The History
New Plymouth Boys' High School is now in
its second century of vigorous activity. The Hostel is just
a little less venerable having begun its life in 1911 when
the headmaster, Mr W Moyes, saw its introduction as essential
for the growth and character of the school. The initial group
of boarders numbered just nine on 1 July 1912 and by 1914
had reached forty-seven. Apart from a decline experienced
during the depression, the roll increased steadily to over
three hundred in the 1950's and 60's. During this time one
third of the school were boarders accommodated in four Houses
- Moyes 1911, Carrington 1916, Pridham 1927 and Niger 1943.
During the 1970's there was a steady and
finally alarming decline in boarding. By 1979, Pridham House
was empty and condemned as a fire risk (it used to house 110
boys) and Niger house was empty and derelict. At the end of
1979 just 120 Boarders remained and Moyes and Carrington Houses
were in a poor state of maintenance, both Pridham and Niger
had been demolished by 1980. A new Board of Governors, a determined
Headmaster and keen Hostel staff resolved to avoid closure
and work to recovery. By the centennial in 1982 numbers were
up to 140, cash reserves were accumulating and the department
of Education and Minister of Education (Old Boy Mr Merv Wellington)
were sympathetic. Refurbishing began in earnest and the roll
continued to grow, as did boarder performance. In 1987 a new
'Niger' was built near Carrington and the roll exceeded 170.
An extension to Niger House in 1992 increased its size to
32 beds and the Hostel to 194. The changes to the kitchen
in 1993 gave us further senior accommodation and a 1994 roll
of 198. Mr French-Wright's arrival, and enthusiasm, gave the
Board the confidence to proceed with stage 1 of its buildings
modernization programme. The new building being occupied in
September 1997. This development is the board's response to
the high demand for boarding places, lifts the roll to 220
and ensures that the accommodation offered meets the expectations
of parents well into the 21st century. In 2005 Moyes House
renovations were completed. The new wing was re-named in 2007,
Carroll House in honour of the contribution Max Carroll and
his family have made to the hostel.
In 1988 boarding was constituted one of
the schools four houses (Hatherly) and to celebrate - won
the inter-house competition first time up.
The Hostel has known many personalities in
the past, foremost being the great headmaster, Bill Moyes
and the long serving John Hatherly who lived in the Hostel
as a master from 1940 until 1974, of which the last 18 years
were spent as Senior Hostel Master. Today the Hostel has a
Senior Hostel Master, Senior Master of Moyes, a Senior Master
of Carrington House, five Assistant House Masters and two
Matrons. Add to this the kitchen, cleaning and laundry staff
and up to 220 boys and it can be seen that the Hostel is a
thriving unit within the broader boundaries of the school.
The Hostel aims to reinforce the traditional goals of NPBHS
for all its students. High academic achievement, strong sporting
achievement, positive social development, self-respect and
the ability to give without expecting to receive in return.
In achieving these things it is hoped that a student completing
his time in the Hostel will come to love the place and in
future consider sending his own sons to his 'Old School'.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
