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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
The Wellington Boys' Institute
The Wellington Boys' Institute, which was founded in the month of June, 1892, is doing a good work. It is the outcome of a Sunday evening mission school, which was originally held in the early eighties by the Y.M.C.A. In November, 1884, two gentlemen, who are still engaged in philanthropic work in Wellington, took over the management of this school, and after eight years of painstaking labour the Institute was formally opened. The brick building, which was erected entirely by subscription and was completed free from debt, cost from £800 to £1000. It is situated on the reclaimed land at the corner of Cuba and Victoria Streets. There is a fine hall capable of seating from two to three hundred, two class-rooms, library containing 450 volumes, secretary's office, and gymnasium, which is one of the best in Wellington. The hall is freely used by the members, who number over 300. This grand institution which is supported entirely by voluntary subscriptions, exists for the spiritual, mental and physical improvement of the working boys of Wellington. Each winter, classes are held every evening for instructing the lads in arithmetic and spelling, junior and senior gymnastics, shorthand, band practice, recruit and company drill, chess, draughts, singing, and ambulance. Two services are held each Sunday for Bible study. This Institute is for the working boys entirely—those who have comfortable homes are not admitted to membership. To foster a spirit of independence a fee of sixpence per month is charged each lad who is able to pay. Several of the boys are desirous to learn the use of tools. It is therefore proposed to enlarge the building so as to provide a workshop and two extra class rooms. The honorary officers include the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., Patron; Chief Justice Sir James Prendergast, President. The following gentlemen constitute the committee of management:—Messrs. W. Allan, C. W. Benbow, W. F. Christie, A. Armstrong, A. Hoby, A. Johnston, T. W. McKenzie, G. C. Summerell, G. A. Troup, and A. H. Wallace. Mr. J. G. W. Aitken is the Honorary Treasurer, and Mr. F. Maguire acts as Secretary. A ladies auxiliary, consisting of Misses Hopkirk, M. B. Hopkirk, B. Hutchen, Richmond, Steel and Wilson, has been formed to work under the direction of the general committee. Misses Steel and Hopkirk have worked in connection with this movement most indefatigably since 1884. The following is the staff of honorary teachers:—Mr. C. W. Benbow (cbess and draughts), Dr. H. Pollen (ambulance and first aid), Miss Richmond (singing), Mr. M. Trimble (arithmetic and spelling,) Mr. A. H. Wallace (gymnastics), and Mr. S. E. Wright (shorthand), and Messrs. Aitken and Allan conduct the Sunday services. In connection with the Institute there is a Boys' Brigade of two companies numbering ninety, having a brass band and an ambulance company. The officers of the Brigade are:—Captain, A. Armstrong; Lieutenant, J. Steel; Bandmaster, T. Herd, Ambulance Company—Surgeon Instructor, Dr. H. Pollen; Ambulance Instructor, Mr. F. Maguire.