DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES AT WELLINGTON COLLEGE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4603, 21 December 1875, Page 5 (Supplement)

DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES AT WELLINGTON COLLEGE.

Yesterday was a high holiday at Wellington College—a day which scholars eagerly anticipate all the year through, and wish for its arrival with a fervor which those on whom has fallen the burden and heat of life’s day can easily realise by casting thoughts back to the days when they too appeared in knickerbockers and short coats, and lived in reverential awe of pastors and masters of every degree. But it. is not scholars only who look forward to the breaking-np day. Teachers are not insensible to the comforts of holiday time, when the monotonous din of the school-room and the worry inseparable from duty is lost for a time ; and therefore speech day, by common consent, is looked forward to as a consummation to be wished. Yesterday the weather was beautifully fine, and there was a very large attendance at the College, the company consisting principally of the parents and friends of the pupils. Ilia Excellency the Governor and the Afarchiouess of Norraanby, attended by Lord Phipps, arrived about three o’clock, and were received by the Principal, Kenneth Wilson, Esq., ALA., and the other masters and lecturers, all attired in academical costume. His Excellency and the Alarohioness were conducted up the. staircase, and thsuee into the museum, the principal attraction there being the collections made by blasters Kirk, Kreeft, and Butts, competitors for the Levin prize, and as this exhibition was admired by all the visitors, some few remarks on the subject may not be out of place. The Levin prize for the encouragement of the students in Natural Science was this year offered for the best collection of plants and animals indigenous to the vicinity of Wellington ; the district being bounded by the ocean from Sinclair Head to the Pori rua Harbor, thence by the Ngahauranga line to the Ngahaugauga railway-station, with the shores of the harbor as far as the lighthouse. Intending exhibitors had to give in their names not later than the 31st August; any two students were allowed to exhibit their joint collections, but all objects exhibited were to be collected by the exhibitors alone, and to be labelled and arranged by them, although assistance might be obtained in naming and identification. All objects had to be collected between February and the middle of December. Eight students gave in their names as intending competitors, but only three appear to have considered their collection of sufficient value to arrange, and of these two exhibit jointly. The collections occupied two tables, about 30ft. in length, with additional side tables, and were exhibited in tho College museum. Taking into account the youth of the students, and the short period during which their'attention has been directed to Natural Historv subjects, they afford direct proof of their ability to apply their teaching to practical purposes, as well as of the geological and botanical richness of the district, notwithstanding its deficiencies in lakes and streams of any kind. As might be expected, the collections contain many plants and animals in common. The premier collection is exhibited by H. B. Kirk, and is most effective in the mollusca (shells), Crustacea (cirripedes, crabs, &c.), eebinodermata (sea eggs, sand stars, star fi h, &o.), and sponges. The vertebrates are chiefly confined to the skulls of birds, with a few lizards and fishes. The sti’ange egg case of the elephant fish would be new to most of the visitors. The collection of mollusca must comprise nearly 250 species, most of which are named,andhave the locality and date of collection stated. Perhaps the rarest shells in the collections are two chitons ; one,’ Acanthoplenra nobilis, is nearly the largest species of the genus, very few specimens having yet been discovered ; the other, Acunthochcetes coitus, is equally rare, being occasionally washed up attached to the roots of deep water seaweeds. Both are confined to the neighborhood of Wellington. Want] of space prevents our particularising. We must mention the interesting groups of Crustacea, containing several undescribed species, and merely notice a peculiar shrimp, which, when alive, is nearly transparent, and lives in the transparent "body of a curious mednsoid animal; it rejoices in the name of Phronima Borneehsis. The star fishes and allies form one of the most attractive features in the collections. Amongst them is a fine species new to science, and measuring nearly thirty inches across his outstretched arms; a small form belonging to a new genus is remarkable for the unequal length of its arms; the sand stars are also remarkable. The collection of sponges, although comprising many species, does not present any of economic value. The botanical section of this collection is equally copious, and comprises representatives of the three great classes of plants. All the specimens are neatly mounted, and arranged under their respective orders. About seventy species of ferns are included, but even this number does not include all the species known to occur in the district. Both sections are carefully named and systematically arranged, the subkingdoms, classes, and orders being separate from each other and distinctly marked. The second collection is exhibited by E. J. Butts and 0. Kreeft, and although not nearly equal to the other, is of great meric. Dr. Doyle, to whom was entrusted the task of awarding the Levin prize, handsomely presented the exhibitors of this collection with £5 as