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Picturesque Dunedin: or Dunedin and its neighbourhood in 1890

The Otago Girls' High School

The Otago Girls' High School.

Preliminary Proceedings.

The Otago Boys' High School was opened on August 3rd, 1863. About a week afterwards (August 11th) an ably-written leading article on the subject appeared in the Otago Daily Times. After dealing with the subject of the Boys' School in a very appreciative manner, the writer proceeds as follows:—" The High School, however, wants a companion institution. There is one direction in which we have attempted little and done less to promote the best interests of education and of families. We mean in the provision made for the education of girls, especially after they have arrived at an age when it is untasteful to their friends and obviously unwise that they should remain in the mixed common school." Then follow some well-put arguments in support of the proposal to establish a Girls' High School, and the article concludes as follows:—"It is to be hoped that a High. School for girls will be promptly organised in Dunedin." A day or two afterwards, a letter appeared in the Daily Times over the signature "Paterfamilias," thanking the editor for his sensible and well-timed article, and suggesting that pressure should be brought to bear upon the Government to take steps for the establishment of the proposed school with the least possible delay. This was the first occasion on which the proposal to establish a Girls' High School in Dunedin was publicly discussed, and it is only due to the Otago Daily Times that this fact should not be lost sight of. But before and after the publication of the article referred to, the subject received careful consideration from the education authorities, and it was fully resolved that a Girls' High School should be established as soon as the difficulties that interposed should be removed, the chief of these being inability to procure a suitable site and building for the purpose. In the Provincial Council on November 4th, 1864, Major Richardson moved the following resolution, of which notice had previously been given by Mr Reynolds—(1) "That it is expedient to give encouragement to the education of girls beyond that afforded by the ordinary district schools; and (2) that the Government be page 168requested to submit to the House during the next session some-scheme by which this result could be attained."

The subject continued to receive consideration from time to time, but nothing definite was done until June, 1869, when, on the motion of Mr J. L. Gillies, it was resolved by the Provincial Council—" That the Government be requested to appoint an honorary commission to determine the best site and scheme for a High School, and to consider whether it is expedient that provision should be made in the same building for the teaching of girls as well as boys." The commission consisted of the following members:—The Rev. Dr. Stuart (chairman), Mr Justice Ward, the Hon. P. D. Bell, and the following members of the Provincial Council:—Messrs Reynolds, Turnbull, McIndoe, McLean, Reid, Haggitt, Duncan, Gillies, and Mouat.

In addition to other documents, the commission had before it a letter and papers received from a committee of ladies in Otago, who greatly interested themselves in the proposed establishment of a Girls' High School. The late Mrs. E. B. Cargill was President of the committee, and Miss Dalrymple was its most indefatigable Secretary. The commission expressed its deep obligation to the ladies' committee and to Miss Dalrymple, and embodied in its report a number of the recommendations made by them. The commission recommended that the rector's residence and boarding establishment should be removed to another locality, and that the rooms to be vacated, together with such additional accommodation as might be found necessary, should be occupied as a Girls' High School, a residence for the Lady Principal, and a boarding-house for girls from a distance; and that the other portions of the building should be enlarged and adapted to the purposes of a Boys' High School.

The Opening of the School Under Mrs. Burn.

At the end of 1870 the several additions and improvements recommended by the Commission were completed, and the Education Board was placed in a position to open the Girls' School, and to organise it in accordance with the Commission's recommendations. Mrs. M. Gordon Burn, formerly Lady Superintendent of Geelong Girls' College, was appointed Lady Principal, and the following teachers were also engaged:—Miss Macdougall (now Mrs. Neish), first assistant; Mrs. Rhinda, page 169resident governess; Miss Huie (now Mrs. Borrows), resident music governess; and Miss Bell (now Mrs. McGlashan), and Mr. Lees, visiting music teachers. The services of Mr. D. C. Hutton as Drawing Master were secured, and these have been continued ever since. Mr. Gr. M. Thomson rendered valuable service for some years as conductor of the Class Singing Lessons. It was also arranged with the Rector that the masters of the Boys' School should give lessons in some of the higher subjects to classes in the Girls' School. The prospectus issued by the Board set forth that the object of the institution was to impart to girls a thoroughly useful and liberal education, combined with careful moral and religious instruction; that the ordinary course would embrace a thorough English education, viz.:—Reading, Grammar, Composition, Elocution, History, Natural Science, Geography, Writing and Arithmetic, and also Class-Singing, Drawing, French, and Industrial Work; and that competent teachers would be engaged for Music, Singing (private lessons), Dancing and Calisthenics, German, and other branches that might afterwards be found desirable.

