AFTERNOON TEA AT TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2123, 4 July 1907, Page 3

AFTERNOON TEA AT TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

Notwithstanding the heavy rain falling, there was a large number of visitors at the Technical School yesterday at- 3 p.m., when an afternoon tea was given by Miss Lousloy’s cookery class to the Board of Governors and members of tho D.H.S. Committee. Amongst t-hoso present were; Mr. C. A. DeLautour (Chairman of tho Board of Governors), Mr. W. Morgan (secretary), Messrs. J. Somervell, G. E. Darton, H. Bright, Blair, Revs. Grant and Griffin (committeemen), Mr. F. J. Rowley, Mr. Kinder and a number of visitors. The class consisted of about twenty young ladies, looking very neat and natty in the regulation apron. One little damsel inquired the choice of the guests in the matter of tea, coffee, and cocoa and she was quietly followed by another with salad, which when sampled, proved very acceptable. It was an interesting and touching spectacle to observe the girls, some of whom were no older than 7, busily looking after their guests. The most noticeable feature of tlie exhibition was the extreme cleanliness and t-idy-ness of the room. There being absolutely' no kitchen odor. The girls had it all their own way and looked after the visitors with true feminine instinct, indicating, at least, that with the proficiency they were attaining, they would be more than a match for their contemporaries in the race for success. The table was daintily arranged and contained various assortments of cakes, scones, etc., which were negotiated by the visitors to their entire satisfaction. Vague suggestions of dyspepsia and other witticisms, were let drop, but at) the conclusion of tho repast all were unanimously ruled out of court. Miss Lousley has been a painstaking teacher and the success attained by her pupils demonstrates her fitness for the position. - ) ’ Mr. Darton gives a book prize, a Girl’s Own Annual, to the best cook and Mr.' Rowley donates a similar trophy to the neatest one. Mr. De Lautour said that all had been entertained, and the hearty thanks of the guests were due to Miss Lousley and her pupils for the invitation to such a sumptuous repast. The result must be very satisfactory to Miss and the greatest praise was due to - her for her capital instruction. He had suggested to, Mr. Morgan as a member of the Education Board that it was worthy of consideraiSiri that the girls who had been learning for two or three years should receive some certificate which may be of use to thorn later on in life, that they had attended these classes. (Hear, hear.) His sympathies were with such girls who could not, perhaps, gain a certificate from the*Guild, of London, but they should have a certificate that they had satisfied the instructress. This should qualify them for situations in families in the country, etc. Mr. Morgan was in favor of the suggestion, and no doubt it would be brought under, the attention of the Board. The speaker had been shown a notebook outlining the course of instruction which had been given, and he was oxtremely impressed with the practical nature of the teaching. A great many people possessed the idea that the children were merely being taught fancy things, but it was clearly shown that what was required in the management of a household was taught. Mr. Morgan stated that the session for cookery classes closed this week, and the dressmaking classes were remaining. It would be gratifying to the eommitteo if ladies would visit and see that things were going on all right. The lessons would be on practical lines—cutting by measurement. Last year there was a class for country girls and one for their town sisters, but the latter fell through before the end of the session, but the other was well attended He fell in with the certificate idea.

Mr. Somervell, chairman of the School Committee, expressed the opinion that it would bo well if the boys learned to cook a bit, It was very bandy for a bov to know what to do when occasion demanded. Ho illustrated his contention by several apt stories. He approved of the certificate proposition.