South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), Tuesday 16 December 1856, page 3


ADELAIDE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.

Neales's Exchange was crowded by a most respectable assembly on Monday afternoon, the attraction being the half-yearly examination of the pupils under instruction in the Adelaide Educational Institution. In entering

the room the eye of the visitor would be attracted by a number of well-executed drawings in various depart-ments of the art— chiefly, however, in isometrical perspective and mechanical figures. We were informed that these plans and sketches were not copies, but were worked out in accordance with the rules of isometrical perspective and the laws of shadow, from mathematical data furnished to the artists. Some of the plans, also, were original designs of the young architects. In this department of their studies the boys have certainly distinguished themselves very highly. The chair was taken at 2 o'clock, by Mr. B. Herschel Babbage, who opened the proceedings of the examina- tion by remarking on the interest which the boys must feel in that day, at the summary aud public test of their half-year's labours. Mr. Babbage referred also to the interest which the parents and friends of the pupils felt in their progress in learning, and in the attainment by them of an honourable position on such occasions, as a proof of industry aud application during the period of study. Mr. Babbage then called upon Mr. J. L. Young to read his half-yearly report, of which the following is a copy: Ladies and Gentlemen— ' I am glad that on this occasion I am able to report very favourably of my pupils generally. But while I have so much reason to be satisfied witli the industry of many, I have at the same time to regret the want of ap-plication on the part of several in the senior class, whose parents, I am afraid, partly attribute their indo-lence to my want of attention to them. Certainly, if I devoted the whole of my time to these boys, I might make them do a little more work; but to regard the pro- gress of the more industrious on their account would be unjust. It has been said that I ought to compel my pupils to work ; but as I do not approve of compulsion, knowing how little good is done by coercive measures, I have always abandoned the idea of introducing that system into the school. No boy can be compelled to learn; he may certainly he compelled to repeat a number of words or sentences by rote, without understanding anything, but that is not knowledge. Knowledge can only be imparted to others, especially the young, by being made attractive, and that cannot be done by the use of the rod or other harsh means. But it may be said, what is to be done with boys who will not work? In the case of those who are soon about to leave school, I think the only plan is, after due warning, to remove and put them to some business; after a little

time many would regret the opportunity they had tnrown away at school and apply themselves to study at intervals of leisure. One great advantage of my system is, I think, in convincing my pupils of the importance of knowledge and teaching them how to acquire it, so that although many may, while they are with me, not act according to the advice I give, yet I hope to make some impression on their minds, which will at some future time be further developed. The case is different with those in the junior classes, for there is more time to look forward to a change; besides, though they may not work at home, they cannot help acquiring much useful information during school hours, and the disgrace in being overtaken by others younger than themselves is likely to stimulate them to action. 'Two or three very important years of life are often lost by the habit of beginning apprenticeship in business or the counting-house at the age of 11, the age at which a boy begins to value education. The sacrifice of so valuable apart of a boy's time is generally admitted to be unnecessary, as four or five years of apprenticeship preceded by good instruction are fully adequate to the preparation of a young man for business. I could instance several in this school about the age of 11, who, after a long interval of indolence, are now beginning to take great interest in their studies, and who will, I hope, continue to apply themselves as they have done this half-year. To expect all to be industrious in a large school like this would be unreasonable: but from

my knowledge of schools in England and on the Continent, I believe that much more work is done in this school, and that my pupils are in general more intelli-gent and better informed. Many have made extraor-dinary efforts to distinguish themselves this half-year, having written four papers every week on subjects re-lating to history and science, besides other exercises : and when I tell you that some of these papers consisted of from four to fourteen pages each of foolscap, closely and carefully written, you will have some idea of the work that has to be done to gain the Industry Prize. This prize has for the second time been awarded to George Jamieson, who, by his application, obtains more than the usual share ot honours, but he has had many competitors, who also deserve honourable men-tion, namely, Beyer, Finlayson, Hubert Giles, Vosz, Ward, and Henry Roberts. 'The prize for good conduct has been obtained by one or those just mentioned, Robert Finlayson, who, without the advantages of an early education, has by close application to study, regular attendance, and ex-emplary conduct, attained a high position in the school. As the examination will be rather longer than usual on account of examining the second class on history, I have been obliged to condense this report as much as possible, and therefore shall allude very briefly to the subjects of study during this half-year, In geometry, many have made great improvement. especially some who have been raised from the second With the algebra and arithmetic classes, I am on the whole satisfied. The first class have been through a course of plane trigonometry, others are in quadratic equations, and the first class in arithmetic have been through all the important rules. The reason those in the first class are not more advanced than they were last half-year is that I make them go though the same course of study several times that they may fully understand each subject. In history, lessons have been given on the thirty years' war in Germany, which, being so intimately connected with the Reformatioa and other important events that occurred about that period, could not be passed over in the most elementary course on history. As I always use maps when giving these lessons, my pupils have at the same tone acquired a considerable amount of information respecting the geography of Germany. During the latter part of the term a few lessons have been given on the lives of the two most distinguished statesmen of that age— Count Oxenstiern and Cardinal Richelieu. 'At the beginning of this year I prepared a coarse of lessons on geography, comprising the British possessions throughout the world : but as there was only time to get through Africa, America, and Europe during the first six months, I had to commence this half-year with the possessions in Asia, including Australia, on which. I shall presently examine the junior class.

