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Appendix E.

ANNUAL REPORT UPON THE WELLINGTON COLLEGE.

Wellington College,
17th April, 1875.

Sir,--

I have the honor to submit for your consideration the following report of the College since its removal to the present site in October last:—

The new buildings were opened for the reception of students at the beginning of October, and while the number on the roll previously was forty-two (42), of whom none were boarders; the present number is ninety-three (93), of whom eighteen (18) are boarders, and the number of applications already received indicates a still further increase next term. These figures are, I think, sufficient evidence that the advantages afforded by the College are thoroughly appreciated not only by the inhabitants of the City, but by the whole Province; several of the boarders coming from the Wairarapa, Wanganui, and other up-country districts.

In order to render these advantages available to all, the Governors have established four Scholarships at the College, which are open to all boys of twelve years old and upwards coming from any primary school in the Province. The first of these scholarships was offered for competition in December last, and was gained, after a very close contest, by Mr. W. H. Field, from Wanganui. There are also two scholarships, founded by the munificent gift of W. Turnbull, Esq., who devoted £1000 to that purpose, of the annual value of £25 each, tenable for four years by students of the College, whether boarders or day boys, who have matriculated as students of the New Zealand University.

Thus a boy of the requisite ability, from whatever part of the Province, or from whatever rank in life he may come, may obtain as high an education as the Colony can offer almost entirely free of all charge.

There are also the scholarships given by the New Zealand University, for which the students of this College are, in common with others, eligible; and it is a hopeful sign that no less than seven candidates from this College have entered for the next scholarship examination in May.

The establishment of Wellington as a centre for the Cambridge Local Examination, affords a great additional advantage to all schools in this Province, by enabling us to test our work by a much wider and more efficient standard than would be otherwise within our reach.

The lectures in physical science by Professor Kirk are also a very important feature in our curriculum, and with a view of rendering them still more efficient a museum is in course of formation, which only requires some additional outlay to render it thoroughly satisfactory for teaching purposes.

The papers of the students in this branch were submitted to Dr. Hector, and were pronounced by him very satisfactory; and the College generally was examined at Christmas last by the Rev. Mr. Elwyn, late fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge, who gave a very favorable report of the work done.

The new buildings have now undergone the test of six months’ use, and have proved entirely satisfactory, as far as they go; but there is very urgent need for increased accommodation in several ways. The space available for boarders is already all taken up, and it has even been found necessary to encroach on the class-rooms.

The offices are not nearly large enough even for present requirements; and there is very pressing need for a sanatorium, and also a covered play-ground, the want of both of which is a very great detriment, not only to the comfort, but also to the health of the boys.

I have, &c.,

KENNETH WILSON, M.A.,
Principal.

To His Honor W. Fitzherbert, Esq., C.M.G.,
Superintendent of Wellington,
Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Wellington College.