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Report of Salem Wesleyan Academy for 1852
In presenting this first report of the Salem Wesleyan Academy the Teacher feels that he is called upon to do what manifestly devolves upon the gentlemen of the Committee. But that the concerns of the Academy may be brought under the consideration of the District Meeting a few general statements are respectfully submitted.
There are now on the books the names of twenty-six boarders and of three day scholars.
During the last Vacation the few scholars who remained at Salem were visited with measles but by the blessing of God all have been restored to their usual strength. With this exception the health of the boys has been uninterrupted.
It is sincerely hoped that a decided improvement has taken place in the morals of some of the older boys. Reference is here especially made to some who came to the Academy not a little corrupted by the evil influences of war. Nor has the spirit of God left us without tokens of his blessing; though but in the case of one or two youths yet very manifestly has His blessed work of grace been seen.
The routine of study and of domestic arrangement has been modelled as far as possible after that pursued in our Wesleyan Academies at home. The Examiners must give their opinion as to the result of the course pursued.
This report was hand written and also sent to the Colonial Office in Cape Town.
Report of Salem Wesleyan Academy for 1857
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE
Report of the Native Industrial Schools at Salem and Heald Town, for the Year 1856
Presented to both Houses of Parliament by command of His Excellency the Govenor.
20th March, 1857
REPORT OF THE SALEM INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR THE YEAR 1856
The duties of the Salem Industrial School have been continued on the same plan during the year as that laid down in the report of the previous year.
The number of pupils on the books at the commencement of the year was 53, and gradually increased to 60, which number was attained towards the latter part of the year. An examination was conducted in the presence of the Civil Commissioner of Albany, and other gentlemen taking an interest in educational measures, at the termination of which, much satisfaction was expressed by all parties concerned. The first class, containing sixteen pupils, is instructed in reading, spelling, English grammar, geography, and history, and otherwise taught in such matters as may qualify them for future usefulness in society. The second class, composed of fourteen pupils, bestows more particular attention on reading and spelling. The third class is composed of all who have to begin with the very rudiments of an English education, amongst whom some do not even speak the English language. Forty-six write on paper and fourteen on slates. In arithmetic, five boys have been engaged in bills of parcels, duodecimals, and practice; these comprise the first class. The second class is in the compound rules. The third and fourth classes are in the simple rules.
The girls' department has been a source of anxiety and disappointment, from the inability of obtaining suitable agents for directing their industrial pursuits. Nothing can be said of their progress in either needlework, laundrywork, or general housework.
Eight boys as carpenters, under the instruction of Mr. P. AMM, have done the timber work in connexion with the new buildings, and some two or three of them have made very respectable proficiency in their trade. Five masons have worked at the Industrial School buildings and the Wesleyan Chapel, now in course of erection at Salem; and while all have been diligent, two of them have made very satisfactory progress. Mr. KING and Mr. BRISLAIN have employed them under their own eyes. Eight shoemakers have furnished the establishment, and many of the neighbours, with strong well-made shoes and boots. Two of these boys have so far progressed as to be able, each of them, to begin and complete a pair of Blucher boots in one day. Ten, chiefly little boys, have been put to the tailoring business, and will hereafter supply the school in that department. Five boys have been put under the care of an agriculturist, through whose labours, assisted at times by others, a very satisfactory supply of wheat and other produce has been realised. Two have been employed as monitors in the school.
The moral and religious training have not been without their desired effect.
Eleven pupils have been duly baptized and recognised as members of the church of Christ, and others appear to have been impressed with the fear of God.
(Signed) B. J. SHAW.
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