a second prize. In the vertebrates we noticed the complete skeleton of a small petrel. We were much pleased with the skull of the trigger fish, showing the curious mechanism by which the “ trigger” is erected and kept in its place. The mollusca contain many remarkably fine examples in excellent condition. We particularly noticed a large boring shell, Pholas nova-zelandite, the beautiful Zenatia acinaces, and the large Mactras. In the Tuuicata are specimens preserved in spirit of the curious Boltenia pedunculata, collected in Wellington harbor, the only habitat known- in the North Island. The Crustacea and starfishes are also very good, although, perhaps, not fully equal to those of the premier collection. In sponges the collection is slightly the richer of the two. The botanical section is not nearly so copious as it might have been, and owing to the specimens being mounted on sheets of unequal size, it does not appear to advantage, notwithstanding its careful naming. In pursuance of the conditions laid down, the amount of each prize is to be expended upon books, or apparatus useful in scientific research, the selection to be approved by the lecturer on physical science. Having inspected these collections, the party entered the lecture-room, the Principal escorting the Alarchionees of Normanby, and his Excellency and Airs. Wilson following. The large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen here gathered rose to welcome his Excellency, who was conducted to the chair. His Excellency then called upon the Principal, who read the annual report as follows; “ X have the honor to submit the following report of the condition and working of the College during the past year : “The number of boys on the books has been — For the first term ~ .. .. -. 96 For the second term 112 For the third term.. .. .. . ■ HI Alaking an average for the year of 107, and an increase of 47 on tho number at tho closo of last year. “ The regularity and punctuality of attendance has been on the whole very fair, though there is still room for improvement in that respect ; but it is hoped that the construction of tho proposed tramway through the town may remove any difficulty that still exists in boys getting to school in bad weather. With the exception of one or two cases of lying among the younger boys, there have been no offences calling for special or severe punishment ; and I think the examiners will bear me out in saying that the general tone and bearing of the hoys would not be discreditable to any similar institution. I have observed with great thankfulness a very marked improvement in the manliness and souse of responsibility shown by tho elder boys ; and with regard to this subject I cannot too strongly express my conviction of the necessity of using every available means to raise the age up to which the majority of the boys remain at school ; as without a head form old enough to have, and manly enough to use with discretion a very considerable amount both of influence and authority, tho discipline of a largo school cannot lie satisfactorily maintained, Much has beou done for m ia that

respect by the University scholarships, and by those founded by the wise munificence of Air. Turnbull. And I would ask permission to call your special attention to the fact (which I am sure Air. Turnbull will hear with pleasure), that the hoy to whom the first of these scholarships has been awarded, and who would otherwise have left for business, has come out head ot the school, and has earned high praise from all the examiners. In Alay last, seven of the boys entered for the New Zealand University examination, and three were successful in gaining scholarships as under: —

“The Turnbull scholarship of £25 was awarded to Webb, who got the highest total number of marks, though he was very closely pressed by Butts and Brandon. “ I have the honor to enclose a report from Air. Kirk of the work done in his department, and of the additions made to the museum and library, as well as ot the requirements still necessary for the efficiency ot the former. And I would ask your most favorable consideration of those requirements, in view ot the great success attained by tho students in natural science during the past year. A proof of the thorough and practical nature of the teaching in these branches is, perhaps, afforded by the collections now exhibited in the museum ; but the results of the examinations, and the work of the students, have been submitted to the inspection of the following gentlemen ;—Geology—J. 0. Crawford, Esq.; Botany—Dr. Knight; Geology—Dr. Doyle, who have kindly furnished the, enclosed reports. I have much pleasure in asking you to accept the prize of £5, so liberally offered by Dr. Doyle, as I believe it has been thoroughly well earned. I have appended to this report full lists of the result of the examination just concluded, with work done in each form, copies of the questions set, and the report of the examiners in all subjects. “Eight (S) of the boys are entered for the Cambridge local examination to be held next week ; and though I fear that the shortness of the notice may injure their prospects of success, I am sure that the preparation for that examination has given a great stimulus to the work. On tiie 16th and 17th instants an examination was held at several centres in the province for the scholarship offered for competition to boys from the primary schools. The result is not yet known, but it is satisfactory that eleven boys have entered for it, as againstfiast year; and it is still more satisfactory that the boy to whom a similar scholarship was awarded last year lias made excellent progress, and appears among