THE HIGH SCHOOL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 3282, 13 August 1872, Page 3

THE HIGH SCHOOL.

TO THK EMTOJt. Sib —The comparative inferiority of the classical instruction imparted iv the Dunedin High School ie <mo of the tigly fact« brought to light by the Lite examination for the University «;hob.r*hipn. An explanation has been advanced by ihe Hector and endorsed by yourself. That explaiiationjuiay \be right, but it may prove wrong; it it certainly unsupported by evidence. The Ilector'« letter amounts to a)f assertion that the Duncvlin High School is superior, in point of science, to Cliri«tchurch Grammar School, or Nelson College. The proof is r.ither singular, viz.,. more attention is devoted to science than to classics in I'is school. mitting this, other points require to bo strengthened In-'fnru a presumption could 'arise. Is the time gained by neglecting classics devoted to science ? Are his teaching tttaffof equal ability with those of the competing schools, &c. ? There is a mode of testing the truth of the assertion,'and if the Hector be jealous for the honour of Duncdiii, he may adopt it. Lot him call for an analysis of the science papers put in by the several candidates, and should it appear that his pupils excelled, the public would rest satisfied ; should tlie contrary appear-—then the humiliation of Otago would be complete. Some would declare, doubtless, that had the course been more extensive, different results would be reached ; the public, however, would judge by specimens.. Sir, the -High School of Thjuedin stands arraigned at the bar of public opinion. These are insufficient materials to lead parents to a correct verdict. The matter calls for a public investigation at the hands of the Education Board. If they fail, the Council, who lavish money to-sup-portthe schools of Otago, should appoint a Committee to enquire into the working of tho educational machinery of the Province. I may have a word to say, before long, on the Main Schools. —I am, &c, Bth August. Cmkmcus. [Our correspondent may reat assured that there will be a thorough investigation into all the circumstances connected with the recent Examinations for the New Zealand University Scholaiships. It is intended, we underbtand, that a Committee of one of the Houses of Assembly should enquire into aud report upon the matter, and \rc believe there are no persons more anxious that a full enquiry iuto those Examinations should takeplacc than the Hector and masters of the Dunedin High School.—Ed. 0. D.T.]