The School was opened on February 6, 1871, with a roll of 78 pupils; by the end of the quarter there were 102 in attendance; and at the close of the year there were. 130 names on the roll, including 16 boarders. It was now found necessary to enlarge the school buildings, both for day-school and boarding-house purposes. In 1872 the number enrolled was 125. In the beginning of 1873 it was found advisable to discontinue the arrangements under which some of the masters of the Boys' School gave lessons to the senior classes in the Girls' School, and to transfer the services of Mr. Pope wholly to the latter. The number on the school roll at the end of 1873 was 137, and the average for the year, 126. In 1874, the attendance had increased to 155, and the accommodation again became insufficient. The number of pupil-boarders had increased to 24, and want of room compelled Mrs Burn almost every week to decline receiving more girls. The Board was therefore under the necessity of again making considerable additions to the building.

Mrs. Burn had thrown so much energy and zeal into the performance of her onerous and responsible duties that she somewhat overtaxed her strength, and towards the end of 1874 page 170the Board asked her to accept leave of absence for a few months. A temporary substitute was engaged, and the work of the School was satisfactorily carried on. In 1875, the average quarterly enrolment of pupils rose to 168. The number of girls receiving music lessons in connection with the school was 77. As the upper division of the school became more and more composed of pupils who had been trained in the lower classes, a higher standard of attainment began to be reached than was at first possible.

In course of time the work devolving upon the Lady Principal, consequent upon the increasing number of day scholars and pupil boarders became so onerous, that, in response to her own proposal, the Board resolved to relieve her of the care of the boarding establishment, so that her time and energies might be confined solely to the superintendence of the day-school. Mrs. Martin was accordingly placed in charge of the boarding-house in July 1876, Mrs. Burn giving up the occupation of the official residence. Mrs. Martin continued to preside over the boarding department until the beginning of 1878, when the Board of Governors, that had been appointed under the High Schools Act of 1877, reverted to the original arrangement, and placed Mrs. Burn in charge of the boarding institution as well as the day-school.

Under the Board of Governors the School continued to prosper as in former years, the only difficulty being the occasional inability of Mrs. Burn's strength to bear the strain imposed upon it by her energy and zeal in the performance of her weighty and responsible duties. With a view to reduce the strain, the Board of Governors in 1883 resolved to secure the services of a highly qualified Vice-Principal, who should also act as Mathematical teacher, and Sir. F. D. Bell and Professor Sidgwick of Trinity College, Cambridge, were requested to make a suitable selection in the Home Country. Their choice fell upon Miss J. J. McKean, who entered on her duties in November, 1883, and has ever since performed them in a highly satisfactory manner. In 1884 Mrs. Burn was compelled, by the state of her health, to resign the Lady Principalship. It is very generally admitted that from first to last Mrs. Burn performed the duties of her office with rare ability, and with a devotion and zeal that could not be surpassed, page 171and that under her superintendence the Otago Girls' High School proved an uninterrupted success. The following is an extract from the Inspector General's Report on the School about the time of Mrs. Burn's retirement:—" December 1, 1884. The Otago Girls' High School, which I visited on 17th September, maintains its high character for efficiency. Mrs. Burn, who has conducted it for so many years with distinguished ability, is about to retire."

Mr Alex. Wilson, M.A.

On Mrs Burn's retirement, the Board of Governors invited Mr Alex. Wilson, M.A., to accept the rectorship of the Girls' High School. Mr Wilson had for many years greatly distinguished himself as English Master of the Boys' High School, and on the occasion of Dr. Macdonald's absence in 1884, had fulfilled the duties of Acting-rector of the Boys' School with much ability and success. Miss Bathgate was at the same time placed in charge of the Boarding Institution. Under Mr Wilson and his very efficient staff the Girls' High School has well maintained its high character in all respects. In November 1886 the Inspector General thus reports of the school:—"This is also one of our best schools. The study of the English language occupies a prominent place. Latin and mathematics are well taught. The instruction in gymnastics is excellent. There are some good earnest students among the elder girls." The same gentleman's report in 1887 is as follows:—" This school is altogether in a very satisfactory condition, and it is pleasant to observe that the elder girls have acquired thoroughly good habits of serious study." The report for last year is not yet issued. There can be no doubt that, under Mr. Wilson's very able administration, the Girls' School possesses the full confidence of the governors, the parents of the pupils, and the general public. Five scholarships, including two University Junior Scholarships, were won by the pupils in 1888; several of them gained university distinctions, and eight of them stood high in the Otago University class examinations.

