THAMES HIGH SCHOOL.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3591, 30 June 1880, Page 2

THAMES HIGH SCHOOL.

(To the Editor of Ibe Evening Stab.)

Sib, —Seeing in your issue of 28th the list of marks I thought it would not be out of place to say a few words. I must say I am disappointed, at tho results of the first examination as shown by the marks, and if after a year's more trial the results are not shown to be more on a par with the cost, it will be time to take steps to make a change or improve it off, bearing in mind the position of the Colony at the present time. I find seventeen in the first list, I presume all (including the first three) pay alike the fees chargeable; of these four being unavoidably absent on jfiveral occasions leaves thirteen, who obtained 2889 marks in English, or an average of 222 each out of a possible 500; in mathematics and science they got 1597 marks, or an average of 123 out of a possible 450; while in the classics they scored 608, or an- average of 47 marks each out of a possible 300; or out of a total 1150 marks that each might have obtained, they did obtain a total of 392, being little more than a third possible. Agaiu, the four absentees in English out of 500 get 125, in mathematics out of 450 get 45, in classics out of 2CO get 21; or out of, a total 1150 they get a sixth, or 191. It seems like a farce but for the price *paid for it, for I suppose that all told—interest on first cost, salaries, fuel, and other expenses—the cost'will amount to £170 per quarter, or just £10 per pupil to the community, so that it behoves better application and an increase of scholars if it is to be allowed tojje carried on. Lower the* fees at once, and thus enlarge the numbers who would attend, thus promoting a healthy rivalry and competition, then there will not be to much room to cavil at what must be considered a huge failure or big white elephant, bub which ought to "be a great boon to the community in which it exists, and which countenances and supports it. —I am, &c, Patbbfamilils.