Prize-giving, 22 April 1886

Sydney Morning Herald, 23 April 1886, p 7:

The Hon. Dr. Renwick (Minister of Public Instruction) yesterday made a visit of inspection to the Boys’ High School, in Castlereagh-street. Dr. Renwick was received and welcomed by the headmaster, Mr. J. Coates, and he proceeded to inspect the schoolroom, the classrooms, and the accommodation generally. One of the senior boys in Mr. Piddington's class read an address of welcome to the Minister in Latin, to which the Minister made a suitable reply. Dr. Renwick then presented the certificates to the 34 pupils of the school who had succeeded in passing the University public examinations, and handed the medals they had won to the senior and junior pupils who had thus distinguished themselves. The Minister congratulated the successful boys, and made a practical, yet interesting, address to the whole school, to whom he granted a half-holiday for the rest of the day. The proceedings closed with cheers for the Queen, Dr. Renwick, the head-master, and the assistant teachers. During the quarter recently ended the enrolment in the boys' department was 233, and the average attendance 222.