FOXTON SCHOOL TREAT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 35, 27 December 1878, Page 2

FOXTON SCHOOL TREAT.

I -♦ . On Friday last, the annual fete of the Foxton Public School took' place. I A subscription list Lad been opened a | week or two before, and owing to the ! public responsp, the Committee were i able to carry out the whole affair in a j moiit liberal manner, over £20 having been subscribed, besides a number of valuable presents given as " special prizes," and also those " perishables " which form so essential a part of a juvenile treat. A committee of ladies had taken the preparation of the refreshments in hand, and right earnestly they worked, no effort being spared to satisfy the varied cravings of the juveniles At two p.m. they began to muster, and by tkree o'clock the wonder was, where b many children came from ! In order to beguile the afternoon hours, a committee from the senior division of boys had organised sports, which were duly advertised in the Manawatu Herald. Masters W. Gray, W. Robinson, J . Purcell, J. Liddell, aud K. Coombe acted as Stewards, Master Gray holding the position of Hon Secretary. Several gentlemen who took an interest in the boys' amusements, measured off the distances, and acted as starters. Many of the races were well-eontftsted, the youngsters betraying a keen interest in the various events; in fact, after the heavy exercises of mental strength they had gone through, the testings of physical strength appeared to delight them to a degree. The following is a list of events, and the prizewinners: — 100 yards race (over 12)— W. Robiuson, 1 ; R. Howe, 2. 200 yards race (over 12)— W. Kobinson, 1 ; K. Smith, 2. Champion Prizo — W. Robinson. 100 yards race (undor 12) G. Smith, I 1 ; C. Robinson, 2. 75 yards race (uudei 9) — J. Whyto, 1 ; O. Robinson, 2. Throwing the Cricket Ball — R. Howe. | Three-legged Race (over 12)--W. Robinson aud J. Purcell. (Under 12) — T. Cameron and G. Smith. Running high jump (over 12)— T. Nyo, 1 ; R Howe, 2. (Under 12)— G. Smith. 1 ; T. Purcell, 2. j Running long jump (ovor 12) — W. Robinsoa, 1 ; li. Howe, 2. (Under 12)— G Smith. f Ugliest standing jump — W. Robinson, 1 ; R. Howe, 2. ! Handicap Race— W. Liddell, 1; | T. Nye, 2. At about 5 o'clock tho scholars gathered in tho Public Hull, and wero regaled with tho eatables, Indies prosiding at tho various tables. A IW they had satisfied themselves, it mints ber of tho parents sat down ivml jmrtook of some tea and cuko Wlhmi the Hal had been cleared, tho scholars were marched in, a number of .scats having been reserved for visitors. Tho Hey Mr Duncan presided, aud inado v few remarks before distributing tho prizes. lie referred to tho importance of education, and its progress in the district, also giving tho children so 1 no well -chosen ad vice to cultivate habits of courtesy, truthfulness, &c, in addition to acquiring knowledge. Ho also paid a high aud woll-dosirved compliment to the master, Mi* C Hulke, for the excellent discipline ho maintained, and also for the rapid progress of the pupils under him. Mr J. N. Flower, chairman of the School Committee, also addressed the meeting, explaining the condiiion of educational

matters in the district, and also the * action of the Committee regarding * several important matters. Several l recitations were also given iv a most ( excellent manner by some of the < scholars, a couple of dialogues being ' vociferously applauded. The following is the prize list, the Rev. Chair- , man distributing the books : — < Clas3 I — Win Purcell 1, Annie Whyte and Frank Flower 2 ' Class II — Emily Kleeman 1, Jessie Gray 2 Class II[ — Barbara Proctor 1, Ada Adams 2 Class IV— Mary Trask 1, Katie Gray 2 Class V -Ellen Stewart 1, Sylvia Adams 2 Cl:i3sVT - Geoffrey Smith 1, Helena Koeinct' 2 Class Vll-Wni Liddell I, Fred Cuter and Thos Purcell 2. Class VIII -Wm Gray 1, Joseph Flower 2, W. Robinson Latin Sewing — Senior, Alice Buir 1, E. Stewart 2. Junior, Lilian Cola 1, E. Symons 2 i Writing, Special, Wm Gray 1, ! Charlotte Coley and Louisa Gray Geography at.d History, Wm Gray Arithmetic, Jos Flower 1, It. Howe 2 Recitation — special prizes —J. Flower, J. Purcell, G. Smith, 11. Koerner, W. Burr. [We have not been able to obtain the names of those who received atj tendance prizes J j Aft.nr the distribution of the prizes, the scholars sang one or two pieces, and the National Anthem closed the proceedings. The various members of the School Committee worked most zealously to make the whole affair a success, and succeeded to the fullest extent, no hitch whatever occurring. The ladies also largely assisted in the work, and their efforts are worthy of the highest praise. The scholars will we aro sure, look back with pleasure upon the Feto Day of 1878.