HOKITIKA DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL

Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1927, Page 3

HOKITIKA DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL

The District High School broke up for the long vacation yesterday afternoon, the closing ceremony commencing at 2.30 o’clock. Staff, scholars and a number ol parents assembled in the Technical School section, where a small stage had been erected. The Rev. J. Hayward, Chairman of the School Committee, and with him on the platform were Air J. Conning, Secretary, Air D. J. Evans, ex-scholar, who was asked to present the prizes, and the Rector, Air K. Partridge. Afr Partridge extended a, welcome to all present, and invited the Chairman to address the assemblage. In doing so the Rev. Hayward said that usually a “breal?7nff ’•r was an occasion for sadness and regret, but tbe

’‘breaking up” of school for the holidays was a time for rejoicing. He congratulated the stall' and scholars on the good work done (hiring the year. As a Committee their task was chiefly to attend to the condition ot the buildings and grounds. They had done the best with the funds at their disposal, provided mainly by the parents, and the grounds were showing much general improvement. It was a pleasure to meet them all under such pleasant weather conditions and they could all rejoice at what had been achieved by the school, and their success was worthy all congratulation.

Afr Evans said it was an honour to preside on such an occasion. He recalled that in his school days local pupils had to go to other parts of the Dominion for secondary education, and it was a wise provision to establish the district high schools which were doing such good work. The breaking up of a secondary school was rather different to that of a primary school, in that many of the boys, and girls would bo finishing off their scholastic career and going out into the world to play their part in ho dsties of citizenship which awaited them. He enjoined on thorn to remember the honour of their school and sustain its fine reputation. Others from the school had gone out and attained high positions, mentioning the name of Air Furkert . (whose name was on their honours list), now En-giueer-i 11-Chief of the Dominion. They could not all attain such high rank, but tliero was always a niche to he filled, and it was for them to do their duty lrtanfuily in the endeavour to win through. Referring to the prize giving he recalled an American saying to the effect race was not always to the swift, but tbe first in generally won! ■ So with tbe prizes, the winners wCre not always tbe best scholars, but the highest marks won. •In striving for the prize they had acquired knowledge which would serve them well-in' the battle of life, and so those who were not prize winners would’ lint go away empty handed. .Mr Evans spoke highly of the success of Hie schoolover many years and congratulated, the staff on the proficiency of their charges. The boys and girlsvwould always have kindly recollections (if tlieir teachers, and in after life would recall with grateful memory' many kindnesses received at the .Lends of :those who had been their- ..tutors and who had devoted their talents to tlieir improvement. Tn closing. Afr Evans wished the staff and .scholars a pleasant holiday with an ' enjoyable Christmas and happy New Yonr. To those of tlieir number who were going out from the school to start a now career, lie wished them a 11, '.success, ji 111 c I hoped by tlieir own efforts they would he able to do well, and bring further honour to the name of. Jhdin school.

The prizes were then distributed, several very handsomely bound vollimcispiping presented to the form winners, and honours cards to those who had' attained a high percentage of nijuSks. Tf. Thiele, of Ross, was Dux of the School.

■ jllsring the afternoon pianoforte solos were rendered bv Miss Cox and Hi - Thiele, and at the close of the prize giving a prepared reading of the shipwreck scene of “The Admirable Crichton.” was rendered very acceptable bv eight of the secondary;-s«hol-nrs. They acquitted themselves very aldy indeed, and the fortunes of the shipwrecked men were followed with close interest by those present. Tile singing of the National Anthem closed the formal proceedings, and subsequently the parents present were entertained at afternoon tea.