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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Taranaki, Hawke's Bay & Wellington Provincial Districts]

Educational

Educational.

Of the many public services in New Zealand, none is more universally popular than the national system of education, which has been in operation since 1877. With the arrival of the first settlers, private school—which in some instances had been begun on shipboard, on the passage out—were established, and these were followed by denominational schools, controlled by the various churches, and assisted out of public revenues. The Provincial Governments set up in each province a system of public education, differing somewhat in principle in each centre of settlement, but for which liberal provision was made. After the abolition of the provinces, the duty of providing instruction for the young fell upon the General Government, and the Education Act of 1877 embodied a scheme of free, secular, and compulsory education for the whole colony; it practically did away with the provincial and denominational systems, and is still in force. In the state schools tuition is free of cost to parents, except in regard to school books; religion is not taught; and it is compulsory for all children, between seven and thirteen years of age to attend school or receive private tuition. Though the Roman Catholics maintain separate schools, and a few other denominational and private schools still exist, the State educates about ninety per cent, of the children. The syllabus comprises reading, writing and arithmetic, history, geography, grammar, drawing, elementary science, domestic economy, and physical culture; boys are also instructed in military drill, and may learn woodcarving, and girls are taught plain sewing and cookery. The colony is divided into thirteen education districts, each under the administration of an elected Board of Education; and each Board receives and expends the capitation grant allotted by the Government from the consolidated revenue. In addition to the primary schools, there are in every district secondary schools; and in the four chief centres there are University Colleges. The free scholarships offered by the Government and private citizens are so numerous that an apt pupil of proved ability is enabled, after leaving a primary school, to advance through the secondary schools and university colleges, at practically no cost to the parents.

The university colleges have professorial staffs of high attainments, and the courses of lectures in the various branches of learning are attended by large numbers of students of both sexes. The University of New Zealand is an examining body, empowered to grant degrees in Arts, Sciences, Law, Music, and Medicine, and its distinctions are allowed to rank with those of Oxford, Cambridge, or any other university in the British dominions.

Secondary Schools.

Boys' High School, Clyde Road, Napier. Board of Governors: Dr. Moore (chairman), Messrs H. A. Cornford, T. Tanner, J. C. Westall, C. H. Edwards, S. McLernon, H. J.
Tennyson Street, from the Marine Parade.

Tennyson Street, from the Marine Parade.

page 340 Twigg, R. D. D. McLean, J. V. Brown, T. L. Buick, Rev. D. Sidey, D.D. (secretary). Staff; Messrs A. S. M. Polson, B.A. (head-master), E. W. Andrews, B.A., W. Kerr, M.A., H. H. Allan, B.A., A. W. Short, B.A., C. F. Rockel, D. A. Tuck (assistant masters), the Director of the Napier Technical School (drawing and carpentry), and the District Staff Sergeant-Major (drill instructor). This fine school is situated in Clyde Road, on one of the best sites in Napier. The house is a large two-storied building, well lighted and ventilated, and with drainage and sanitary equipments upon the most improved modern system. The dormitories, cubicles, and dining-room are large and comfortable, and the domestic arrangement are under the supervision of Mrs. Polson. The school is surrounded by spacious grounds, which, includes tennis and fives courts, and the governors have secured the use of the public recreation ground for cricket and football. There is a splendid gymnasium where systematic instruction is given. The two excellent cadet companies in connection with the school are under the command of the masters. The course of study is similar to that of the best English schools, and pupils are specially prepared for university and other examinations. Of candidates for the University and senior and junior civil service examinations during the last ten years, over ninety percent have been successful. The ordinary curriculum includes English in all its branches, Latin, French, mathematics (including arithmetic, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and mathematics), science (chemistry, physics, and physiology), writing, drawing, gymnastics, and drill. By arrangement, and without extra charge, boys may take carpentry, book-keeping and shorthand. Particular attention, is paid to the moral and physical training of the pupils, and reports of work and conduct are sent to parents at the end of each term. The school year is divided into three terms of about fourteen weeks each. Fees are payable per term in advance, as follows: Tuition, upper school, £3 3s per term; lower school, £2 16s; stationery, upper school, 5s per term; lower school, 2s 6d per term; board and residence, £13 6s 8d per term. A term's notice is required previous to the removal of a pupil.
The Napier Boys' High School.

The Napier Boys' High School.

