FUTURE OF KING’S COLLEGE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1002, 19 June 1930, Page 10

FUTURE OF KING’S COLLEGE

THERE is every reason to congratulate the Church of England authorities on the successful outcome of their negotiations for the purchase of King’s College. Further, it is a matter for community satisfaction that an institution, wedded so closely to Auckland’s educational traditions and possessing so good a record of achievement, should be placed on a sound and permanent footing. When the necessary formalities are completed the control of King’s College will be in the hands of St. John’s College trustees, and the school will he endowed by, and be under the direct control of, the Church of England. The news that an agreement has been reached will not surprise those who are acquainted in even a casual way with Church of England activities. It is an open secret that for some years both the King’s College and St. John’s College authorities have realised the desirability of bringing the private school under the aegis of the Church: also that they have worked painstakingly and harmoniously to accomplish this move. The effect of the change will he largely administrative, but it will complete and strengthen the chain of Church of England schools in New Zealand, widening the opportunity for the interchange of masters and the exchange of methods. In this regard there is no call or excuse for comparisons with tlie secondary educational institutions of the State. “King’s” is about to take its place among schools which have ai'isen in response to the needs and desires of Church of England adherents throughout the country, and the present transfer is fully in keeping with its past work and ideals.

It is a glowing compliment to the present administrators of King’s College that the transfer has been made possible by the efforts of old boys and friends who have raised in recent months a sum of £20.000. The St. John’s College trustees are acceptingliabilities amounting to nearly £60,000, but a trust fund of £15,000 is available from the Church and the financial position has been soundly planned. The scholastic future of the school will be linked henceforth with that of Christ’s College, the Wanganui Collegiate School and Te Ante College, and, for this reason, if is a highly promising- one. From tlie established traditions of “King's ’ there prepares to emerge a school of great and lasting worth.