successfully carried on without the greatest care and attention of those who had charge of the boarding department, and to Mr and Mrs Mackay for their unceasing watchfulness over, and parental care of, the boys, the parents and guardians owed a deep debt of gratitude. They had some portion of their reward in seeing the healthy and happy faces around them, but there was yet another portion in store for them, when in later years they looked back upon this part of their lives and remembered what they had done towards developing this part of New Zealand. Mr Mackay returned thanks on behalf of himself and Mrs Mackay. It was no light thing to be able to say, and he said it with a feeling of earnest thankfulness, that in a household of seventy there had been no serious case of illness throughout the year. Addressing himself to the boys, he said that Mr Poole had referred in flattering terms to tho kindness and liberality of the Governors in providing additional scholarships. Ho would liko the boys to understand whence tho funds for this object came. The Governors, by Act of Parliament, were entitled to one guinea each for every meeting they attended in recognition of their services, but they had never taken the fees, which had gone on accumulating- until there was sufficient money in hand to enable them to allot four new scholarships. This, and the liberality displayed by other private individuals and public bodies in tho same direction, ought to be a strong- incentive to the boys to do all in their power to render themselves worthy of the advantages placed within their reach. He should like to see every hoy who was trained at that institution take a pride in being' a Nelson College boy, and carefully avoid doing anything that might bring the slightest discredit on an an establishment, to which they should consider it a privilege to belong. He was happy to say that such a feeling was growing up, and that ho frequently received letters from some of the old pupils, who always spoke in terms of affection and regard of the Nelson College, and in appreciation of the advantages they had there enjoyed. Cheers were then givon for the ladies, the visitors, and the masters, and the proceedings were brought to a close.

Id I'rancc architects and contractors are rcpousible for a period of ton years for losses resulting from defective plans or work. If Edison, the inventor, would make a machine to prevent tho telegraph lying, it would bo twice as valuable as auytbiug that could be made to talk. • ' The Bywoll Castle, which sunk the Princess Alice, was short of her crew by seven men when she sailed. Their places were filled up by seven men picked up in the docks for the trip. One of these was steering and one was on the look-out at the time oE the collision, and the Princess Alice was also steered by a subordinate. A Tauranga telegram says : —Some Maori diggers from the Thames, who were on board tho Taranaki at the time of the disaster, say that if a native had been at the wheel or on the look-out the accident would not have happened. One of them declares he whispered to the man on the look-out that there was land ahead ten minutes before the ship struck. The rumor of an engagement between the Prince Imperial and Princess Thyra, of Denmark, appears to have been somewhat premature. The Conliueutal correspondent of the Sydney Morning Herald says : — The project has undoubtedly been ( seriously entertained, although the Princess is two years older than the Prince; and it is probably not laid aside, although the difficulty of providing funds for a suitable style of living for the young couple is understood to be causing a pause in the proposed arrangements. The King of Denmark ia poor, although five of hi 3 six children are, or are to be, occupants of thrones; and he can ouly scrape together some £40,000 as a dower for his pretty aud amiable daughter. The Empress Eugenic, on her side, is not rich; she is ready to sell whatever property she possesses, including some houses in this city, among others the one in the Kuo de l'Elysee, occupied by one of the chiefs of tho Imperialist party, M. llouher; out the two, between them, are unable to provido for the young pair the sum of £ 15,000 a year, which they consider to be the minimum amount on which they could live " respectably" iv England. And so the affair is in abeyance for the moment. The Princess of Wales is a strong partisan of tho marriage, as she is longing to have her sister near her. The Prince of Wales with whom Prince Louis Napoleon is a great favorite, would sco the match accomplished with much satisfaction. As no political difficulties appear to havo been raised to the project, which appears to be delayed only by the difficulty of findiug the funds needed for the housekeeping of a pair of Imperial Highnesses on the most modest scale of expenditure; compitiiblo with (heir nominal rank, it is supposed that some means for overcoming this difficulty will be contrived by the partisans of tho Empire, aud that the marriage which would make " the heir of Napoleons" the brother-in-law of four sovereigns (of Denmark, England, ltuasia, and Greece) will become, ere loug, a fai( accompli.