CAMBRIANS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 986, 11 March 1881, Page 3

CAMBRIANS.

(EROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

| For the harvest, which is almost finished, the weather has been magnificent, and the crops ought to be secured. in first-rate condition. The dry weather, which has been so favorable for farmers, has of course been the opposite for 'miners—water being very scarce—but of course we look for that at this season. I suppose I may reach my pen as far as the Lauder bridge, the connecting link between the Counties of Vincent and Maniototo. Mr M’Kay, the contractor, has now got fairly commenced with the work, and Mr Bruce, of Alexaadra, has been appointed Inspector. On Thursday last Mr Inspector Petrie examined the scholars attendin' the Cambrian School, and the report showed a very satisfactory state of affairs, something different to what we have been for some, years used to. The present teacher—Miss M‘ Naughton—the first mistress we have had here, having previously a Master. She has been in charge abotu eight months, teaching about seven if we deluct holilays. Sickness has prevailed among the children during the past Spring and Summer, than has heretofore been experienced, which of ■course caused irregular attendance, so she deserves great commendation for the high state of efficiency to which she has brought the School in sn short a period, when we take into consideration the previous state of the School, The per cents.e of passses obtained was 71 and the general report a very favorable one throughout, audspeika highly of the management and discipline. On the day following, the children bad a holiday and picnic, at which all sorts of refreshments were iberally provided, and in the evening a distribution of prizes took place, or to speak more correctly —presents —as every scholar received a book suitable to his or her age—a number of useful, entertaining, and handsomely bound volumes being provided for the more advanced classes, the most valuable being given to those who had passed tho most successful examination. 1 think two or three prizes for each class would be more beneficial ,for there would then be some honor in winning young people present, and was kept up until a prize, beyond its monetary value, which would be an inducement to the children to work. Mr M'Cullongh, Chairman of the bchool Committee, distributed the prizes, after which dancing was commenced by the midnight, when all returned to their homes after spen ing a very pleasant day, seeing the little ones so perfectly happy, being in itself a great pleasure, even if one had had no other enjoyment.