Mr. Angus Sutherland Murray Polson, B.A., Principal of the Napier Boys' High School, was born in Oamaru, in 1860, and is a son of the late Mr. Angus Polson, manager of “Balruddery,” North Otago. He was educated at the Teanraki public school, Oamaru District High School, Otago High School, and Otago University, and gained his B.A. degree in 1889. When twelve years of age he passed the sixth standard examination with 100 per cent, of marks, and took first prize. Two months later he won Otago Education Board's Junior Scholarship of £80, six months afterwards the Oamaru Caledonian Society's Bursary of £60 was awarded to him; in December, 1883, he won an Otago Senior Scholarship of £120, and three years later he won a New Zealand University Scholarship of £135, making a total of £395. Of first prizes several were won for English, French, composition, mapping, Latin, Euclid, algebra, and general excellence. He received also a silver medal for best in drill, and the dux medal of the Oamaru District High School. The first-class certificates gained at the University included those for mathematics, mechanics, English, French, and mental science. Other examinations passed with much credit by him were the junior and senior Civil Service examinations, in the former of which he was first of 211 successful candidates. While studying at the University, Mr. Polson was also assistant master at the Otago High School, and in 1890 was appointed second master of the Waimate District High School. In 1894 he was selected from seventeen graduates for the position of assistant-master of the Timaru High School, and in January, 1896, he was appointed second master of the Napier Boys' High School, out of fourteen graduates who applied. In May, 1902, on the death of his predecessor, Mr. W. Wood, he was appointed to the principalship, out of twenty-nine graduates, and under his control the school has progressed by leaps and bounds. The attendance has more than doubled, and every department of school life is characterised by a healthy, vigorous tone. The testimonials held by Mr. Polson are of the highest order, and bear evidence to his character, page 341 scholarship, and scholastic experience. That Mr. Polson has not neglacted physical training in favour of mental, is attested in many ways. He has been an excellent swimmer, cyclist, and footballer, and has been long known as a successful sprinter. For many years he held the Otago High School records of eleven seconds for 100 yards, and 55 2–5th seconds for the quarter-mile. These records were made in 1896, When Mr. Polson was a scholar, and he has since reduced them to ten and three-fifths and fifty-four seconds respectively. For five years he was captain of football clubs at Waimate and Timaru. In volunteering Mr. Polson has taken a prominent part, having been lieutenant in the Oamaru and Dunedin High School cadets, captain of the cadets in Timaru and Napier, and he is now Major of the No. 2 Battalion of Wellington Defence Cadets. He has been president or secretary of recreation clubs, debating, and Christian Endeavour societies, and for many years he has been either manager or on the staff of school or college journals. The “Scindian.” the periodical of the Napier Boys' High School, is now in his charge. Mr. Polson is an elder of St. Paul's Church, and takes an active interest in the welfare of boys and young men. Active, energetic and generous in all useful undertakings, the principal of the Napier Boys' High School is a credit to the profession. He was married, in 1897. to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Strachan. of Dunedin, and has two daughters.
The Rectory, Napier Boys' High School.

The Rectory, Napier Boys' High School.

Mr. E. W. Andrews, B.A., First Assistant Master of the Napier Boys' High School, is further referred to as Captain of the First Company of the High School Cadets.

Mr. Walter Kerr, M.A. (Cambridge), and Intermediate B.Sc. (London University), who holds the mastership of mathematics and science at the Napier Boys' High School, was born at Remuera. Auckland, and is the third son of the late Mr. William Kerr, one of the pioneers of Auckland. He was educated at public schools, and was afterwards for a few years engaged in teaching, under the Auckland Education Board. Mr. Kerr then graduated B.A. at the Auckland University, and subsequently went to Cambridge, where he took mathematical honours in the tripos of 1889, and graduated M.A. in 1893. For some time he studied at the London University, of which he is an intermediate B.Sc. Mr. Kerr was then appointed mathematical and science master at the Uttoxeter Grammar School, Staffordshire, and later on held a similar position in Morrison's Academy, at Crieff, in Scotland. In 1904 he returned to New Zealand, was for a few months an assistant master at Nelson College, and in 1905 received his present appointment.

Mr. Harry Howard Allan, B.A., who was appointed Senior House Master of the Napier Boys' High School in January, 1906, is a native of Nelson, where his father, Mr. Robert Allan, is manager of the New Zealand Clothing Factory's business. He was born in the year 1882, and after passing through the public school went to the Nelson College, where he subsequently studied for his B.A. degree, as an extra-mural student of the Auckland University College, graduating in 1904. Mr. Allan has taken considerable interest in athletics, and was a member of the Auckland University first fifteen for 1905.

