THE NORMAL SCHOOL.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1501, 7 December 1878, Page 3

THE NORMAL SCHOOL.

ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OF FRIZES. The annual distribution of prizes to the scholars of the Normal School took place yesterday morning in the drill hall connected with the establishment. An excellent platform, constructed of rows of desks, was formed at the upper end of the room, and upon this was placed a table, on which were the prizes, chairs for visitors, &c. At the back and around affixed against the walls were a number of maps and drawings, some of which excited considerable attention from the visitors in consequence of their excellence. Although the mapping of the boys was uncommonly good, it had to give way to that of the girls, which was of a very superior character. Two of the male scholars, England and Penrose, excelled all competitors in mapping, while on the side allotted to the drawings some of those of Rosa Budden were magnificent. Specimens of writing too attracted general attention, and altogether it was pretty conclusively shown that under the superintendence of Mr Thornton, the headmaster, and Mrs Patterson the school has in no way fallen off. The distribution of prizes was announced to begin at 10 o’clock, but it was past eleven before the scholars were in their places, at which time there must have been nearly 900 children in the hall. Mr C. C. Howard, principal of the school, then addressed those present. He said he did not think the hall had ever presented a prettier sight. If things went on at the present rate they would have to have the hall enlarged or they would not bo able to distribute their prizes in it next year. They thought they bad seen it full before, but they now found out how mistaken they bad been. He was very glad to see the attendance at their school grow in the way that it had grown, and, as he said before, if things went on like this they would also have to see the building grow. Last year there were upon the book* of the school between 700 and 800 names. This last quarter there were far more than that, for they actually had over 800 children attending the school at one time. From this it would be seen that they were coming well to the front. Although it was now the second largest school in Christchurch, they would not admit that it was the second best. [Applause.] They must try to be first in everything. Ho had hoped the chairman of the Board of Education would have been present, but unfortunately, it being mail day, he was unable to attend. He had, however, expressed the pleasure he should have felt at making the distribution, and his regret at his inability to do so. He (the speaker) wished he bad been present for all their sakes. During the year the school had made great progress, which was the more gratifying, because during that year they had been in a condition of some difficulty. They had lost their very good friend Miss Seager, who was a thoroughly good schoolmistress. Her place had not been supplied yet, and ho very much doubted whether anyone could ever fill that place so well as she had filled it. [Applause.] That was not the only loss they had had, for Mr Curnow had also left them. To that gentleman the school owed very much in its early difficulties. It was then a very anxious tirno, during which ho had worked well. Now other changes were imminent, and ‘he did not know what in their transition state might ensue. They were going to try and carry out the objects for which the Normal School was designed. However, he hoped they would tide over the difficulties, and that when they next mot on a similar occasion all would bo plain sailing. During the year they had obtained the class A Scholarship, and ho was glad to say that next year the same boy meant to try for class B. [Applause.] If his health was spared, and he worked as hard for it as he had done for the other, he would take a lot of beating. With regard to the year’s progress, he was glad to say that the scholars had not only been instructed but educated, and taught to think for themselves. He was exceedingly gratified at the result of the oral examination through which he had put them. Ho was very much gratified at the healthful and manly tone of the boys he had examined, and with their honesty and determination of purpose. These traits would stand them in better stead than any mere attainments. He had the same remarks to make with regard to the girls’ school, particularly the upper class. He would rather sec them good than clever, but he was very glad to say they tried to do their duty in both respects. He was sorry to say to say that the prizes on this occasion wire not particularly numerous, as they now had to put their hands into their own pockets, and to a great extent to depend upon their own exertions and the small amount they had from the Government, which was for the most part supplemented by the teachers themselves, and for that reason the prizrs were not so valuable aa they would like to offer, still the honor of the thing was of more value to the scholars than the intrinsic value of it. Ho was very glad to say that two silver medals had been kindly presented by Messrs Coates and Co. for the dux of 1 ho boys, and the dux of the girls’school. And those who were first in anything had a right lo feel proud, whether it was cricket, loot ball, rowing, or any brunch of education. .Among the prizes that would be awarded there would be between twenty and thirty

