THE SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5236, 4 January 1878, Page 6

THE SCHOOLS.

The prizes at the Buckle-street school were distributed on Dec, 20th to the successful pupils by Mr. Kenneth Wilson, principal of the Wellington College. -The boys attending the school then presentid Mr. Everett, the head master, with a handsome writing desk and cruet standj as a token of their respect and esteem. We have received a copy of the examination papers of the Te Aro Grammar and Commercial School, conducted by Mr. Curtis. They show that great pains have been taken by the teacher, and the answers of the pupils are most creditable. - The papers of H. Bailie (aged 15), R. Kemble (154), and W. S. Pyke, show that most commonable progress has been made by them in the various branches of study. Their maps, handwriting, and knowledge of arithmetic are especially worthy of notice, and in Scripture history and dictation their worlds most satisfactory. Noonelookingover.the.se papers can doubt that Mr. Curtis is an excellent schoolmaster in whom parents and guardians may rest satisfied that justice will . bo done by him to the young people committed to his charge. The pupils of the Te Aro school, Ghuzusestreet, under the Board of Education, broke up on Friday, December 21, for their Christmas holidays. Mr. Holmes, head-master, briefly addressed the children, congratulating those who had passed at the recent examination, and exhorting all. to work hard in order to make a good show at the next visit of the inspector. Hetben distributed the prizes which had been! provided by the different teachers for the children of their respective classes ; and then, calling forward Miss Holyer and Mr. Gordon, assistant teachers, handed to them presents subscribed for by the children of their classes : to the former a work-case, and to the latter a gold tpilct-set. Before the national anthem was- sung, Mr. Gordon, on behalf of the teachers, of the school, presented-Mr. Holmes with-a handsome illustrated copy of “Don Quixote," with a suitable inscription. After Mr. Holmes had ,returned .thanks, the:pupils dispersed, to meet again on Monday, the 21st January. . , . ~ The .animal ■ picnic, in connection with the -.Tavya Elat School took place on the, 12th Dec., when, owing to the day being fine, the people of the district made it a general holiday. The company drove round to one of the many beautiful promontories of the Porirna harbor, and there, located themselves for the day in ■ happy reunion. Owing to the presence of the Pahautanui band, and the weather being very fine, a .most enjoyable,day was spent. Mr. Horne,, the teacher of the school, was .pre-i sentod during the day with a handsome writing desk, by Miss Kuigge and Miss Taylor on behalf of, themselves and , their, fellow scholars. On Friday, the ,21st instant, the school prizes were . distributed by Mr. Taylor, chairman of the soliool committee. Xu doing so, he made some amusing remarks to the .scholars ou the, methods adopted by even men of means to keep their accounts in former times, and. the blunders they made. He impressed on those present, the importance of making good, use of their, time while at school. John Ry.-in received the first prize, he being the most advanced scholar in the school, Amelia Taylor first.prize iu the third standard division, .and

Kate Morgan first prize for the highest number of attendance marks—64B,—a system of marks instituted by Mr. Lee, the Inspector of Schools, to enjoin good attendance. To show the interest taken in education by the residents in the district, close on £2O was subscribed for rewards. They were both choice and valuable. ENGLISH HIGH SCHOOL. The annual sports and distribution of prizes in connection with the English High School, Abel Smith-street, took place on Dec. 17. The sports were held on the Basin Reserve, at which a large number of scholars and others attended. The various events were well contested, and the young people evidently thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The following are the events and the results : Flat Eace, 100 yards, all ages.—(l). flirschberg. 1; A. Harding, 2. (2.) All ages.—Hume, 1; A. Yennell, 2. Flat Eace, 100 yards, boys under 10. —Buchanan, 1; Bishop, 2. Euning High Leap.