Mr. Cecil Ferdinand Rockel., Fifth Assistant and Junior House Master of the Napier Boys' High School, was born in Carnarvon, about twenty miles from Feilding, in the year 1884, and is the eighth son of Mr. G. A. Herman Rockel, a well-known farmer. He was educated at the public school in his native place, where, after reaching the second standard, he was employed a part of each day in teaching the pupils immediately below his own status in the school. At fourteen years of age he won a senior scholarship, and went to Wanganui College, where he was granted an extra free year. He was subsequently for two years at the Wanganui Preparatory College, under Mr. W. E. Atkinson, before receiving his present appointment. While at Wanganui he matriculated on the Junior University Scholarship papers, and he has since kept a year's terms as an extramural student of the Victoria College in Wellington. Mr. Rockel was for some time a member of the Wanganui Highland Rifles, and is a lieutenant of the Napier Rifles. As a footballer he played in the Wanganui College team in 1902, in the College Old Boys' team in 1903 and 1904, and in the Wanganui “Reps” for 1904; in 1905 he was a member of the Scinde Football Club, and of the Hawke's Bay “Reps,” playing with the latter team in all centres of the colony. He was also for some time a member of several Wanganui cricket clubs, and of the Wanganui rowing, swimming, and Sandow clubs.

The Rev. D. Sidey, D.D., Secretary to the High School Board of Governors, and sometime chairman of the Education Board, and Clerk and Treasurer to the Presbyterian General Assembly of New Zealand, was born at Pitcairn Green, near Perth, Scotland, educated at Redgorton parish school and Perth Academy, and graduated at Edinburgh University. Dr. Sidey entered the Church in 1857, and had charge of a parish at Auchtermuchty for about eight years; later, he was transferred to West Calder, where he remained for six years, then came to New Zealand by the ship “Caduceus,” and landed at Auckland in 1872. He proceeded to Napier, where he took charge of the Presbyterian Church, to which he had been appointed previous to his departure from Scotland. In 1884, when Mr. Patterson succeeded him in his charge, Dr. Sidey became clerk and treasurer to the General Asembly, page 342 but still occasionally officiated at religious services. He has always taken a prominent part in educational and ecclesiastical matters. When Dr. Sidey arrived in Hawke's Bay there were only two Presbyterian ministers in the province, now there are thirteen in charges, besides one in Poverty Bay. This result is a monument to the indefatigable efforts put forth by him and his associates in the ministry. “Dr. Sidey lost his wife in 1894, and had three sons and two daughters.

Rev. Dr. Sidey.

Rev. Dr. Sidey.

The Napier Girls' High School, which is pleasantly situated on Clyde Road, Napier, was first opened under the superintendence of Miss M. E. G. Hewett, of Queen's College, Cambridge, in February, 1884, and has become one of the leading institutions of its kind in the North Island. The school has, from time to time, been enlarged and improved, and is now a handsome two-storeyed building, containg well-furnished class-rooms, a general dining room, a music room, sitting rooms, pupils' bedrooms, and the drawing room. Some distance from the main building there is a large play-shed, which also contains a cookery department. The grounds surrounding the school have a westerly aspect, and include an asphalt playground, an orchard and vegetable garden, flower gardens, and tennis and croquet lawns. Pupils are prepared for the junior and senior Civil Service examinations, matriculation, junior University Scholarships, and University term examinations, and Trinity College musical tests. Of the large number of pupils presented within recent years, ninety per cent. have been successful. Systematic instruction is also given in gymnastics and physical drill. The average attendance is about 105, an increase of nearly 100 per cent during the last five years. The head mistress of the school, Miss A. E. J. Spencer, B.A., is supported by an efficient staff, three of whom are University graduates.

The Napier Girls' High School.

The Napier Girls' High School.

Miss Anna Elizabeth Jerome Spencer, B.A. (New Zealand), Principal of the Napier Girls' High School, was born in Napier, and is a daughter of the late Dr. Spencer, F.R.S., M.R.O.S., a scientist and physician who practised for some years in Napier. She entered the school as a pupil at its foundation in the year 1884, and matriculated in 1889. She graduated B.A. in 1895, and was immediately appointed to the teaching staff of the Girls' High School. In 1897 she became first assistant, and three years later succeeded Miss R. M. Matthews, LL.A., as principal.

Education Board.

