PRIZE DAY AT NELSON COLLEGE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 298, 15 December 1881, Page 2

PRIZE DAY AT NELSON COLLEGE.

There was a fair attendance of the parents and friends of th:- pupils at the College at ten o'clock ibis iiionimg when the chair was taken by the IL v. J. C/iiicbmond. The Rev. J C. Andrew, ihe Principal, having explained the unayoidable absence ofthe Pev. S. Poole, pr-v-n. '• di„ i( *ad thnt gentleman's report as __o_.o\vs : —

To THE GOVEBNOKS OF NeI.BO:* COLLEGE. Gentlemen, - I bave tbe honor to inform you that in compliance witb the [: crrns of your resolution aBSeC [ a [ a mee ting on tbe 13th October last, and communicated to me by the Secretary on the 25th of the Eame month, I proceeded to examine the members of the University of New Zealand in connection with the affiliated College in Nelson. The following subjects were brought up by the candidates for the final B,A. pass examination:— Greek Language axj> Liti.batui.e-TlTOcy-dides: Books Vl ancl VII; Euripides: Alcestis, Medea, aud Bacch.o. English Language and Literature— Marlowe's Faiutus, and Green's Friar Bacon and Friar Bangav; Milton's Areopagitica; the first half of tYhQ'Xineteatth Cen-' tunj.— Modern Language and Literature — Age of Louis XIV; Boileau; Le Lutrien; La Bruyere; Caraeteres (first nine chapters.) History and Political Economy— English History from 1558 to 1C25, and Political Economy with reference to the Text Books of Fawcett. Other subjects, such as Latin and Mathematics, did not come within the range of my examination, inasmuch as the candidates bad passed with greai honor' to '-themselves and credit to their teachers, the Bey J. C. Andrew, Principal of the Nelson College, and J. Mackay, Esq., now Principal of Wellington College. I need not say more than that I passed them in the subjects that t-hey had been reading during the year, and enabled tiiem to keep the necessary terms prescribed by the regulations of the University. I supervised them in November whilst they were answering the questions of the Professors of the London University; and transmitted iq the Begistrar their numerous sheets of answers. Mr Masked, kindly announced ihe safe arrival of all the envelopes. I have no doubt they are now on their Way to London via San Francisco, and in a short time we may have the pleasure of presenting the certificates of the B.A. Degree to our hero pupils, G, A. Harkness, and T. B. Fleming. The Univessity 'system which our Government has adopted is one eminently calculated to promote the interests of higher education in the colony. Our teachers select their books according to a general standard, and train up their pupils with a view to success in the annual competition's. But for such a system we might never have had Thucydides in the. II? t ol our studies— Thucydides which Niebuhr designated as the greatest of all historians, and with respect to the seventh book, Lord Macaulay wrote:— " What are all the Soman historians to the great Athenian? Ido assure you that there is no prose composition in the world, not even the l)e Corond, which I place so high as the seventh book of Thucydides. It is the ne plus ultra of human art.'' Examination of mE Junior Studbnts. Notwithstanding the recent changes in the start' of Masters, I rind the College maintaining its own in point of numbers and efficiency. I have liad more paper-work than I ever had before, and I can measure - progress, not only by the numerical value of the answers sent in for my perusal, but also by - my receptacles for the papers, which have beeu found quite inadequate for the vast increase of manuscripts on English Grammar, English authors, English History, Geography Physical and Political, Latin translations, Latin prose compositions, Mathematics (including Arithmetic, Algebra, Euclid, and Trigonometry.) We have also had some Work in' Chemistry,- -which constitutes the novelty of the current educational year. It will be desirable for me to review the results of my investigations in thesejsevcral branches of study. . English. The boys have been reading Goldsmith, Milton, Shakgpeare's English historical plays, and the two Grammars of Dr Morris. The papers on English Grammar were in many cases most satisfactory. They have been wall grounded in the history of the English language, and have been trained in those habits of philological criticism which tend so much to promote grammatical accuracy and cultured appreciation of the beauties and excellencies of our national literature. The Junior Euglish Divisions were very fair in the Goldsmith and composition, and showed that tbey had mastered the details as well as tha general principles of their English Grammar. The Senior Divisions were not so happy in their papers on Milton and Shakspeare. * The subjects, I suppose, were too large for lads who bad to divide their attentiou on so many more books. There were, however, individuals who crossed the lines of mediocrity, and first among these was a pupil whom I have great pleasure in recommending as the most