The attendance of pupils has also been well maintained. The highest number enrolled in any quarter of 1888 was 187. During the same year 71 entered the school for the first time. The enrolments during the last quarter of the year were 180, page 172with an average attendance of 171. The highest number at one time on the roll in the history of the school is that of the present year (1889), the number being 199. There were 25 resident boarders and two day boarders in 1888, being a marked increase on previous years. Twelve junior and four senior scholars of the Education Board were in attendance during 1888.

Buildings.

On the removal of the Boys' High School in February, 1885, to the new buildings in Arthur-street, the whole of the premises in Dowling-street were given up to the Girls' High School. The buildings are extensive and commodious, and are situated in a healthy and central locality, easily accessible from all parts of the city and suburbs. The main building contains a spacious central hall, in connection with which are a number of class-rooms well-furnished and adapted to the purposes of the school. Ample and suitable accommodation is provided for the lady manager of the boarding establishment, the resident governess, and a number of pupil boarders. The girls' bedrooms are large, well lighted, and ventilated, and are exceedingly comfortable. Each boarder occupies a separate bed-room. There are six bath-rooms with shower baths, and hot and cold water laid on. Every possible requirement for an institution of the kind seems to have been provided, and everything has been arranged with a view to the health and comfort of the boarders, who are at all times under strict control and superintendence. The Boarding Department is under the direction of Miss Bath-gate, a lady of high character and much experience. The recreation grounds cover an area of fully two acres, very completely and securely fenced, within which there are tennis courts, a fives court, play sheds, a large and exceedingly well-equipped gymnasium, &c.

General School Arrangements.

The school in common with the Boys' High School is under the control of a Board of Governors. The ordinary subjects of instruction include English, (Beading, Grammar, Composition, Geography, History, &c.,) Mathematics, (Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry,) Latin, French, German, Natural Science (Botany and Chemistry,) Writing, Drawing, Needlework, and Gymnastics. page 173Visiting teachers are engaged for instruction in music. The teaching of the several subjects is provided for as follows:— English, the Rector and Miss F. E. Grant; French, the Rector and staff; Latin and German, Dr. F. A. Bulau; Mathematics, Miss J. J. McKean (Vice-Principal); Science, Mr G. M. Thomson, F.L.S.; Assistants, Misses E. E. Little, and S. Douglas; Drawing, Mr D. C. Hutton; Gymnastics, Mr John Hanna. The following are visiting teachers: Music (piano), Mrs. T. White, Madam Miiller, and Miss E. Pratt; Singing, (private lessons) Mrs. T.White. It is worthy of mention that two very efficient members of the staff, Misses Grant and Little, were formerly pupils of the school, and that a number of other ex-pupils hold responsible positions in High Schools and other schools throughout the Colony.

There is an upper and a lower school. On first entering, pupils are classified according to their general proficiency in the subjects of instruction. Those who join the first form are expected to be able to read and spell fairly, and to know the four simple rules of Arithmetic. In connection with the Science Class, there is a fully furnished laboratory supplied with apparatus for practical Chemistry, as well as with microscopes for higher Botanical work. The pupils have two lessons weekly in Gymnastics in the large and well-equipped gymnasium attached to the school. Too much emphasis cannot be laid on the opportunity thus afforded to girls attending the school of receiving a systematic and complete physical education.

The School of Art.