The Hawke's Bay Education Board, governing the Hawke's Bay Education District, which extends from Cape Runaway in the north to Woodville in the south, has about 110 schools under its charge, with an aggregate attendance of 9,500 children. There are four district high schools, and seven centres at which technical education is given, and the total number of teachers under the Board's control is about 250. These figures, however, are rapidly increasing with the steady development of the district, and new schools are constantly in course of erection. The Gisborne district school is the largest in Hawke's Bay, with a roll number of 953; the next in size is the Napier district school, which is closely followed by the main school at Hastings.

Mr. George Crawshaw, who was appointed secretary to the Hawke's Bay Education Board in May, 1906, was born in Yorkshire, England, in the year 1875, and came to New Zealand in 1880. He was educated at the page 343 Oamaru North public school, and the Waitaki High School, and afterwards served for four years as a pupil teacher in the former institution. Mr. Crawshaw was subsequently for a year at the Dunedin Training College, and was then appointed master of the Station Creek public school in South Canterbury, and three years later became second assistant master of the Timaru main school. In the year 1899, he obtained leave of absence to take part in the South African war. He was eighteen months at the front, was several times mentioned in despatches, and return to New Zealand with the rank of Major. In his absence Mr. Craw-shaw was appointed first assistant master of the Timaru main school, and four years later became assistant secretary to the South Canterbury Education Board, and held this position till May, 1906.

Mr. Henry Hill, B.A., F.G.S. (London), Inspector of Schools under the Hawke's Bay Board of Education, is the son of Mr. B. Hill, iron and nail factor, and was born at Lye, near Stourbridge, Worcestershire, England, in the year 1849, and trained as a pupil teacher in his native town. He was educated at Cheltenham College, where he completed his training for the profession of a schoolmaster, and was afterwards appointed to organise St. Mark's school, Nottingham. When the Canterbury Provincial Government were organising their schools (Hon. W. Rolleston being the superintendent), Mr. Hill was selected with several others for the work, and he came to New Zealand in 1873. in the ship “Merope.” While in Chrischurch he was for some time science master at Christ's College, and mathematical master at Miss Lohse's young ladies' school. He started the New Zealand “Schoolmaster,” and edited that journal for several years; and was the prime mover in the agitation which resulted in the formation of the first Teachers' Association in New Zealand, a general conference of teachers being held in Christchurch in 1876. In 1878 he was appointed inspector and secretary to the Napier Education Board, and for thirteen years held the dual position. He was however, obliged to relinquish the secretaryship on account of the rapid increase of the volume of examining work. Mr. Hill is an enthusiastic geologist, and his large district, extending from Cape Runaway to Cape Turnagain, provides him with an excellent field for observation. He assisted the people of Wanganui in the discovery of an artesian water supply, and in recognition of his services was presented with a specially-engraved and valnable gold watch by the Wanganui Borough Council. He was made a fellow of the Royal Geological Society many years ago, on the recommendation of Sir James Hcctor and Professor Hutton. An earnest believer in mutual improvement societies, Mr. Hill started the Napier Young Men's Club, and has done much to assist its progress. He is a Freemason, but unattached. In 1873 he married a daughter of Mr. John Knowles, of Worcestershire, and has four daughters and three sons.

Mr. Samuel McLernon, who has been a member of the Hawke's Bay Education Board for about nine years, was born in the year 1854, at Belfast, in the north of Ireland, where his father was a builder. He was educated at Coleraine and Belfast, and in the latter place became a manufacturing jeweller. He came to New Zealand in 1877, shortly afterwards opened up business in the Waikato, and later established a branch at Gisborne. He subsequently sold out of the former, and acquired the business previously conducted by Messrs Jensen and Moeller in Napier. In 1903 Mr. McLernon erected the present handsome premises in Hastings Street, where, and in Gisborne, he conducts one of the finest jewellery, businesses on the East Coast. For some years Mr. McLernon was a member of the Gisborne Borough Council, and a member of the Licensing Bench. In Napier he was for years chairman of the local holiday association, and at different times has taken part in the management of various public bodies.

Mr. Walter Philip Finch, who has been architect to the Hawke's Bay Education Board since the year 1895, was born in Dunedin, in 1860, and is a son of a well-known wine and spirit merchant. He was educated at public schools, and at the Otago Boys' High School, and was articled to his profession under Mr. James Johnston, of Oamaru. Later on, he was for about a year in the Public Works Department of the Government service, and in 1883 he removed to Napier, and entered into partnership with Mr. T. R. Cooper. In 1891, however, Mr. Cooper withdrew from the firm, and Mr. Finch has since practised his profession on his own account in premises situated near the foot of Shakespeare Road. Mr. Finch's connection extends from Gisborne on the north to Dannevirke on the south, and a large number of the finest commercial houses, public buildings; and private residences, both in town and country, have been designed by him. Mr. Finch is architect for the Napier Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and holds other minor offices. He comes of a gifted musical family, and is a life member of the Cathedral choir, of which he was for many years secretary and treasurer.

