The Rev. Dr. Belcher M.A., LL.D.

The Board of Governors placed the selection of a successor to Dr. Macdonald in the hands of Sir F. D. Bell and Dr. James Macdonald, of Glasgow, and these gentlemen made choice of the Rev. Henry Belcher, M.A., LL.D., Fellow and late Chaplain and Classical Master in the school, King's College, London. That gentlemen entered on his duties in March, 1886, and his ability and indefatigable efforts, aided by a staff of well-qualified masters, have maintained the school in a high state of efficiency. The general tone of the school is undoubtedly most satisfactory, page 164while the distinguished success of late years of a considerable proportion of the pupils at the University classes and in the University and other public examinations,, bears ample testimony to the suitableness and the value of the instruction given in the several subjects comprised in the school course. There is every reason also to believe that at the present time the Boys' High School possesses in a very large measure, the confidence and good-will of the parents of the pupils, and the general public. During the year 1888, the total number of boys enrolled was 309. The highest number actually in attendance on a given day was 281. It is worthy of mention, that including scholarship holders, forty one pupils enjoyed the privilege of free education at the school in 1888. The following is an extract from the Inspector Greneral's report, dated Nov. 15, 1886:—"This is one of our best schools, and it appears to me to be improving in tone and discipline. The present administration is able and vigorous. The instruction given in some branches of physical science is very good." The Inspector Greneral's report for 1887 is as follows:—"September 21, This school has received a remarkably large accession of numbers this year. The organisation appears to be singularly complete and perfect." The report for 1888 has not yet been issued.