'For moral philosophy I have this half-year sub-sitituted natural theology, on which many excellent jpapers have been written. ' In science there has been great improvement. I have been through a course of lessons on organic chemistry, explaining the different processes employed in extracting sugar from the sugarcane, refining and preparing it for the market; the manufacture of starch, leather, soap, and stearine candles. I have also explained the improve-nents that have been made in the art or dyeing by the aid of chemical science, the operations involved in bleaching and calico printing, the theory of fermentation, and the manufacture of beer, wines, and spirits. Many other important subjects connected with this part of chemistry have been noticed, all affording materials for the exercise of reflection, comparison, and judgment. the groat German chemist Liebig, in referring to the importance of science as a branch of education, says:— Without the knowledge of natural phenomena, and of he laws by which they are regulated, the human mind is incapable of forming an adequate conception of the - ' greatness and unfathomable wisdsrn of the Creator; for all the images which the most inexhaustible fancy or the most cultivated intellect can form will appear, when compared with the reality, but as glittering unsubstan-tial bubbles. The great desideratum of the present age is practically manifested in the establishment of schools in which the natural sciences occupy the most prominent place in the course of instruction. From these schools, he says, 'a more vigorous concretion will come forth, powerful in understanding, qualified to appreciate and to accomplish all that is truly great, and to bring forth fruits of universal usefulness. Through them the re-sources, the wealth, and the strength of empires will be incalculably increased ; and when, by the increase of knowledge, the weight which presses on human existence has been lightened, the difficulties of obtaining subsis-tence lessened, and man is no longer overwhelmed by the pressure of earthly cares and troubles, then, and not till then, will he be able to devote his intellect, purified and refined, to the study of higher subjects of investiga-tion, and finally to the highest of all.' ' The following is Mr. Greffrath's report of the French and German classes '— ' ' Adelaide, December 9, 1838. ' ' Dear Sir— At the end of the half-year allow me to furnishyou with a short report of the German and French classes. With a few exceptions I am much pleased with the general conduct, diligence, aud progress of the boys, but I have especially to call your attention to the great advancement made by two of my pupils, James Robin and Lawrence Egan. The former, ' althaugh I believe he is the youngest of all my class, I must put at its head ; he is a boy not only of the greatest talent but of much diligence, and has therefore made the most progress. The latter, Lawrence Egan, also deserves especial praise, and of both those I can predicate ' very good.' ' 'There are also several boys whose names I wish to mention as deserving the predicate ' good.' They are Charles Babbage, Bean, Vosz, Barringer, and Harry Bickford, and I hope they will continue to persevere, so that next half year they will deserve the first predicate, ' very good.' ' ' I am, dear Sir, yours truly, ' ' H. GREFFRATH.' ' ' Mr. Dewhirst has given the following report of the Latin classes :— ' ' Norwood, December 15, 1856. ''Dear Sir— In the Latin department of your school I could wish to see more of ardent attachment and assiduous application. The utility of the Latin language, and the invigorating influence which the study of it exerts upon the intellect, are both, perhaps, too lightly estimated by parents and pupils in this colony. It is worth enquiring whether that which forms, if not the basis, yet an essential element of a sound and liberal education throughout the kingdoms of Europe, and, no less in the new world than in the old, can be dispensed with in this or any other civilized community. ''During the past half-year the 1st Book of Caesar's Commentaries, and part of the 1st AEneid of Virgil havo been read by the first class, and a considerable portion of Ellis's Exercises has been ronderod into Latin. Philip Santo, Charles Babbage, and Charles Hack are justly entitled to commendation. ' ' In the second division of this class Joseph Coulls has diligently applied, and, as a consequence, has made satisfactory progress. '' In tho Second class six chapters in the Vulgate, and half the First Book of Caesar's Commentaries have been read, and Ellis's Exercises largely rendered into Latin. ' ' Lionel Sholl aud James Robin have both been dili-, gent, and are far in advance ol the other boys ; but it is only just to Moorhouse to say that his translations from English into Latin havo been frequently marked by great accuracy. ''in the junior division of the second class a very pleasing emulation has been evinced, and rapid and yet substantial progress has been made. Woodforde, Clausen,