illuminated certificates to bo given to those hoys and girls who had not been absent from the school for a single day during the year on which the school had met. One of the greatest difficulties the teachers found in advancing the children was there stopping away continually, or now and again. If children would attend regularly they would guarantee to got them on, bub not without. Among the prizes to be given would be a large number the special gift of Miss Quinney, which would be distributed amongst the junior class of all, and every member of which would receive a prize. [Applause.] As upon former occasions the principle of examination on which the prizes of the school would be distributed would be partly writ ten, partly oral, and partly general. The distribution of prizes then took place, Mr Howard making the presentations. This ceremony was interspersed with songs by the 6th class of girls, under Mr Wiggins, and the younger children, under Miss Quinney, in each case the vocalisation showing marked proficiency. At the end of the distribution a number of cheers were given for Mr Howard, Mr Thornton, Miss Quinney, and others. The school then broke up for the holidays, which will last until the 20th January. The following is the prize list:— Boys. Class VI., Upper. Ist, Thomas W. Eowe; 2nd, William Foster Class VI., Lower. Ist, Dux medal. Joseph Hurst Turner ; znd, William Charles Crowe and William Glanville (equal); 3rd, William Henry Lock. Progvess—David Lusk. Mapping and Exorcise Books —Alfred R. England, Charles Stewart. Attendance —Joseph Turner. Class V. Ist, Percy Gideon Withers; 2nd, Earnest W. Reed ; 3rd, 1 homas Crump ; com mended, Frederick Lane, William Penrose, William Burk, William Hill, Paul Hart, Frederick Nott, Jo-epli Garrard. Writing and Exercise-Rob Roy McGregor. Mapping—W. Penrose, P. Richards. Attendance —P. Richards, W. Penrose. UPPER SCHOOL. Gymnastics. Ist, J. W. Bowman; 2nd, A. Johnston ; 3rd, A. Gapes. Standard IV. Highest number of marks : 1, Childs, W. J., 357; 2, Dollan, J., 363; 3, Fichird, H., 3-18; 4, Clarkson, R., 331; 5, Morley, W., 321; 6, Slater, J.,310; regular attendance, J. Husband ; mapping, R. Richards; arithmetic, R. Clarkson; progress, 1, W. Morley; 2nd, H. Hiddlestonc ; diligence, G. R. Rowe. LOWER SCHOOL. Class 111. 1, Archibald Hyndman s 2, Henry A. Cooper; 3, Donald McDonald; commended, Fredk. Raphael, Charles Hiatt, Charles Bradford, William Grogan; progress, Horace Buck, Victor Whyte; regular attendance, Matthew Henderson, Charles Bradford. Class 11, upper. 1. Willie Dunn; 2, Willie Whyte ; 3, Alex. McCready ; commended, Harry Lark, Andrew Dunn ; regular attendance, Willie Dunn, John Mcllroy; good conduct, William Veel. lass 11, lower. 1, Willie Moir; 2, Joseph Childs ; 3, Frank Woodward. Class 1. Willie Simpson, Ist; Ernest Harris 2nd ; Charles Rides, 3rd. Girls’ School. Sixth Class. Martha Weir, dux, modal, top in grammar and history, highest marks for year; Eliza Hooper, second, second highest marks; Rosa Budden, drawing, mapping, writing, third on examination list; Charlotte Stephens, sewing, fourth on examination list; Mary Hiatt and Mary Banks, general improvement and diligence; Hester Counon and Diana Eadcliffo, neat exercises. Fifth Standard. Fanny Kennedy, first prize, top in geography, grammar, and maps; Hosa Prize, second; honorable mention, Agnes Mcllroy, Annie Hiatt, SarahHiatt; AgnesMellroy, highest marks for year ; Emma Lewis ; Mary Wilkinson, drawing and writing : Nellie Callender, mapping ; honorable mention in mapping, F. Kennedy, Minnie Percy, Mary Ick ; Eleanor Burns, needlework. Fourth Class. Lizzie Hyndman, first prize; Jane Mcllroy, second; Annie Rowe, third; honorable mention, Maria Andrews, Lucy A’Court, drawing; history, Fanny Martin; Eva Kcsteven, writing and exercise book; Maud Ick, writing and exercise book; Lillie Banks, mapping; honorable mention, writing, Ada Clarkson. Third Class. Gertrude Greenaway, first prize; Eleanor Stubbs, second; Edith Nottingham, third ; Mary Buck, writing and general improvement ; Fanny Hiatt, arithmetic and neat exercise book. Lower Third. Charlotte Raine, first prize ; Frances Burrell, second. Second Class Lizzie Dcnne, first prize; Annie Mcllroy, second; Maud Samuels, third; Kate Young, general proficiency; Constance Pike, good conduct; May Smith, good conduct; Olive Samuels, diligence; Nellie Hack, diligence. First Class. Lizzie Ingle, first prize; Laura Wyatt, second; Mabel Morley, third ; Eliza Eadden, Alice Stuart, good conduct and general improvement.