Arrival of the First Masters From Home.

Those three gentlemen arrived at Port Chalmers by the "Matoaka" on July 14, 1863. On the same clay they proceeded to Dunedin, and Mr. Campbell made arrangements for the accommodation of his family. He then returned to Port Chalmers, and while proceeding to Dunedin the same evening on board the very small harbour steamer "Pride of the Yarra," with his wife, children, and servants, thevessel came info' page 158collision with the steamer "Favourite," and was instantaneously sunk, with the calamitous and appalling result that Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, their children and servants, Avere drowned, only the passengers, who happened to be on deck, being saved by getting on board the "Favourite." The Province of Otago was thus deprived of the services of a gentleman who appeared in many respects to be eminently qualified for the important position to which he had been appointed. It was resolved by the Board to request the three gentlemen formerly nominated, again to select a Rector for the High School, in the room of Mr. Campbell. Mr. Abram, at the request of the Board, readily undertook the duties of Head Master until the arrival of the Rector. The school was opened by Mr. Abram on August 3rd, 1863, and was conducted by him, Mr. Brent, and an assistant, with satisfactory results. The pupils numbered about 80; ten of these came from various parts of Otago and the neighbouring Provinces. The large central hall was the only portion of the building then completed, and was temporarily divided into three class-rooms.