Egan, and Conigrave are worthy of honourable mention. ' ' Believe me, dear Sir, ' ' Yours very sincerely, ' ' Edwd. Dewhirst.' ' After the reading of the report, tha Chairman called upon Caleb Peacock to read a paper on 'Natural Theology.' The essay was a specimen of the ordinary exercises of the boys referred to in tho report. It con-tained a clear summary of the argument for the exis-tence of a Deity derived from tho evidences of design to be found in the material creation; and of the proofs afforded of His omniscience. It was very well written, and elicited expressions of approval from the audience. The examination proper was next commenced by Mr. Young. The junior class exhibited a very creditable amount of acquaintance with the geography and history of' the land we live in.' The second class was exa- mined on that important period of European history, the Thirty Years' War, and the lads appeared to be well up in their knowledge of the subject. They referred to an outline map of Germany in illustration of the events of the era. The subject selected for the examination of the senior class was science, and a wide range of topics was included under that title. Tho scholars in this class, as would be expected by all who know the special prominence given to scientific studies in Mr. Young's institution, evinced an acquaintance with the general principles of science, and their practical appli-cations, which would put many older persons to the blush. A number of recitations followed, the elocutionists being Walter Samson, Pitman, James Robin, Thoruber,   A. Farr, Acland Giles. McLachlan, Charles Gosse, E. Bickford, Moulden, H. Gosse, and Barringer. Wo cannot say much for the rhetorical ability displayed by these young gentlemen generally, many of their recitations having been given in a rapid, sing-song, and indistinct style. There is much room for improvement in this department, if, as we take it, the object be to acquire an elegant aud effective style of address, and not to exhibit the mere power of memory. We must exoept MeLachlan from this stricture. His delivery of that well-known extract from Childe Harold, commencing with ' There was a sound of revelry by night,' was remarkably good. Unfortunately he had not completely mastered the closing stanzas, and faltered when he came to them. Next to McLachlan in merit came Acland Giles, who acquitted himself tolerably well. We were pleased also with Charles Gosse, a very little fellow, whose artless way of reciting an artless little piece called forth general approbation. The next business was the distribution of the prizes, which was performed by the Chairman, who accompanied each present as he placed it in the hands of the recipient with an appropriate remark. The following list contains the names of the prize-boys and the subjects in which they excelled respectively:— First Prize.— Good conduct— Prize, Robert Finlay-son. Industry— Prize, George Jamieson. GeometryPrize, Charles Babbage; Certificate, John Partridge. Algebra and Arithmetic— Prize, Philip Santo : Certifi-cates, Franz Beyer, J. Fairfax Conigrave. English— Prize, George Jamieson; Certificate, Franz Beyer. Latin— Philip Santo; Certificate, Joseph Coulls. Modern Lan-guages— Prize, James Robin; Certificate, Lawrence Egan. Natural Theology— Prize, Caleb Peacock; Certificate, George Jamieson. Science— Prize, Philip Santo; Certi-ficate, Caleb Peacock. Geography — Prize, George Jamieson; Certificate, Hubert Giles. History— Prize, George Jamieson; Certificate, Franz Beyer. Poetry— Prize, Walter Samson. Drawing— Prizes, 1st, Eden Bab-bage, 2nd, Thomas Young; Certificate, Frank Bottomley. Mechanical Drawing— Prize, Charles Babbage ; Certifi-cate, William Vercoe. Second Class.— Arithmetic— Prize, Frank D. Woodforde Certificate, Edward Way. English — Prize, Edward Stuckey; Certificate, John Styles. LatinPrize, Lionel Sholl ; Certificate, Frank D. Woodforde. History— Prize, Isaac Little ; Certificate, James Robin. Science— Prize, Alfred K. Whitby; Certificate, Albert Waterman. Geography— Prize, James Robin; Certificate, Alfred K. Whitby. Writing — Prize, Henry Clausen. Third Class.— English— Prize, Charles Hill. Science —Prize, William Linklater. Writing— Prize, Alfred Giles. Arithmetic — Prize, Washington Moorhouse. Geography— Prize, William Linklater. In addition to the prizes recorded in the preceding list, two others were awarded. The first was for good conduct in the Latin class. It was presented by the classical master, the Rev. E. Dewhirst, to Charles Babbage. The other was a prize offered by Mr. J. Howard Clark for the best essay on the life of John Hampden.