—A. Vennel, 1: Dixon, 2. Hop, Step, and Jump, all ages.—Hirschberg, 1; A. Harding, 2. Flat Eace, half-mile—Hume, 1; A. Vennel, 2. Hurdle Eace, 220 yards.—Hirschberg 1; Holliday, 2. Flat Eace. 100 yards, boys under 10.—O. Porritt, 1 ; E. Porritt. 2. Eunning High Leap.—Hirschberg 1 ; Harding, 2. Plat Eace, 220 yards.—Arthur Vennell. Flat Eace, 100 yards, boys under 14.—Bishop, 1; Buchanan, 2. Half-mile Walking Match.—Dixon. 1; Arthur Vennell, 2. Mile Walking Match.—Mclntyre, 1; A. Harding, 2. Flat Eace. 100 yards, boys under 12.—0. Porritt, 1; Buck, 2 Half-mile Eunning Eace, all ages.—Hirschberg, 1; Bennett, 2 Three-legged Eace, 100 yards, all ages.—Hirscbberg and Harding, 1; Kreeft and Bishop, 2. Consolation Eaces.—(l.) A. Mitchell, 1; A. Cameron, 2; 13. Porter, 3. (2.) E. Walkie, 1; W. Staples, 2 ; G. D. Oakley. 3. The boys assembled in the school shortly after 2 o’clock for the distribution of the prizes. There was a large number of the parents and relatives of the boys present. The examination for special prizes was conducted by the Ven. Archdeacon Stock, the Rev. Mr. Paterson, and the Rev. Mr. Porritt, headmaster of the school. The prizes were exhibited on a table in the school, and consisted of handsomely-bound books of a high-class 1 kind, field - glasses, albums, writing - desks, mathematical instruments, and a variety of other well-selected articles. The Ven. Archdeacon Stock delivered a short address to-the boys prior to distributing the prizes. He said it was a pleasant task to perform. He knew some of the boys were going to leave school, and he wished to impress upon them that they were not to suppose that their education was now finished. Most knowledge was acquired after leaving school. : He advised them to read largely, and endeavor to thoroughly understand what they did read. He advised the boys never, when seeking after information, to be backward in asking questions. It would show an inquiring spirit, and they would find that people would only be too glad to give them information. He advised them to be firm in tbeir purpose, brave, and manly, and never hesitate to say no when occasion demanded it.

The Rev. Mr. Porritt expressed his regret that Mr. Bowden was not present on the occasion. That gentleman had to relinquish his scholastic duties through failing health, and had to take a trip to England. He (Mr. j Porritt) would remark that those boys who had obtained first-class prizes must have -worked well. On the whole the work done this term was better than on previous occasions. The examination for special prizes was then proceeded with. Recitation was taken first, when some seven or eight boys competed for honors. Some of the pieces were excellently delivered, with an easy natural grace, every syllable being distinctly pronounced. It was evident that the boys fully understood the author’s meaning. In the highest class 0. Holdsworth took the first prize, and there was a general opinion that the honor was preferred upon therighthoy. In mental arithmetic the sums oiven were very difficult indeed, but, notwithstanding, a considerable number of the boys passed the ordeal creditably. The spelling match attracted the most interest, and a large number of scholars competed. ’Che boys showed a good acquaintance with the orthography of the English language, as most of the words put to them were by no means common or easy to spell. J. Holliday and A. XJrwin took first and second prizes respectively. In penmanship and bookkeeping, the work done was really excellent, and was handed round amongst those present for examination, and many were the remarks of commendation given utterance to by the visitors. A. Harding took the first prize for mapping and drawing, E. Harding second prize, and G. Slater third prize. The work in this department was highly creditable to the boys, as displaying a considerable amount of care and skill. As boy came up for his prize, be was warmly greeted with applause by bis fellow scholars. The following is the CERTIFICATED PRIZE LIST. 4th (highest) class.—A. Harding, Ist degree certificate and prize; E. Harding, N. Bowden, C. Hohisworth. A. C. Cleland, J. Holliday, G. Slater, and A. Buchanan, 2nd degree certificate and prize; W. Hirsohberg, W. Scott, and A. Unvin, 2nd degree certificate; E. 0. Kreeft and A. Hanunerton. honorable mention. 