In January 1870, the Education Board instituted the Dunedin School of Art under the directorship of Mr. David C. Hutton, formerly Master of the Perth School of Art. Mr. Hutton was selected for the position by the late Mr. John Auld, Home Agent for Otago. Two rooms in the building now occupied by the Colonial Bank were set apart and suitably furnished as class-rooms. It was arranged that the following classes should be formed: (1) A class for girls and young women; (2) A class for the High School pupils and other youths who might desire to attend; (3) Classes for pupil teachers, schoolmasters, and schoolmistresses, whether engaged in public or private schools; (4) Evening classes for apprentices and others. When the Girls' page 174High. School was opened in 1871, Mr. Hutton's services were also secured for that institution. For a number of years Mr. Hutton and Ms assistants gave lessons in the District Schools of Dunedin and suburbs, and in some of the District High Schools, but this has been discontinued owing to so many schools being now in operation, and the consequent inability of the staff to overtake the work, except at a rate of expenditure beyond the means of the Education Board. In 1876, the School of Art was provided with an excellent suite of rooms on the upper floor of the Normal School building, consisting of a very large general drawing-class room, a painting room, a cast room, a modelling room, master's room, store room, lavatories, &c. In all these arrangements Mr. Hutton's views and wishes were consulted.

The original scheme of instruction has been adhered to almost without a change. From the very outset Mr. Hutton has devoted himself to his work with rare enthusiasm, ability, and diligence, and with distinguished success. The benefit conferred by Mr. Hutton's labours on the large numbers who have successively attended his classes is really incalculable. Probably no class of students has profited to a larger extent than that of the apprentices and other youths, who in considerable numbers have attended the evening classes. Not a few of them, owing to the taste and skill developed by such attendance, are now occupying positions of usefulness and responsibility, for which they would not otherwise have been qualified. Employers of skilled labour in Dunedin and elswhere have borne testimony to this result. Many of the High School pupils, and the students of the ladies' afternoon classes have attained very considerable proficiency in drawing and painting, and a number of them have gained no small distinction. Probably the most distinguished ex-students of the school are Miss Mary Park, Miss Sperrey (now Mrs. Mair), and Miss M. Hartley.

The evening classes meet from seven till nine o'clock. Mondays and Wednesdays are given to freehand and model drawing, shading and painting in monochrome from the antique, modelling in clay and casting, painting in oil and water colours. Tuesdays and Thursdays are devoted to the study of practical plane and solid geometry, and mechanical and architectural page 175drawing. Fridays are given to drawing and painting from the living model, draped.

The Teachers' and Pupil Teachers' classes meet on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 5.45 to 6.45 p.m., and on Saturdays for an hour in the forenoon. Country teachers attend on Saturdays. The Normal School students in training attend for an hour every forenoon except on Friday. All these classes are organised to suit the circumstances of the students, and their several stages of advancement. The day classes meet from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the study of elementary and advanced drawing, practical plane and solid geometry, mechanical and architectural drawing, painting in water and oil colours (elementary and advanced), modelling, &c. The morning class is attended by students from the School of Mines, and by young ladies who are engaged during the day; the former are studying practical plane and solid geometry, and machine drawing; the latter, drawing and painting. These classes promise to become very popular. The afternoon class is attended chiefly by those who are studying art as a profession, or for the purpose of improvement. The High Schools are statedly visited by Mr. Hutton and his assistant, who impart instruction in drawing of a very valuable character to the pupils in nearly all the forms. Mr Hutton is aided by a well qualified assistant and a pupil teacher.

The following is the present attendance at the several classes in the School of Art:—
Evening classes—Mondays and Wednesdays90
Evening classes—Tuesdays and Thursdays44
Evening classes—Fridays9
143
Teachers and pupil teachers109
Not connected with the Public Schools14
Normal School students55
178
Day classes52
Total373

About 400 High School pupils receive instruction in drawing from Mr. Hutton or his assistant.

page 176

Technical Classes Association.

On November 15, 1888, a society, named "the Dunedin Technical Classes Association" was formed at a public meeting for the purpose of promoting the education of the youths of the city by means of evening classes. The following named office bearers were elected: President, Mr. Alexander Burt; Hon. Secretary, Mr. G. M. Thomson, F.L.S.; Hon. Treasurer, Mr. George M. Barr, M.I.C.E.; Committee, Messrs W. S. Fitzgerald, R. Harding, D. McNicoll, C. McQueen, J. Eobin, R. S. Sparrow, D. White M.A., and Alexander Wilson, M.A. The association numbers about 100 members, including life-members. The subjects proposed to be taught at the outset have been grouped as follows:—(A) Literary; (B) Scientific; and (C) Manual; classes (A) and (B) to be open only to candidates that have passed the "sixth standard" or its equivalent; the subjects in group (A) to include English, Latin, French, German, Shorthand, &c.; in group (B), mathematics, chemistry, physics, &c.; and in group (C), freehand and mechanical drawing, carpentry, modelling, wood and metal turning, &c. Any person may become a member of the association by an annual subscription of 5s; and a life member by a single payment of £5 or upwards. As a rule fees are charged to all the pupils. The classes are held in winter, from the beginning of May to the end of October.

