FAIR PLAY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue 33, 24 December 1880, Page 2

FAIR PLAY.

TO THE KniTOlt OF THE MANAWAITT HERALD. Sin, — Would you kindly let me know through your valuable paper, of which I am a constant roader, if we people of Ofcaki cannot have our children treated here the twine as in other schools. For instance, all our good prizes were given to one family, aud not one of them passed any Standard, while others that passed got none. There were three prizes for sewing. One of the Name family, v young woman of about fifteen, got it; another got 10s, for what I don't know. I want you to tell me, Sir, in what way we will get fair play. Why one family should get favoured with the schoolmaster because they have cream, butler, and milk I don't know, but such is the case, we all know, and before the school resumes its duties I think steps ought to be taken, and tne gentlemen of the committee enquire into id all, The schoolmaster isruoied the Inspector's passing of Standards, and gave to ouo family, to a young woman of fifteen three prizes, to her sister two, to the brother three, and 10b I believe for drilling, when all the other good drillers were enjoying themselves in the bush. The same family has always been fuvouved. While my little boy lias 1 een beaten for being Lite or otherwise, the same family huvo never been so treated. I know, Sir, you love fair play, and I want you to tell us how wo will get it. All I know is, Death has given a good may stings, but he will gain uo victory. I am, &c, A Lovfc.it of Fair Flay. Otttki, December 20, 188 U. [If our correspondent has a fair ground of complaint, it should be forwarded to the .■School Committee, whose duty it would be to investigate it. Tbt>re is noth ng wrong or unfair in one family getting several prizes, provided they deserve them. Prizes are almost invariably awarded on tho recommendation of the schoolmaster, who is supposed to know more of the diligence and good couduct of the pupils than any one else. If he awards them to undeserving children, and keeps them from the diliijeut and well-conducted, he simply is not fitted for his position. There is ulways & large amount of jealousy engendered by the giving of prizes, aud unless they are awarded on a fixed principle, it would b<> far better uone should be given. At a school the writer attended in another country, marks were given daily for each subject studied, and the boy who had the greatest number at the end of the year took first prize in his division. Suoh a method might with advantage be employed in schools in which it is intended to give prizes. Jburdier than we have written we do not cure to express an opinion, as the matter is one that should be dealt with by the School Committee.— Ed. M. Heuald ]