3rd class.—E. WlcUop and A. E. Meek, Ist degree certificate and prize; P. Bennett,, G. Holdsworth, 11. Stock, and A. IVircn, 2nd degree certificate and prize; E. Stock, C. Sidov, J. H. Wallace, IV. Gaunaway, G. H. Betlume, R. Renner, C. Fairbrother, and J. Ancell, 2nd degree certificate. 2nd class.— E. Stapl-s and E. Dixon, Ist degree certificate and prize; R. Hume, IV. Reid, A. IV. Venncll, IV. Staples, G. Doile, E. Wilkie, T. Compton, E. W. Porritt, and J. Slater, 2nd degree certificate and prize; R. Hammerton, E. T. Daniel, and W. J. Haybittle, 2nd degree certificate ; W- Bowden and G. Buck, honorable mention. SPECIAL PRIZE LIST, Recitation—4th class (highest): C. Holdsworth. 1; H. Harding, 2. 3rd class: A. Meek, 1: G, Holdsworth, 2. 2nd class : R. Hammerton, 1; W. Haybittle, 2. Ist class; T. Valentine, 1 ; E. E. Porritt, 2. Mental Arithmetic.—3rd class: A. Meek, 1; G. Holdsworth, 2. 2nd class: E. Wilkie, 1; E, Staples, 2. Spelling.—4th class : J. Holliday, 1; A. Urwin, 2. 3rd class ; P. Bennett, 1; W. Widdop, 2. 2nd class: C. staples, 1; W. Reid, 2. Ist class : O. H. Porritt, 1; H. F. Skoy, 2. Penmanship and Bookkeeping.—4th class; N. Bowden, 1; J. Holliday, 2. 3rd class: J, 11. Wallace, 1; A Wireu, 2. Mapping and Drawing.—4th class; A. Harding, 1; E. Harding, 2 ; G. Sinter, S. ’Composition.—4th class; G. Slater. French.—4th class; J. Holliday. Before the proceedings terminated, the Rev. Mr. Paterson addressed some words of sound advice to the boys. He said there was no doubt that the prizes were the reward of hard earnest wotk. He advised them to persevere, for in continued application lay the great success in life. It was advisable that they should read largely, not merely skimming over books, but understanding them thoroughly. It was bettor to be master of one subject than to have an imperfect knowledge of many. Above all things ho urged them to be truthful and manly in every act. Mr. Holdsworth rose to call for three hearty cheers for the masters. It was with pleasure . he said there was no fault to find with, the school. His boys attended it, and he was well satisfied with the progress made. He hoped the work would be as good in the future, if not better, than it had been in the past. The boys having given three hearty cheers for their teachers, the Rev. Air. Porritt suitably returned thanks, and the proceedings were brought to a close. THE MARIST BROTHERS' SCHOOL. The distribution of prizes and a dramatic entertainment took place on December 20th at the Marist Brothers' School, Boulcott-street. There was a large attendance. The prizes were presented by the Rev. Father McGuinneas. The lollowingi- is the list of the principal’prize-taker* ‘ ■ ... ■ Fourth-Class (the highest).—Eh’stDivision—■Robert Dixon, Ist prize ; Isadora Pagon, 2nd • William Coffey, 3rd ; Charles Bommr.'ton, 4th; Henry Bkudford, sth ; Stanislaus i Mahoney, Bth., Second .Division—John Murphy, Ist; James Carpenter, 2nd ; Francis London, 3rd ; John Reardon, 4th ; Francis Dooley; i sth ; Michael Hyland, 6th. VV . - ' Third Class. —Fir.it Division—Richard Cat-, peiiter; Ist prize ; Howard Reid, 2nd ; William. Prideaux, 3rd; Francis Oakes, ,4th'; John Allan, sth ; ..William; Fraser, 6th. Second Division-I—H’enry , Crombie,. Ist ; . William North.|2nd ; Henry Greenfield,' 3rd p. Daniel Reardon, 4th.; John Sheridan,- slh ; Albert 11-.lkffih. .Second Class.—First Division—James Murray,. Ist. -prize; Maxwell Carpenter, 2nd ;

James Byan, 3rd ; Alfred Percy, 4th; William Scanlan, sth ; Matthew Bains, 6th. Second Division—Thomas Nidd, Ist; William Hunter, 2nd; Francis Bonnington, 3rd ; John Gamble, 4th; John Fitzgibbon, stb ; John King, 6th. First Class (lowest). First Division— Thomas Hodjins, Ist prize ; Pat O’Shea, 2nd ; Ed. Curry, 3rd ; M. Murray, 4th ; Sam Landbrook, sth ; Henry Blake, 6th. Second Division—A. Blake, Ist; William Guilford, 2nd ; F. Follas, 3rd ; S. Hanlon, 4th ; H. Dooley, sth ; C. Bonner, 6th. The programme of the dramatic entertainment composed songs and choruses, and a drama iu four acts entitled “ Sebastian ; or, the Christian Martyr." Both the singing and the dramatic performance were excellent, and elicited frequent applause, THE TERRACE SCHOOL. The annual