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Speech day and prize-giving, 14 December 1904
The Daily Telegraph, 15 December 1904 p 5:
BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL.
The annual speech-day and distribution of prizes was celebrated at the Sydney Boys' High School yesterday. Mr. W. T. Dick (hon. Minister) presided, and there was a very large attendance.
Mr. J. Waterhouse, head master, read a report, which reviewed the work of the year. There had been, he said, a slight increase in the average attendance, the roll standing at 219, and the general tone of the school was particularly good. The teaching staff had been augmented in the person of Mr. C. E. Wetherburn, one of the boys of the school. Reference was made to the operations of the new public school syllabus; the conversational method of teaching French, had proved effective, particularly in the lower classes. He was extremely sorry that, in geometry, the old method of teaching euclid had been abolished, because it was an admirable mental training. The graphic system of teaching algebra had been introduced, and in many particulars he approved of it. He found, however, that they would have to be very careful as to the number of lessons given each week, in consequence of the strain upon the students' eyes. The school had been very successful at the senior and junior University examinations. Out of seven who secured the maximum, four came from the High School. (Applause.) They had also secured eight medals, nine prox. acc., two scholarships, 21 matriculation passes, 14 honor passes, and eight matriculation honors. (Applause.) Since 1897 the High School boys had won 40 scholarships, 32 medals, and special passes, exclusive of those gained at the senior and junior course for individual subjects. (Applause.) Mr. Waterhouse made feeling reference to the loss the Education Department had sustained by the death of the late Mr. Bridges. In the critical state of educational affairs in New South Wales, the experience and counsel of the late Under-Secretary would have been of very considerable moment.
Mr. W. T. Dick spoke in commendatory terms of the successes achieved by the school, and of the very excellent work performed by the head master and his staff. The school was now just of age and he recalled a speech delivered by the late Professor Badham at the opening of the institution, in which he predicted a successful career for the school. That anticipation had been fully realised, and he was of opinion that the school would be the focal point from which successful men of the day would gravitate.
Mr. C. H. Cooke, a member of the Old Boys’ Union, was deputed to present a special prize to the most popular boy in the school. This went to H. S. Utz, who had been so elected by his fellows. He also held the title of captain of the school. (Applause.) In addition to University medals, Harold Utz also won the Freemasons' scholarship, the Barker scholarship No. 2, and the Horner Exhibition.
Mr. Dick presented prizes to the winners. These included some valuable books, as well as a very large collection of e.p. ware. Medals and certificates were handed to successful University students, and the Minister also presented prizes won in the sporting competitions organised by the school committee. The principal prize-winners were as follows:—Head master's prize for best pass in senior University examination: H. S. Utz. For second pass: L. G. Sewell. Best pass in Junior University examination: A. Campbell and F. W. Robinson.
School prize to the captain of the school: H. S. Utz.
The following University medals were presented:-- Senior medals for geometry and algebra: H. S. Utz. Senior medal for physics and mechanics: L. G. Sewell. Junior medals for arithmetic and German: A. Campbell. Algebra and English: F. W. Robinson.
See also:
CollectionEarly speech days and prize-givings, 1884-1908Leaving Year1904