the winners of prizes at this examination. “The number of boarders is at present 27; and it is not possible in the present building to take more than one or two more. In fact, the accommodation is in several respects very inadequate, even for our present numbers. As, therefore, some applications have been already received, it is very probable that next term some may have to be refused for want of room. “During the late wet weather the discomfort and inconvenience arising from the boys being confined to the class-rooms during play hours, in the absence of any covered playground, lias been most seriously felt. It is not only detrimental to health and discipline, but also is the cause of a very large increase in the wear and tear of furniture.” With regard to the Cambridge local examination, Air. Wilson said he should like to make one remark before the result of it was known, in order to avoid possible disappointment. These examinations are held annually at Home, and at Home all those who go up have fully a year for preparation. Here this is the first year such au examination has been held, and some of the books necessary to prepare candidates for examination arrived not quite two months before the examination commenced ; therefore the boys had had exceedingly short time for preparation. He stated that before the result of the examination was known, so that if the results were not so satisfactory as could be wished, it might be understood that there was a good and special reason why they were not. Next time it would be different. The scholarship, the commencement of the examinations for which he had noted, was a prize offered by the Governors of the College, competition for which was open to any boy attending any private school in the province, provided ho was within the ages of 12 and 16. These scholarships .gave a free education to the boy at tbe College, and were tenable for four years, so that if a boy set his mind to work he might be educated free of charge at the College, until he was old enough to take his degree at the New Zealand University. All the returns for the present examination had not como in, so that the result was not yet known ; but this much was known, that this year there was increased competition. (Applause.) At the request of the Principal, T. L. Kirk, Esq., F.L.S. (lecturer on natural science), read his report, as follows : “ I have the honor, to enclose herewith the class-lists of the students in the natural science section, arranged in the order ot merit as shown by the examination recently held in conformity with the regulations'of tho New Zealand University. “During the past year two courses of lee-- 1 tures have been delivered on each of the following subjects:—Botany, Lent Term, Zoology, Trinity Term, Geology, Michaelmas Term. The lectures were copiously illustrated by recent objects, and no opportunity was lost ot directing attention to the geological structure of xhe colony, and to the peculiarities of its fauna and flora. “ Gratifying progress has been made by the students, more especially by those in the senior division, but this point will probably be touched upon by the examiners. I may, however, be permitted to call attention to the excellent local collections of botanical and zoological objects exhibited by the competitors for tiie Levin prize. “The following additions have been made to the library and museum during tho past year 26 volumes of valuable scientific works, presented by W. T. L. Travers, Esq., F.L.S. : Transactions of tiie New Zealand Institute, purchased. 83 specimens of New Zealand plants, from tiie Director of the Colonial Museum. 700 dried species of New Zealand flower plants and ferns, from T. Kirk, F. L.y. Dried New Zealand plants, W. T. L. Travers. Esq., F.L.S. A set of type skeletons, purchased by tho Board of Governors, and kindly selected in London by Dr. Alexander Fox. of Grahamstown. Kauri cum. Dr. J. L Campbell. Auckland, 00 specimens tertiary fossils from the Wanganui beds, T. Kirk, F.L S, , , Siliciiled wood, crystallsed quartz, Ac., Buekland, Esq. " Volcanic bombs, obsidian, &c., tiie Auckland Institute. 200 species mollusca and molluscoida, T. Kirk, F.L.S. Insects in spirit, W. T. L, Travers. F.L.S. 100 New Zealand Insects, named, T. Kirk, F.L.S. Named sertnlarians and 25 species of annuloida, T. Kirk, F.L.S; Noth.— The Herbarium now contains over 800 species of New Zealand flower plants and ferns, arranged for consultation, and affording a comprehensive idea of the New Zealand flora. “ A collection of minerals ia now on its way from London. “ I have lastly to acknowledge the liberality of Dr. Doyle, tho examiner in zoology, in presenting a prize of £5 to the exhibitors of the second local collection of plants and animals. “ The chief want of the museum at tho present time is a series of wall and floor cases. We are entirely without the means of protecting large objects, such as birds, or even ot preserving the valuable type collection of skeletons from the effects of the dust and dirt.” J. C. CfiAWFOIID, Esc;, (examiner in geology), said although he had found the advances made by the pupils in a knowledge of geology had not been very extended, yet he had found the groundwork which had been laid was truly good ; and of course tho groundwork or basis was the main point in the study of science. The foundation properly and firmly laid, it was easy to afterwards build tho supers!rueture. The boys in the upper division had shown excellent knowledge, and the boys in the lower division had done better than could bo expected. On tbe whole, tho advance made in tho study of the science of geology ho considered highly satisfactory. (Applause.)

