BLACKS SCHOOL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 923, 26 December 1879, Page 3

BLACKS SCHOOL.

The examination of the pupils attending Blacks School, and distribution of prizes before closing for the usual Ghristmastide holidays, took plane on Friday, 19th inst. There were 36 pupils present, distributed through five classes, the demeanour of whom and the discipline was very com-menda-'le. The examina'ion, which was ■conducted in part by the teacher and part by Mr Lceee, commenced at eleven o’clock, and with the exception of an adjournment ■of forty minutes for lunch, was continue 1 until past four, an 1 embraced the various topics taught in the Otago public sehoo s in the several s!an lards as set firth by the ‘Council of Education. The rea ling in the different classes was very good, and ffie answers given to the questions put showed a thorough knowledge of the subjects. In three daises tire pupils each recited a piece of poetry selected from the school hooks, and though not shinin as orators the delivery was good, and with few exceptions every word was given without, hesitation. In spelling exercises the same correctness was exhibited.

The arithmetical exercises did not go •beyond compound division, and u these the majority were correct. In geography and other subjects some of the pupils exhibited good knowledge, and others again were not up to the s'andard. Two of the pupils showed marked proficiency for their age—Henry Barren and Elizabeth Alexander—and if It is true that “ the hoy is father to the man,” a bright -career may be safely prognosticated for young Hurry, should his life.be spared and he continues the same application as hitherto. At the close of the examination Mr l.eeco distributed the prizes with a few remarks encouraging and congratulatory to each of the youthful recipients Four special prizes for good conduct, to he given to a boy and girl in the higher classes, and a hoy and girl in the junior, chosen by the wh de sch'ol, were awarded by vote to Henry Barren and Mary S 'ain, and James Alexander and Annie Leash. ■Oakes and lollies were a most satisfactory part of the programme to the juveniles. After a short address to the children by Mr Lecce on the importance of education, and that like everything worth having, it cannot he attained without steady and constant application on their part, and advising them to'at'end school constantly while they could, the school broke up for the usual holiday.

In the examination it was not difficult to detect, without reference to the school roll, those who were constant in their attendance and those who were hut casual pupils. Whilst on this subject 1 may say the same evil prevails here as in all up country schools—parents not discerning th-ir children’s best interests, are very remiss in seeing that their children attend school cootinu lly and punctually as to time. For days and weeks on the most trifling oxett e they are kept at home, and then parents wonder why their children make no progress. Ihe school roll will furnish the answer. Annexed is the list of prizetakers Special.—Henry Barren, general proficiency and progress, and to receive a special prize for arithmetic. Class V —Ellen Barren, proficiency ; Edith Cottingham, writing ; Edward Ryan, progress. Class IV,—Elizabeth Alexander, dux, and for constant attendance ; Mary Spain, proficimcy; James Leask, recitation ; Andrew Pitches, progress ; John Baker, geography aid writing. Cl ms 111 —Mary Waldron, reading and recitation*; Alfred Spain, arithmetic. Class IE —James Alexander, proficiency; Samuel Leask, proficiency. Small preseli's snrahle for the young were given to eaeh child in Class I.