Primary Schools.

The Napier District School is a wooden building of two storeys, situated on the north side of Clive Square. The infant school is conducted in a separate building, standing on the corner of Clive Square and Carlyle Street. The school is one of the oldest in the province, and was founded in the “seventies.” It has accommodation for about 1,000 scholars, the roll number is about 700, and the average attendance 640. The school has an excellent name for efficiency, and the annual examinations show good results. There are two cadet corps in the school. The staff consists of the head-master, three male and five female assistants, and six pupil-teachers.

Mr. L. J. Plank.

Mr. L. J. Plank.

Mr. James Hislop, Head-master of the Napier District School, is further referred to as captain and adjutant of the 3rd (East Coast) Battalion of the Wellington Rifle Volunteers. He also holds the position of Major, commanding No. 1 Battalion, Hawke's Bay Public School Cadets.

Mr. Louis John Plank (D3 Certificate), Second Assistant Master of the Napier District School, was born at Makotuku, in Hawke's Bay, in September, 1881, and was educated at the Makotuku and Ormondville public schools, chiefly under Mr. J. C. Westall, B.A., LL.B., He subsequently served as a pupil teacher for four years in the Weber school, and was then for one year in training in Napier. In 1903 Mr. Plank was appointed assistant master at Waipukurau, two years later page 344 became third assistant master at the Hastings public school, and in 1906 accepted his present appointment. Mr. Plank was a member of the Dannevirke Mounted Rifles, and of the Waipawa Rifles, in which he held office as a corporal. He is a keen sportsman, and has gained representative honours at football.

Mr. Cecil Bertram McCure, who in February, 1906, was appointed third assistant master of the Napier District School, was born in South Canterbury in September, 1886, and is a son of Mr. W. D. McClure, headmaster of the Kiritaki school, near Dannevirke. He was educated in Gisborne, at the public school, where he gained a scholarship in 1900, and at the High School, where he matriculated in 1902. He was then appointed as a second-year pupil teacher at the Mangapapa public school, nine months after was transferred to the district High School at Dannevirke, where he gained the D certificate, and a year later received his present appointment. Mr. McClure takes a keen interest in athletics, was captain of his school cricket and football clubs, and carried off the half-mile running championship for Poverty Bay. As a volunteer he is a member of the Napier Guards, and he is also a member of the choir of St. Paul's Church.

Mr. C. B. McClure.

Mr. C. B. McClure.

The Napier South School was originally established as a side school, to prevent overcrowding in the main school. It was intended only to accommodate small children, and was placed in charge of a mistress, who for some time had as many as 300 names on the roll. In February, 1899; however, the school was opened as a training college for teachers, and was retained as such under the head-mastership of Mr. Dodds, M.A., until the year 1902, when it was constituted an ordinary public school. It is situated in Hastings Street, and comprises two wooden buildings, with accommodation for about 450 pupils. There is a roll number of about 300, and the average attendance is 270. Mr. J. N. Dodds, M.A., is head-master.

The Hukarere Native Girls' School, situated on the Hukarere Road, was established by the late Bishop Williams, the first Bishop of Waiapu, in the year 1875. It was for some years maintained by the Church Missionary Society and the proceeds from a Maori school estate, but it was in 1892, affiliated to the Te Aute College. The two schools are supported by a valuable endowment, known as the Te Aute College Estate, and by Government scholarships or grants to individual pupils on their selection for transference from the various native primary schools. Many of the pupils have done excellent work, one became mistress of the school for several years, and some are now teaching in native schools in various parts of the colony. In addition to the ordinary school curriculum, dress-making, cookery, and laundry work are taught. Some of the old pupils receive hospital training. The building is of two storeys, in wood and iron, and has residential accommodation for about sixty pupils.

The Hukarere Native Girls' School.

The Hukarere Native Girls' School.

Miss Anna Maria Williams, under whose general superintendence the Hukarere Native Girls' School is carried on, is a daughter of the late Bishop Williams, founder of the institution, and has been closely connected with the management of the school from its inception.

Miss Jane Helena Bulstrode, Lady Principal of the Hukarere Native Girls' School, was born in Berkshire, England, and was educated at Craufurd House, Maidenhead. In 1898 she was recommended by the Church Missionary Society for the position she now holds. She was joined by a sister two years later.