THE FEATHERSTON SCHOOL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5684, 18 June 1879, Page 3

THE FEATHERSTON SCHOOL.

(from a correspondent.) On Monday afternoon the prizes gained by the scholars in the Eeatherston school, at the last standard examination, were distributed, The committee and teachers would gladly have fallen in with the arrangement proposed by the city committees, but tho intimation of their demonstration came after all arrangements had been made. At half-past two o clock the children formed in procession at the school buildings, and headed by their excellent drum and fife band, marched to the Town Hall. There were a good many visitors, including Mr. and Mrs. Pharazyn, the Rev. Mr. Brown, and the members of the local commitee. Mr. W. Gundy occupied the chair, and Mrs. Pharazyn distributed the valuable works given by the Board of Education, The Chairman called on Mr. Gurr to give some information respecting the school. Mr. Gurr said he was glad to see so many persons present on an occasion of the school might justly be proud. While gratified to find that his school had succeeded in taking five [out of the sixteen prizes for the educational district of Wellington, he was still more pleased to say that the entire school had done good work. One hundred and twenty-six candidates were sent up for examination, and one hundred and twenty-one passed the ordeal with

a good average of marks. Of the five failing, three were under eight years of age, and one had only been in the school a few weeks. He was pleased also to see that out of the subjects criticised by the Inspector in his report, Fcathorston had the greatest number ot commendations.

Mr. Phakazys nest addressed the meeting. He was glad that the school had done so well. For the last two and a half years it had been in the hands of a gentleman wi:o was thoroughly up in school work, aud lie was sure that its influence extended beyond Featherstou. He hoped that the children would continue to profit by their advantages. Tile Rev. Mr. Brown (Waihenga) said that during his residence in the district he had become acquainted with their esteemed teacher. Me had on several occasions visited the school, and found that everything was a mode! of order and discipline. He was especially pleased with ttie deportment of the children. He felt, when leaving the old country, some anxiety for the educational welfare of ids children ; but if Featherston might be taken as a specimen of New Zealand State schools, he was sure the advantage was on the side of the colony. Mr. Parker, on behalf ot the committee, similarly expressed himself, Mrs. Phakazyn then distributed the prizes as follows ;—Norman Gurr and David Craig, each first prize, Standard V.; Charlotte Jackson, second prize, Standard V.; Elizabeth Yule, third prize, Standard VI.; Margaret Yule, fourth prize, Standard VI. Each candidate was loudly applauded, and at the close the National Anthem was sung by the children.