Dr. Doyle read his report, as follows : “ I have carefully looked over the examination papers and note-books of the students attending the zoological class in Wellington ton College, and consider them highly satisfactory. The examination papers in both the senior and junior divisions were of a very high standard, and embraced such a wide field in the almost unlimited science of zoology, as to thoroughly test the students’ knowledge; and I am pleased to say that the answering in each division exceeded my anticipations. “ The comprehensive knowledge which the students possess, not only of the general principles of the science, but the accuracy with which they enter into minutue and detail, does their teacher, Air. Kirk, infinite credit, and gives evidence not only of extensive reading on the part of the students, but of equally careful training on the part of their teachers. Zoology is but too often considered by boys' a dry and uninteresting study, but Air. Kirk seems, judging from the manner in which his pupils have acquitted themselves, to have made it not only interesting, but what is of more moment, profitable. When all are good it seems invidious to make distinctions, but the answering of blasters Kirk, Bell, Butts, and Barton in the senior, and of blasters Luxford, St. John, and Williams in the junior division, deserve especial mention. “The note-books kept by the students during the session denote a great amount of painstaking and industry, and I have no doubt will be referred to in after years by their proprietors with a great amount of commonable pride, and will no doubt form a pleasant souvenir of the college life, a record ot many happy days spent pleasantly and profitably. As a general rule the note-book of tho ordinary student is a miscellaneous collection of things possible and impossible, intimately blended together, ot little or no use, either for present or future reference; that this is not the case with the memoranda kept by the students attending the zoological class, I have no doubt is in a great measure due to the cave taken by Professor Kirk in the supervision of their notes and keeping them corrected up to date ; as well as to the lucid manner in which he has delivered his lectures. “ The collection of zoological specimens now being exhibited in the College museum is really a marvel, especially when we consider that it has been the bona fide collection of three boys in the short space of a few months. The accuracy with which the various speci mens are named, the admirable manner in which they are appropriately arranged into their various sub-kingdoms, classes, orders, &c., clearly shows that their labor has been a labor of love. “To table No. 1, the p; operty of Alaster Kirk, for the extensiveness and variety of the collection, the admirable and accurate manner with which the various specimens are arranged and named, the industry and ingenuity displayed in their preparation, &0., &c., I award the first prize. “ Table No. 2, the joint-stock property of Masters Butts and Kreeft, is only eclipsed by that of Alaster Kirk. *On inspection I was so much pleased with the beauty and variety of the .collection, and feeling convinced that so brilliant an effort should meet at least vith some reward, I have much pleasure in bestowing on the proprietors a prize worth £5, which, though inadequate to its merits, I hope will be received by those young gentlemen in the spirit with which it is given.” J. Gordan Allan, Esq. (examiner in languages), snid he had examined in Latin, French, Greek, and German, and had come to the conclusion that the advance made by the pupils in languages was considerable. They were evidently well grounded in grammar, and the translations were correct, and very close to the original. With respect to German and French he had been particularly pleased, inasmuch as he had understood that it was only recently that the study had been commenced. Evidently the teachers had great knowledge of these languages. It had been suggested that possibly foreigners might be employed in the tuition ot languages witli greater success. It the teacher were thoroughly well qualified it might be so. Unquestionably, if foreigners could be found who, in addition to a mere knowledge of their language, were thoroughly well acquainted with tiie classics, it would be better, but it was very difficult to get such men, and he should prefer keeping to the preceptors who had done so well in the past to experimenting with foreigners. He, must compliment the masters on the manner in which they had brought the pupils on. The Rev. Air.' Ogg (examiner in mathematics) read his report, and after referring to the work which had been done said, judging from the results of the examination, he could confident'y state Ids conviction that the teachers had laboured with success to ground their pupils in those subjects of study to which their attention is directed. The report of the Hon. Air. Gisborne (who examined in English) was also read. He stated that he had prepared papers in English grammar, geography, English history, and Shakspere’s “ Tempest ” for form v.; and in English