180

The annual examination at Christmas was conducted by the following gentlemen—

In Classics and Modern Languages ... J. Gordon Allan, Esq.

In English ... ... ... Hon. W. Gisborne.

In Mathematics ... ... Rev. C. S. Ogg, M.A.

The answers to the papers in Natural Science were submitted to the inspection of J. C. Crawford, Esq., and Drs. Knight and Doyle, the last of whom also awarded the Levin prize for the best natural history collection of specimens from the neighbourhood of Wellington; and as a proof of his satisfaction with the work done in this department, Dr. Doyle himself gave a second prize of £5. The reports of the examiners, which were published at the time, showed that, though the standard was not high, yet the knowledge of their subjects displayed by the boys generally, was sound and thorough; and that the efficiency of the elementary teaching had not been sacrificed to a desire to push unduly the higher branches. An examination was also held at Christmas for another of the Primary School Scholarships, and of the eleven who entered for it, the first two were so good, and so nearly equal, that the Governors, on my recommendation, awarded a Scholarship to each of them.

Out of the seven (7) boys who entered for the University examination in May, 1875, three (3) were successful in gaining scholarships, namely, H. B. Kirk one of £40, C. Brandon one of £20, and S. C. Webb one of £20. Each of these Scholarships is tenable for three years. T. Webb, as having gained the highest total of marks, was awarded the first Turnbull Scholarship of £25 for four years.

There yet remain one Turnbull Scholarship and one Primary School Scholarship to be awarded next Christmas. The Governors have also decided that the Primary Scholarships shall include boarding when it is required, so that the College is now prepared to spend £300 per annum in Scholarships, if it is required, £200 of that in the shape of boarding fees being specially for the benefit of the country districts. Adding to this the £80 at present received by pupils of the College from the University, it appears that there is a sum of nearly £400 per annum available for Scholarships, a share of which may be obtained by a boy of sufficient intelligence from any part of the district.

The staff has sustained a serious loss by the temporary retirement of Mr. Buckland, who has been compelled to give up his work through ill-health. I quite hope, however, that he may be able to return before the end of the year. On the other hand, we have had a valuable addition by the appointment of Mr. Merlet as Modern Language Master; a gentleman who comes to us with great experience and very high testimonials, which I have no doubt that his work here will justify.

The accommodation for servants and offices so urgently needed in the house has been provided by the Governors, on condition of the occupier of the house paying interest on the money so expended. Our present numbers, however, tax to the utmost the accommodation both in class-rooms and dormitories, and any considerable increase in our numbers would render the completion of the building absolutely necessary—and such an increase must be expected with a rapidly-increasing population.

The museum has received valuable additions in the shape of type collections of skeletons and minerals, purchased in England, and of numerous books of reference given by W. T. L. Travers, Esq., and others. But a general library is much wanted, and the absence of a good playground and gymnasium is even a more serious deficiency. So far, fortunately, the health of the boys has been uniformly good, but we cannot hope always to escape serious illness, and in that case there is no place which could be used as an infirmary, or where in cases of infection patients could be separated from the rest of the house. I append a short summary of our estimated income and expenditure for the ensuing year, with regard to which I would venture to call your attention to the following points:

(I.) That there is no margin at present, and that any funds received from additional boys would be nearly, if not quite, absorbed, by a necessary increase in the staff.

(II.) That the grants from the Provincial Council, and from the University, expire in August, 1877, and that the latter cannot, without an alteration in the Act, be renewed.

I have, &c.,

KENNETH WILSON, M.A.,
Principal.

To His Honor W. Fitzherbert, Esq., C.M.G.,
Superintendent of Wellington.