CORRESPONDENCE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 315, 31 May 1911, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE

THE HIGH SCHOOL. To the Editor. Sir,—ln the columns of this morning's paper* I see the principal has replied to the attacks made on him by our public benefactors, and, as an old boy of the school, I would like to say a word or two on the subject. The question of outside coaching the principal passes j over in as iew words as possible, because he knows it is the greatest point among the charges. lam informed that only one pupil out of those who passed the matriculation examination in Form X. last year did not receive outside coaching. This speaks for itself, as it can be seen that it is due to outside coaching that the school maintains what little reputation it has. Latin is the subject in which most of the pupils are coached outside, and the reasoa for this is seen in the elementary book. It is a good time since I left the school, but I find the same text-book is still used. It was not a popular boo'k in those days, and does hot put things nearly as clear as Principia Latina or Via Latina. The question has been asked why so many boys who qualify for free tuition do not attend the High School, and one of the reasons, I think, is that the cost of sport subscriptions, etc., are so heavy. A barbaric way of extracting these is permitted. A list of the boys of the school is posted in some prominent position, and those who pay the full halfsovereign have their names crossed off, leaving those unable to pay to bear the indignity of derision. This, I am informed, is only a minor irregularity of the management. Mr. Bockrill, as usual, is "barking up the wrong tree" in attributing to the school the success of the pupils who gained Taranaki and Bayly Memorial scholarships. Last year's winner of the former scholarship only lately came to the school, having received her, former education elsewhere, and when at the High School practically "swatted on her own." The previous winner attributed her success to outside coaching. I hardly think the school can claim the honor of the Bayly Memorial scholarship, as it is only primary school work, this not being taught at the Higjf School, the lad who won it having received his previous eduoation at the popular West End School. It will thus, be seen what sucoess does come to the school is from outside coaching.—T am, etc., AN OLD BOY.