grammar, geography, and English history of forms H. and I. ; and in dictation also ot form i. He spoke highly of the high average ability of the boys, which he said had not been shown by a few, but more or less by all the boys. Dr. Knight also reported very satisfactorily of the progress made in the study of botany. The Principal having intimated that this concluded the reports, His Excellency the Governor rose and said : Ladies and gentlemen, we have now heard the various reports of the examinations which have taken place during the present year, and I am sure you will all join with me in considering them most satisfactory. (Applause.) The number of the boys attending the College has nearly doubled since the time I last had the pleasure of distributing the prizes, and this X look upon as a proof of the hold the Wellington College has taken upon the surrounding population of Wellington. In these days,. there is nothing more important than education ; it points tho way of all, not only to success in gaining their livelihood in the future, but also to advancement and honor in the country of theiFbirth or adoption. It is most satisfactory to me to notice from the reports we have head, that special care is taken to impart a good groundwork in the various branches of knowledge, for this .groundwork is most important in everything. Depend upon it, if a boy is once thoroughly instructed in the groundwork of a study, the rest follows easily. On a good foundation, tho raising of the superstructure is but a matter of time. I now wish to say a few words to the boys I see sitting at the further end of this hall. It is evident your teachers are doing all in their power to advance your interests and well-being in th’e future ; but at the same time very much depends upon yourselves. The advantage of a school depends very much upon the character and bearing of the pupils residing in it, and it should be the object of all of you to encourage to the utmost of your ability that esprit de corps which tends to make your college enjoyable, and to increase its reputation. It is with feelings of regret that I hear that in some few instances there has been a want ot truth and candor amongst you, but I trust this may not bo repeated. Depend upon it, one of tho first things which yon ought to encourage and cultivate amongst you is truth and honesty. Without that no good character can ba formed. 1 think that tho few words 1 have said upon this subject may induce you to show abhorrence and refuse to tolerate anything like untruthfulness in Wellington College. I can only sdy more that I meet you to-day with great satisfaction, but it has given me greater satisfaction to hear the’ 4 reports read, (Loud and prolonged cheering.) Tho Principal then requested his Excellency to distribute the prizes, which his Excellency consented to do, and handed over prizes according to the following list, each buy as be came up being greeted with tumultuous applause from his fe low-scholars ; SPECIAL PRIZES. Mr. Levin’s Special Prize of £ls.—For best collection of botanical anil zoological specimens: Kirk. Dr. Doyle’s Special Prize of £s.—For second beat collection ; Kreeft anil Butts. Mr, Turnbull's Special Prizes.—For highest total nurabei of marks In exmuil’ ttiou: Brandon, Ist prize, £l6; Barton, 2nd, £l6

MATHEMATICS AND GENERAL SCIENCE. ’ Brandon, disqualified, owing to his having won Turnbull Prize; Brandon, prize; 8011, hou. men. ORDINARY FORM. PRIZES. Fifth Form. —Upper Division : IVebb, prize : Barton and Brandon, hon. men. Lower Division : Williams, prize : Kirk, lion. men. Fourth Form. —Johns, prize; Crombie and Bethune, hon. men. .. „ , Third Form— Creighton, prize; Thirkell, hon, men. Second Form. —Crawford, prize ; Fox, lion. men. First Form. —Young, prize; Taylor and Henderson, hou. men. MATHEMATICS. Division I.—Brandon, prize; Barton, Bell, and Webb, lion. men. Division a.—i t. John, prize ; Taylor and Luxford, hon. men. Division 3.— Field; prize; Cooper, hon. men. Division /(.—Thirkell, prize ; Johns and Cook, hon. men. Division 5. —No prize; work unsatisfactory. Crombie, bon. men. Division o. Scott, prize; Petherick, Vine, and Morrab, lion. men. Division 7. —Gore ,prize; Do Castro, lion, men. The former secured 1307 marks, and the latter 1300. SPECIAL SUBJECTS. Greek; Brandon, prize. German: W. Barton, prize. French —Ist class: Webb, prize ; 2nd class: Williams, prize. Bell and Cook, hon. men; 3rd and 4th classes: Richards, prize, Luxford, lion. men.; stb class: Bishop, prize, Ellaby, hon. men. ; 6th class: Gore, hon. men. NATURAL SCIENCE. Zoology: Kirk, senior division; Bell, hon. men.: Luxford, junior division; St.John, hon. men. Botany ; Kirk, senior division; Brandon and Butts, lion, men.: Martin, junior division; Luxford, lion, men. Geology: Kirk, senior division ; Brandon, Barton, and Bell, hon. men.; Martin, junior division; Luxford and Williams, lion. men. Mr, Hardy's prize for best map: Sanderson. Mr. Turkey's prize for map: Mason. His Excellency aud the Alarohioness directly afterwards left the College.

Kirk, tor Botany and Geology .. .. £40 Webb, for Botany .. 20 Brandon, for Botany .. 20