Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1852-05-29

The bands of affection and love must be riven:
The young and the gifted the cherished of Heaven
must sweep in their turn away.
REPORT OF THE EXAMINING COMMIT
TEE.
The undersigned were appointed committee,
by the Minister of Public Instruction. to attend the
recent examination and exhibition of the Royal
school, and to report upon the condition and pros
poets of the institution. They feel sensible of the
honor thus conferred, but are not unaware of the
responsibility connected with faithful discharge
of their duties. Long years have elapsed since
they left the institutions oflearnng in their native
land, and during this period, the cause of common
school and academical education has made rapid
advances. Although the committee instinctively
shrink from the duty assigned to them, still it is
not from want of interest in the subject of edu-
cation for they would feel sorry to confess them
selves uninfuenced by that high-toned public SEN
timent, which pervades the foreign community at
the Sandwich Islands, upon the all-important sub
ject of the education Of the young. 1t is the
of honest pride, and the occasion of joyful congra
tulation that the authorized guardians of education
in Honolulu, are encouraged by the unanimous
voice fpublic opinion to expend near ten thousand
(Sl0,0OO) dollars, in the erection of handsome
school edifce, and then to employ a teacher upon
salary of fifteen hundred Isl ,5OO) dollars per
mum. These are facts which speak volumes of
eulogy, in praise of the King, government and
especially the efficiency of the Minister of Public
Instruction. The valuable piece of land selected
for the site of the Royal School, 1t is understood
was obtained from the King, and the funds expend-
ed upon the premises, were drawn from the treasu-
~ of the Hawaiian nation
The Institution is under the superintendent of
Mr.. Beckwith, graduate of Williams' college. u.
S. A. and is designed to meet the wants of a high
school, or academy, in Honolulu, open to the chill
dren of both Hawailans and foreigners During
the last term, the whole number attending, has
been 63, about one fifth of whom were Hawaiians,
and it afforded the committee unfeiened gratifica-
ton to witness the triumph, which these young
ffawanans had achieved, in acquiring the English
language, and notwithstanding numerous obstacles,
contestn2 the palm of scholarship with their more
. tsvo. ed fellow pulls of foreign extraction.
The following is an outline of the studies to
which attention has been paid:-Grammar, Read
ing, Spelling, Arithmetic, Ancient History, Geo
graphy, Natural Philosophy, Physiology, Compo-
sition, Latin, Drawing of maps, Perspective draw
ing, Defamation and Music.
The Committee are aware that it would be un-
desirable, well invidious, to particuarize in
divdual pupils as having especially excelled in
deed the committee would not feel prepared to do
it. they have not previously visited the school;
but some general remarks may not be inappropriate.
The statement of the following facts will indicate
that the school has been successful the teachers
faithful, and the pupils digent Each session of
the examination commencing at 9 A. NJ. was pro-
tracted not only without WEAKNESS, or lack of inter-
est but with positive pleasure until o'clock, p. M.
while the exhibition, commencingat O'Clock, was
continued to the manifest delight of crowded
house, until past 10 o'clock in the evening. Incon-
nectlon with these facts, it should be added that
the audience, was repeatedly assured, no special
effort had been made for the examination, but the
school appeared in its every day working Dress"
The committee think the classes in Reading
Geography, Physiology, and History, appeared re-
markably well. They highly approve of the me-
thod of mutual criticism, adopted by the teacher in
reading, as well as some of the other exercises
Mr.. Beckwith has adopted new system for teach
ing spelling, and the committee regret that it was
not more fully developed in the examination. It is
a branch of primary education to which they feel
as if too much attention could not be paid.
Numerous neatly drawn maps suspended around
the school, room reminded the committee of the la
bors of the former teacher, Mr.. Fuller, and hap
py allusion was made to the subject, by Mr.. Beck
with, who acknowledged his pupils Indebtedness
to his predecessors labors. Perspective drawing
has received considerable attention, under both
teachers, and the committee learn with pleasure
that the pupils as soon as possible, will be exer
cised in the desirable art of sketching from nature
In compositions, good beginning has been
made, many of the pupils write with elegance, and
their good taste appeared in the selection of topics
suited to their ability, which were treated with
simplicity and grace, in high degree commenda-
BILE. Without wishing in the least to depreciate
the general character Of the compositions, the COM
mittee would feel that they Withheld a just tribute
of praise, were they not to aude to the defense of
the theory, that the ,coters Of the .Mississippi
riper run up hall!
The committee rejoice to witness the proficiency
which the pupils are making in the science of
music. The patrons of the school may well con-
pratulate themselves, in having their children en-
ioy the instruction of teachers in music, like Mr..
Beckwith and his predecessor. Rarely doin-
structors in the ordinary high schools, and Acad-
emies of the United States combine among their
other qualifications, that Of ability to teach the
science Of music. 1t is branch usually con6ded
to Professor whose sole business it is to instruct
in this department ,,|
In closing this report, the committee would
frankly acknowledge their full confidence in the
Principal of the school. They are aware of the
fact that he has devoted his life, after long course
Of study to the important and self-sacnicing work
of teaching the young. 1t is noble, honorable,
and most useful profession, and with much cordi-
ality do the members of the committee, welcome
and recommend Mr.. Beckwith as a well qualified
teacher, who has shown, BY bis services during the
last six months, that he Is workman, that need
- Il J.