suitable candidate for tho Simmons Prize. His improvement has been very remarkable. His penmanship is very peculiar, and long experience has almost led me to admire it, and I may venture to assert that others will do the same who value the handwriting for its character. He is by far the best in the Upper English Department. I have only now to add that hia name is Williah Douglas Andriwb. Dictation was very good. Spelling is evidently well attended to by the masters. The papers have been neatly written and sent to me in proper order. Latin, Beginning with the Principia boys I may say from tlie marked improvement of- several pupils whose compositions I can compare with their productions of last year that the Latin has not been neglected. The translations from Ciesar, and Virgil, the historical Principia, and Tacitus, were done by the different classes. I hope next year, if I should examine again, to find that there bas been more practice in Latin prose composition. There is a special educational value set upon this kind of composition as it is tbe best test of tbe knowledge of the language. Greek. This language does not appear to bave bad many students. There is in England a reaction in its favor, men baying been brought to see that its omission in the curriculum of education has had unforeseen results. A great amount of Greek may be difficult to acquire, but it Is equally true that the want of even a little is greatly felt in questions of science. I need not mention how necessary it is in enquiries that relate to the principles on which modern civilization has been reared. Mathematics. 1. Arithmetic— l gave two examination papers in arithmetic, the first in pure, tho second in commercial arithmetic. The former paper was done well by most of the boys ; the marks for the latter were below the average of former years. The excellence of the "Provincial Scholars in this department is an evidence as to the good grounding our boys get at the Government schools in arithmetic. 2. Algebra. — This was n, most pleasant paper, as the answers were generally correct, and the weak in other subjects appeared strong in this. I venture to assert that not only good books had heen used, but great pains had been bestowed on the teaching. 8. Euclid. — My geometrical questions extended to the Sixth Book, and the solutioni were in many cases praiseworthy. Good Euclid and Nelson College are inseparable accidents in my mind, and I am thankful to find that the Governors have heen able to fill the chair that the present Head Master of Wellington College vacated witb so good a teacher in mathematics as Mr Fearnley. H« comes from the College which is the largest factor of Cambridge, ancl has antecedents which place him high in the list of New Zealand schoolmasters. 4. Trigonometry.— Forty boys brought up trigonometry this year, which is a larger num. ber than I have had for some time. lam glad to find so many, as I am thereby furnished with more complete evidence for my Mathematical decisions. The second Mathematical Scholar this year is reading the subject, and tbe first has studied it with considerable success. 5. Physical Geography.— This subject has been most satisfactorily answered by a large number of boys, and I include it in my Mathematical calculations for deciding the relative merits of the different candidates. Geography and English History. It would take me many clays to make accurate data for determining the best answers that have been given on these two subjects, so numerous have been the sheets written in reply, and so great has' been the collateral information offered on the various points. But taking the papers on only one reading, I am able to report thafc the writing, composition, maps, and illustrations have not disappointed my expectations, and I have found in most cases the inform itior. I desired.

Modbiw Languages.— Fbench and German. . Dwing the present examination we have nad tke valuable assistance of Dr Johansen of Motueka in deciding the French and German papers. The opinion of a highly educated German gentleman, and one, too, who understands French will, I am sure, be mosWacceptable to all parties concerned. I strongly recommend that the examination in modern languages should take place in November, some weeks before the breaking up of the College. It is not fair to the teacher and his scholars to put such an important subject off to the last. Dr Otto's book, which is now in use, is an excellent one, and deals with those points which present difficulties to English learners . of French. He has been most successful at Heidelberg amongst the children of the English residents. His, as a class book, is the best I have seen. I regret that my engagements with the University re the Entrance and Junior' Scholarships have prevented me from being present at the Sports and the distribution of prizes. I have no power to put off the candidates, and the duties are such" as -conhot he delegated to a deputy. J-he .Scholarships connected .with my examination have perplexed me in Consequence of