Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/592

 566 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY Dr.w.o.Torr him. Though the position did not allow him much scope for the exercise of his educational skill, he succeeded in drawing attention to the higher code of instruction with which he furnished his pupils. His spare hours were devoted to the study of those subjects necessary for the elementary preliminary examination under the old Board of Education, for which he entered, and which he passed. From the mastership of Ulooloo. the subject of this sketch was promoted to the Grote Street Model School, which was under the superintendence of Mr. L. G. Madley. This appointment took place shortly after the institution was opened. When the Training College was brought into active operation in connection with the school, Mr. Torr was entrusted with the management of the Practising Department, a position of importance and responsibility. Though the duties attaching to his new sphere were undoubtedly arduous, they did not prevent him from entering for the University examinations, as well as other examinations made necessary by the Council of Education. Through these ordeals he safely passed, and the credit of a first-class certificate accrued to Dr. Torr's diligence and ability. This success was capped shordy afterwards by his being made the recipient of another first-class certificate from the Inspector-General of Schools, and his passing the highest examinations prescribed by the Council of Education. These achievements reflected the existence of mental gifts of an uncommon order. A new school was opened at the Moonta Mines, and Dr. Torr's high testimonials were instrumental in gaining for him the headmastership. This position he retained for several years. He now began to feel the need for a holiday. He had allowed himself few of these refre.shing intermissions ; and though in no way debilitated, he considered that a short vacation would benefit his health as well as his mind. Accordingly, in 1884, ne took a trip, and spent a year of travel on the continent of Europe, studying the various educational systems of the world. Many matters of absorbing interest to so keen an educationist as Dr. Torr were earnestly enquired into and noted for future purposes. On his return to his former sphere of labors, he found that endeavors were being enthusiastically made to perpetuate the memory of the late Rev. James Way, one of the first Bible Christian ministers in Australia. The most suitable form of a memorial was finally adjudged to be the institution of a college, which it was accordingly decided to build, and name the "Way Memorial College." Dr. Torr was ofiered the headmastership of this establishment ; but only agreed to accept it on the understanding that he should be permitted to spend a few .sessions in the British residential universities before starting in the new sphere. This proviso was allowed, and in June, 1886, he went to England and matriculated at Oxford as a non-residential student in November of the same year. He commenced his undergraduate career well, for in March of the following year he passed the examinations for Responsions ; and in December following, the examination for Moderations. Dr. Torr then boldly set to work to cover the prescribed university course. In June, 1889, he emerged successfully with honors in Theology, appended to the Arts degree. During this time Dr. Torr was entered on the registration book of St. John's College, Oxford, as a resident. His name was also entered as a member of the Inner Temple, London, having passed his examination as a Barrister in 1888. From Oxford, Dr. Torr proceeded to Downing College, Cambridge, where he was admitted ad eundem gradum to the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He had for the last