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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

The Port Chalmers District High School

The Port Chalmers District High School was established in 1873 to take the place of the Mechanics' Institute formerly used as a school house. It was originally known as the Port Chalmers Grammar School, but when the Government of New Zealand became centralised, the school was renamed. It is situated high up on the hill in a westerly direction from the town, and is a spacious stone building, of one storey, built in Gothic style, and surmounted by two battlemented towers. There are in all twelve rooms in the school, with accommodation for over 600 pupils. The walls inside are plastered, and are handsomely decorated with attractive and instructive maps and pictures. A brass plate, suitably inscribed and mounted on carved oak, has been placed in the senior classroom by old scholars, in memory of four former pupils of the school who fell in the South African war. The playground, though not extensive, is well asphalted, and conveniently appointed. A valuable technical school, situated about 100 yards from the main building, has two classrooms, each fitted up in a most elaborate and convenient manner. Port Chalmers is fortunate in possessing a school which affords instruction not only in primary and secondary school subjects, but also in shorthand, typewriting, and bookkeeping, and in such technical subjects as wood-work and cookery. At present (1904) the number on the school roll is 480, and the average attendance, about 430. The teaching staff consists of the Rector. Mr. James Kennie, B.A., B.Sc., two male assistants, five female assistants, and four pupil-teachers.