the restrictions of age. The winners vriii, I trust, receive the pecuniary honors as marks of our co.ifidence in their future industry and perseverance. If I have fixed my choice upon them, I hope they will honor me by justifying that cboice by good ;con3uct and renewed cultivation of those subjects in which they have excelled. I append a list of the successful candidates, and have the honor to be Gentlemen, '. ■ : Your dbedientrServant", : S. Poole, M.A., 'Oxon, and M.A.', N.Z., Examiner. Tho following are tho winners of the SCHOLABSKirS. Tbe. NEwcpitßr-W Douglas. Andrews. The Richmond-Jolidsod; -Foundation Scholarships. First Classical, for boys Under 16, not awarded. Second Classical, for boya under 14, Caro. Tbird Classical, for boya under 12, Nicholson,— First Mathematical, for boys under 16, Talbot. Second Mathematical, for boya under !4, Morice.'Ttjird Mathematical, for boys under 12; B. Mabin.—First English, Seymour; Second-English,:TindilL— Modern Languages: French. Munro; Germ%n, Meyer. The prizes were then distributed as follows, each successful competitor being gr«eted with rounds of.applause from his fellow scholars :— Sixth Form—Glasgow^ I; Upper Fifth— Buckeridge I; Lower Fifth—Buckeridge II; Fourth—Glasgow 111 ; Third—Fookes I; Second— Thomas ; First (A division) Ledger ; First (B division) Heinz; Gims —Kelling*; F*esch. first dm»ion Malcolm I; second division Pat. n ; CheAiistrt, fir&t Murray ; second Tindill. . Special Piizes : For best essay in second form, presented by Mr Heine, C. Davidson. For best essay on the Maoris, and the cause' of* their decay, presented by Mr Fearnley,' Jones junior. For best map Italy pre-, sented by Mr Harling,' Andrew minimus. For Scripture, presented by Mr Fearnley and Mr Andrew, Tindill 1, FlemiDg 2. Ia presenting the two lastprizfs the Rev Principal said that at every attribution of pnz«3 lor some years Fleming had taken one or more; tt was not prpbable that be would take any more, bs he was now going out into the world, and he hoped that they would all wish that he would prove as grkat a success! ia the world br he had heen at school. Hsj (Mr A.) hr.a • been iasked io hlok orer the Scripture papen, ; with, >Tindill,g espe- 1 cially ho had been very mucb plessed. Hel might add that it waß bighiy. necessary that be should be pleased with,some, as with many of them hewas Intensely disgusted. Priaas awarded for drawing: Judges—Mr John Gully and Mr S"'ead Ellis. " Divisiqn I. „ , . ! First '-prize-awarded- to Edward Buckeridge for mechanical drawing in ludian ink with water colours, and the best free hand pencil drawing. Si-cond prize awardsd to Thomis Fleming for water colour painting from copy, and a sketch from nature in water, colour commtndtd. Division 11. Third prize awarde i to A. G. Talbot for freehand pencil drawing. Division 111. Prize awarded to E-.iwsr.l James Thoma? for freehand pencil drawing. John Edwards for freehand pencil drawing commended. Mr Hichmond said that it was ■susl for those called to tho chair on such occasions to say a few words both to the scholars and their frie ns, Wl en he wr.s a<kt*d two dsy? ago to officiate his flrst thought was one of regret as hn remembered the long phalanx ol able a.d distinguished men —Mr Staffoid, Mr Djmett, Judgo Johnston, Judge Ricrvmond, and Dr Monro—who had occupied the chair in pnvious years, and his second thought w£s also _of regret tbat h6 had so short a time ta: prepare what he wished to say. Such an occasion was not merely an opportunity for distributing hooks and ex-pr<Sis«.|r-good wifbes, but it was a sort of national educational festival whea whoever presided should bring a few good thought? to bear and place them in simple language accessible to all. He could' not help rejoicing t^t seeing the large number of pupils attending the College and at learning from Mr Poole'3 report how high a plac* thay held in bis estimation. Since he was last there the number had doubled, aud this was not owing to an increase in population but to the increased cre.ditof the College outside our borders for th« higk class of «ducatiou it afforded, ai well as to its beautiful sitnation and the free and romantic country by wbicb it was surrounded. He had always taken a deep interest ia the institution, and bad watched the boya at tkeir sports with a view of ascertaining, whether the true spirit of the institution prevailed as ia the days of the Cox's, the Blundells, the Roys, and the Barnicoat!", and ha was glad to find tbat it was the s?me, and that they always conducted themselves as gentlemen, and as those upon whom were brought to bear tbehighest civilising influences the world could afford. It was a great thing to preserve the continuity of the moral life of such an institution and he should like the nameß of thoae who had been the leaders either vi scholars or in forming the character of tfce school handed down in a golden list from year to year and from generation to generstls °- And he would look still farther back aod ask them to remsmber the founders bf thepollege, the, funds for which were set apart b? a number of gentlemen, who, upwards of forty yisars ago, w«re about to set out for an - v°L Utely wild coun try, part of which was lahabited by a wild and warlike race just