Mr. Clark stated that nine boys had competed for this prize, and that most of their essays were equal to that which had carried off the palm at the previous examination. The best of the nine bore the signature ' Oliver.' (Caleb Peacock rose to claim the name as his nom de plume, and was accordingly put in possession of a copy of Chambers's 'Cyclopasdia of Literature') Mr. Clark proceeded to say that another essay, to which was attached the signature 'Wal-lace,' was very nearly equal in merit to that to which he had awarded the prize. (George Jamieson here rose to announce himself as the writer referred to.) There were two other essays which, although much shorter than those of Peacock aud Jamieson, were, as far as they went, very well written. They bore signatures which were claimed by Walter Samson and Hubert Giles. Mr. Babbage then said that the business of the day was over, but that they could not allow tha opportunity to pass without expressing their thanks to Mr. Young; for the attention he had bestowed upon many of their children. He would propose a vote of thanks to that gentleman, which he felt sure would be carried unani* mously. Mr. Peacock, M.L.C., seconded the proposition, which was carried by acclamation, tho youngsters contributing heartily to the uproar. Mr. Young, in acknowledging the compliment paid to him, said that he believed this success was due, not to any extraordinary talent he might possess, but to his habit of adapting his initruotions to the capabilities and tastes of his pupils. His occupation was an arduous one, and required the unceasing devotion of all bis powers, leaving him no time for the pursuit of pleasure. But he derived gratification from the fact that the boys had done well, and he hoped to be rewarded hereafter by seeing many of them fill high stations in the colonies. He felt grateful to Mr. Babbage for his kindness in presiding that day, and to Mr. Clark for the uniform disposition to assist him which be manifested. and would take that opportunity to express his thanks to both those gentlemen. The proceediugs of the examination being terminated, the assembly dispersed.

AKXA BrSHOf'S PSBFOBMANOE 15 A OOCKFiQHrnro Asm. at Leojt.— The furniture of the arena consisted of sbx rows of stone gradint all around; in addition to which the arena Itself was to be filled, on Anna's night, with other seats, if such, could be provided. Those portions of tho building which were exposed to the air were to be covered with mats and canvas. As for Ihe lighting, Bochsa was informed that, for four piastres, he could h-ve » sufficient number of pitch torches for the purpose, to be stuck on the small stage erected in front, and a quantity of earthen saucers filled with grease or oil, with huge wicks plunged into them, and which might be placed aloug on the highest gradin. The idea savoured not much of the agreeable to our. maestro, who subsequently realized that burning fat was not incense, and that 'such offence is rank and smells toheaven!' Boch*a and his piano were to be placed in a small box, where usually sat, hi their sapient dignity, tho umpires of cock-fighting. The concert went off admirably, and the receipts from 1,020 persona on the gradin*. at one dollar each, and 195 more in the arena, at two dollars and a half each, was a prospect at which Anna certainly felt extremely satisfied. But it so chanced that, at the termination of the performance, Bochsa's eyes were very suddenly opened to an amazing width by the gradin money-takers, who brought him, in aocosnt from the treasury, countless pieces of yellow soap, innn- .. merable cigars, and two fighting cocks, alive and ready 1 Bochsa Tentonstrated, bat in vain. It was what they usually received, they said, as small money, and endeavoured to prove to the infuriated maettro that if the soap was weighed and the cigars called by the name of anita, he would realize an immense profit by them ; and quieted him by a glowing description at the musical taste of a family who, to hear the great prima donna, had positively par cd with two of the mest celebrated fighting cocks in the town for six gradhu. Bochsa, materially calmed down by this diplomatic bit of flattery, liberally paid the money-taker for his services, a fa Jtf«»caiii«/with twelve pleoes of soap and a huge bundle of cigars, and hod the cocks cooked for a supper, to treat, bis escort with.— f /?-?»» **« &#* ' d*»a in Mmw.' ? ? ?_?-_. ; :st? ':'? ?'? ' ? ? ' '?'?''. ^,=; . * j ? ???. ' ! (S.S&!wiij'i-7J:.;-- it'-'' -:?'»-' X.'.'*1''. '... \;--' ,