distribution of prizes at this school took place on Saturday afternoon, 22nd December. Several parents and friends were present. The chair was taken by Mr. J. Burns, chairman of local committee. He (the chairman) heartily congratulated them on the success of the year’s work, and then proceeded to distribute the prizes, of which a large number had been provided by the committee. Mr. J. Knowles also addressed the pupils in a short but telling speech. The elder * boys presented the master with a musical album, and the girls with a writing-case. These presents were suitably acknowledged. The following is the prize-list : STANDARD IV. Girls. —Tcllira C. Watson, Grace A. Young, Emma Archer. Hoys. —David Hutchens, Albert Climie, William D’Arcy, John Davies, Eichard Marriott, Harry Blacklock, William Beck. : STANDARD 111. Girls— Elizabeth James, Lois Feist, Euth Archer, Eftie James, Phcebe Watson. Boys. —John McLean, Charles D'Arcy, William D’Aroy, George McGregor, Percy Knowles, Eobert Blacklock, Herbert Cook, Thomas Munt, Strang Thomson, Ernest Wright, Frederick Levy. STANDARD 11. Boys. —William Baker, Arthur Harvey, Arthur Parr, John Steele, Lewis Cook, George Bell, Charles Young, John Turnbull. Girls.—Elizabeth Hutchens, Annie Leiham, Kate Chappell. Edith Levy, Mary Nation, Mary Dixon, Ellen Collins, Martha Mitchell, Julia Fairy, Sarah Buck. Attendance Prizes. —M.vtl James, William James. Good Conduff —Arthur Emeny. : General Prizes. May ’ Whitehouse, Elizabeth Hutchens, Edward Jndd, Johu'Turnbull. Several prizes for the junior classes, presented by Mr. Maginnity, were also distributed according to merit, Mr. Costall's prize, consisting of a set of mathematical instruments, to be given to the best boy in the school, was put to the vote of the pupils, and fell to the lot of David Hutchens. . The master proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman and members of the committee for their untiring exertions on behalf of the school, which was carried by acclamation. NAPIER NATIVE GIRS’ SCHOOL. (From the Hawke’s Bay Herald.) That more is done by gentleness than force, is a proverb exemplified in the everyday life of one and all of us ; and so universal is the feeling on this fact that not a day passes but some expression bearing upon it is beard in some form or other. It, as is the case, gentleness masters much that would otherwise be stormy, so does patient, steadfast courage, of a certainty, secure that success which a more known and public display of energy and labor has often failed to attain. As an instance of how much can be done by quiet, patient, and steady stability of action, is the all but unknown, though thoroughly efficient establishment for native girls, supervised by the Misses Williams, 'daughter--of Bishop Williams. To few outside of the township of Napier, and, one suspects, to a groat many within its circle, is the existence of this establishment known. It has now some forty young girls, varying in age from seven to fifteen; many are half-castes, and there are some two or three of English parentage. The building is situated in as healthy a position as could be found in Napier; it is 'roomy, airy, and kept scrupulously clean. The girls looked happy, were neat and bright, and all quick and ready in doing that which the examiners called upon them to do. Taking advantage of the presence of the Bishops in Napier, they , were put through their facings by the Most Rev.'the Primate, the Bishop of Auckland, and the newly-consecrated Bishop of Waiapu. Their dictation was surprisingly correct, their reading open to Improvement, their arithmetic sound in almost every instance, and their writing most praiseworthy. Whatever trying time the matron, Mrs. Quinn, and her daughters must of necessity have gone through to have have got these, young, half-wild, spirited girls into their present efficient state of intellectual and personal culture, much satisfaction and pleasure should now be theirs at the unquestioned and happy results of their patient labors The management of the school is manifestly beyond the powers of one mistress, and when her two daughters were introduced to the examiners, it then became plain how it is the pupils were so prepossessing, ‘ and the success of all. interested so happily secured.