emerging from cannibalism. These early settlers might fairly bave asked that the whole of the money they paid for tbeir land shonld be dt voted to tbe ruder work of roadmaking or even to supplying means of defenccsgainst the natives, but they were men of grasp and power, many of whom had been educated at public schools, and their hope and desire was to essa liab some sucti institution as these wbich themselves had bad tbe privilege of attending. He was pleas* d to observe the growth of the subjects tacgbt acd the witfe and extensive field opened to those in the first forma, where they were taught to follow tbe mysteries of numbers into their higher development ; to study trignometry and COniC 5 CU'OCS ; to learn ermethir.g of the wonders cf chemistry ,- to *ge» a glimpse af tbe msrve/3 of electricity ; to trace the history of our p'obe, looking back through tbe Cocntk's ages that bad passfd ; to obtain Borne notion of astronomy, and to study Iip laws which rul-d the universe. In doiog all tbia tbey must sorely fee! as one on the top of a lofty mountain in thia wiid land of ours, whence were to b ee?n the illimitable ocean, the countless hili tops ani vaiiey?, and;mighr be observed the beau-its of color end of atmospheric effects. In gaz-iig at all this they must be !o-»t in wot der and admiration, they must feel tha- the soli ude was opprps**sive. and then roust bedraffu tothe conclusion that after all the proper study for mankind is man. The elder boys in pursuing tfa- ir studies must surely feel that these were bringing them into relation with the past. If id reading tbe soletn tragedies of tfce*old Greek authors they simply learned facta aud histories they did not learn much, but they should do more than that ; they should think over them and learn to compare the past with the p-esent. The founders of Neison College had not merely the idea of giving the pupils a little extra poliab, but they looked at the influence it was to exercise on the character by bringing them into contact one withthe other," and the. habits it would inculcate of ruling in tbe elderß, of obedience in tbe juniors, and of industry in ail. He thought tbat they even went further tban tbat. They knew tbat in-the great schools at home the first judgment of men was formed, and that that judgment was frequently the correct one, atd they hoped to see habits of judging on another, nnd the forming of friendships es- I tablisbed here while the future colonists j were yet young. In conclusion, he would j impress upon them to learn to believe, he did not refer to the belief of any particular creed, but a deeper one than that, the one, he believed, desired by Christ himself, the belief in gocdneps. They must have seen for themselves thU belief in the examples of heroism of which they had read, and they must have felt how free they were from ali self Becking. Believe then, he would say, in gocdness wherever you see it; in the heroes of old, and as it cornea pealing down through the long ages from the lips of Christ himself This would help to make them good citizens, and a credit to the institution at which they had been trained. Mr Richmond w«3 loudly cheered on resuming bis seat. The Rtv Principal said that they had now arrived at tbe end of a year during which the College had been in a state of trial, for they had lost a very good master indeed in Mr Mackay. In fact when he heard that j Mr Mackay was going to leave he felt very much as did the Scotch King when he heard that Douglas had fallen at Chevy Chase. Bufc he was glad to be able to aay that they bad found the very man they wanted acd one who. he believed, wag quite as good as Mr Mackay. (Loud cheers from the boys.) They knew that of Mr and Mrs Mackay, Mr Mackay was not quite half, Mrs Mackay of course being the better balf. They all koew what a dreadful scrape Pari.} got' into when called upon to judge between two ladies, and be was very glad tbat he was not now called upon for such a decision, for b*sbould not know how to make bis award. He wouid now bid them good-bye until tht ls'-gFebruary, or rather the 2nd, for the Ist was a public holiday, and he noped in ta meantime they wcuid not f-.rgefc to practise swim mm?. Ma Richmond said hp should like to take the opportunity of impressing upon the Governors the necessit,-* that existed for a bigh c'nss iadi.-.s' school, acd hp horei tlr-y wcnM se._ what coald be dons towards es.-iblishing one. Mr Birnicoat said he wa*? rrquested by th** Governors to tlark Mr Riei-mood for presidin*?, and hf? fi-lc that without b>ir g requested be might arid th*** tbar.ks of al! whi were pr* ser. t Mr R.chmond tad corr.mencfd bis • ddres* apol-.-gf-ticallv, but, i$ ail who he*=rrf hiai must .i.-mir, had ended triumphantly. Cheers were then piv-i f r Mr Richmond the Governors, and Mas:crs. and th**. proceedings turminatrd