The first session opened in May, 1889, and up to 22nd August, the number of students enrolled was 283. The Education Board has granted free of charge the use of class-rooms in the Normal School. Mr George M. Thomson is superintendent of the classes. The subjects taught daring the first session, the number of students and the names of the several teachers, are as follows:—

students.
English:—Mr J. H. Chapman 33
English literature:—Rev. Rutherford Waddell, M.A. 64
Latin:—Rev. A. R. Fitchett, M.A. 20
Greek:—Rev. A. R. Fitchett, M.A. 1
Algebra and Euclid:—Mr Alex. McLean 26
Arithmetic:—Messrs J. R. Montgomery, M.A. and F. B. Allan, M.A 59page 177
Chemistry:—Mr G. M. Thomson, F.L.S. 35
Shorthand:—Messrs Crosby Smith and S. M. Park 78
Carpentry and Turning:—Mr W. H. Scott 14

Drawing:—this subject is provided for by Mr Hutton's evening classes, described in the preceding article, which are attended by 143 students.

Dunedin Kindergarten Association.

This association was formed during the present year (1889), for the purpose of establishing free kindergartens for the children of the poorer classes. The association is purely unsectarian, and is supported by voluntary subscription. The annual subscription for members is one guinea (with right of nomination of a pupil), or half a guinea without such right. Honorary members pay 2/6, and children 1/-. Any one may become a life member (with right of nomination of a pupil) by a payment of £5. The following are the office-bearers: President, Mrs. W. H. Reynolds; Vice Presidents, Mrs. Belcher, Mrs. A. S. Paterson and Miss Bathgate; Treasurer, Miss Marsden Smith; Secretary, Miss Kelsey; Assistant Secretary, Miss F. Wimperis; twelve members of Committee, and six members of Finance Committee. The association began operations some months ago, having obtained from St Andrews congregation the use of the Mission Hall in Walker Street free of charge. At present one well-qualified lady teacher and two assistants are employed. The school meets from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., with an interval of two hours. There are about 40 names on the roll of pupils. The association is still in its infancy, but as its sphere of operations becomes enlarged, and the value of the work proposed to be accomplished by it is more widely known and appreciated, in-calculable benefits will no doubt be conferred on many of the poorer families of the city.

It is worthy of mention that other valuable educational work is carried on in the Walker Street Mission Hall. On Monday evenings there are penny readings, and occasional scientific experiments of a simple and interesting character. These meetings are crowded by the poorer classes in and around Walker Street. On Wednesdays there is a Juvenile Singing Class, and on Thursdays a class for girls for the giving of instruction in household management, &c. It is in contemplation to begin a page 178night school on another evening in the week, for teaching boys the elements of arithmetic, combined with technical instruction of some kind.

Leavitt House.

Good educational work among the young people of the poorer classes around Pelichet Bay, is carried on in Leavitt House by Mrs. James Miller and Mrs. George MacKenzie, assisted by a band of volunteer workers. This large building near Pelichet Bay station, formerly an hotel, is maintained by the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and is fitted up with a large hall for meetings, class-rooms, a work-shop, &c, and is in use almost every day in the week for educational purposes. On Monday evening there are classes for the instruction of girls and young women in needle-work, knitting, and crochet-work, and also in ironing. These classes are attended by about 75 young persons. On the same evening there are boys' classes for Junior English, shorthand, leather-work, &c. On Tuesday evening, during the winter months, there is a cookery class from 7 to 9 o'clock for girls and young women, with an average attendance of about 30. There is also a youths' class on the same evening for Senior English. On Wednesday evening there are classes for Junior English and book-keeping. On the evening of Thursday Mr Rankine conducts a class for two hours for the instruction of girls and young women in "cutting out," according to what is known as the "Ladies' Scientific System," simple lessons being also given in dressmaking. On the same evening there are also classes for Senior English, and for carpenter work, attended by about 35 youths. Altogether there is an attendance of about 86 youths at the Industrial Work classes. On Friday there is a Temperance or Band of Hope meeting, which is usually attended by about 100 young people. On Saturday evening there is a well-attended Mutual Improvement class for lads.