THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5843, 20 December 1879, Page 2

THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

The annual gathering prior to the Christmas vacation of all but one of the schools under the Board of Education, in the city of Wellington, took place yesterday, the exception being the Newtown school, which broke up on Thursday afternoon. The weather was not of the finest for the important ceremony, which i» looked forward to by the children with eager anticipations, but the rain did not prevent each school being crowded by scholars with their teachers, not a few parents and friends being also present. Below we give reports of the proceedings at each school in the order in which they occurred, the prize list being also given. TERRACE SCHOOL. The usual meeting of the children and friends, preparatory to breaking-up for the Christmas holidays, was held at 3 o’clock yesterday iu the large room. At the request of the committee, the Hon, Mr. Gisborne occupied the chair, and distributed the prizes. There was, as usual, a very large attendance of parents and friends, and the room was crowded to excess. After the bon. gentleman had been formally introduced by Mr. Gore (chairman of the committee), the children sang “ On the Waters,” which was very creditably rendered, the various parts being taken very nicely. The Chairman then remarked that it gave him very great pleasure to be present on that occasion. He urged upon the children the necessity of making every effort to avail themselves of the opportunities offered by the State of obtaining a sound education. The present rising generation have advantages such as no preceding generation was ever blessed with. He (Mr. Gisborne) had always felt a particular interest in the Terrace school. He was among those who had taken an active part in securing the Terrace school for the Board of Education, and they had labored as earnestly to place it under efficient management, and he was proud to say their efforts had been crowned with success. The children then sang “ William Rufus.” Mr. Gobe stated he did not intend to inflict a speech upon them, but it was necessary that he should say something. He then stated the conditions upon which the committee had awarded the prizes. He (Mr. Gore) was also requested by the pupils to state that the reason why no presents were made to the teachers was because the head masterhad, a short time before, expressed a very decided wish that the practice should be discontinued. Votes of thanks and cheers were then given to the committee, Mr. Gisborne, and the teachers, and the proceedings were terminated by singing the National Anthem. We had forgotten to mention that the school-room was very prettily decorated with flowers and evergreens. The following is the prize list : Class VI. Lewis Cook, Ist; George Chatwin, 2nd ; Grace Osborne, Ist. Class V. Robert Renner, Ist ; Olivia Bayne, Ist ; Edith Palmer, 2nd. Class IV.—William Gavin, Ist ; George Wallace, 2d ; Hannah Fountain, Ist ; Annie Randell, 2nd. Class lll.—Frederick Evans, Ist ; Jessie Hutchens, Ist; Mary Smith, 2nd. Class IT. Frederick Crease, Ist ; Lothair Chatwin, 2nd ; Emilie Randell, Ist ; Ellen Dean, 2nd. Class I. William Spiers, Ist ; Percy Didsbnry, 2nd ; Eleanor Barron, Ist ; Mary Balmer, 2nd. Special Prizes for Drawing. Bernard Bendali, Ist; Frank Stevens, 2nd ; Alice Beck, Ist ; Ellen Gore, 2nd ; Clara Palmer, 3rd. Silver Medals. Arthur Harvey, Annie Denton. MOUNT COOK BOYS’ SCHOOL. The proceedings began at this school at 10.30 a.m., at which hour there was a large gathering, the school-room being crowded. The member- ■ ' the local school committee were smonj ■' • ! ■ resent, and took a lively interest in thee t f-iugg, Mr. Mclxiebe, chairman of the local committee, addressed the children, congratulating them upon the progreas they had mads during the year. He spoke of the interest they had '

taken in their work, and also of the manner in which thev regarded their teachers, for lie had always heard the teachers spoken of by the boys with the highest respect. Mr. Hardy, their head teacher, had only been a short time amongst them, but during that time he had gained the good opinion of the whole of th-= boys, as a proof of which they had subscribed amongst themselves a sum of money for the pm pose of presenting to Mr. Hardy a tok-n of their respect. This was entirely a free-will offering from the boys to Mr. Hardy. In concluding his remark*, Mr. Mclntyre expressed the hope that the boys would all find their way back to the school after the holidays, and he hoped the new year would be one of prosperity to them all. (Applause.) The prizes were then distributed by Councillor Miller and Mr. Mclntyre according to the following PRIZE LIST. Class I.—Division I—II. Jones, Ist ; B. Sorwali, find ; honorable mention, F. Dunn and H. Mclntyre. Division 2—A.. Wilson, Ist ; J. Ewing, 2nd ; honorable mention, D. Wilsm, H. Phillips, and P. Georgcsen. Division 3—D. Tripe, Ist ;J. Tripe, 2nd ;R. Miller, 3rd ; honorable mention, H. Coster, J. Waters. J. Donaldson, A. Meyers, G. Doile, R. Ewing, and C. Emeny. Class lI.—C. T’ustin, Ist ;W. Jewell, find ; F. Chapman, 3rd ; honorable mention, P. de Castro, W. Churchill, and J. Macdonald. das- HI.—G. Hill, Ist; W. Britland, find ; R. Hunter, 3d ; honorable mention, R. Page. Class IV.—W. Kennedy, Ist ;F. Tonks, find ; H. Francis, 3rd ; honorable mention, C. Beubow. Class V.—C. Ralph, Ist ; T. Morris, 2nd ; 11. Senior, 3rd. Class VI.—H. Mitchell, Ist; F. Fitehett, find ; P. 1 .arson, 3rd ; honorable mention, •I. Blair, A. Read, A. Blair, J. Grant, A. Mitchell, and T. Rowell. Class VIT.—S. Snow, Ist; A. France, find ; F. Smith, 3rd ; honorable mention, J. Jeffs and H. Porter. Class VIII.—J. Moffit, Ist ; H. Hutchings, 2nd ; honorable mention, F. Wright. CD's IX.—S. Tripe, Ist; W. Hopkirk, 2nd; honorable mention, A. Chapman and P. Oakes. Class X.—Ernest Bevy, prize. Class XI.—T. Barsen, prize. Class Xll.—A. Jeffs, prize; honorable mention, F. Walker. HIGHEST PASSES AT SEPTEMBER EXAMINATION’. VI Standard.—F. Ueverill, Ist ; H. Jones, find. V Standard. —H, Phillips, Ist; B. Brown, find. IV Standard.— H. Carter, Ist; G. Doile, find. Special prizes for good conduct.—F. J. Dunn, Ist ; F. Wilton, find. Fxtry prize for industry.—D. Wilson. PUPIL teachers’ examination.

Head Master’s Prize. —Bliss A. K. Warren, Ist ; Mr. Walter Dempsey, 2nd ; honorable mention, Miss C. A. Whitebouse. After the distribution of tbs prize?, Mr. Mclntyre read out the list of honorable mentions (incorporated in the prize list above). He Commended the boys who had gained this honor, which he said was a prize in itself, and he hoped they would continue to persevere so that next year they would be able to receive something more substantial. Councillor Miller then, in a few appropriate words, presented to Mr. Hardy, the head master, a handsome ornamental timepiece, under a glass shade, and an aneroid iu a case, the gift of the boys. Mr. Hardy, who was received with cheers, heartily thanked the boys for their present. He was afraid it was not what he had earned, and it was certainly not waqt he had expected. The barometer was a very handsome one, and he observed that it showed “ fait weather." He hoped the boys would all have fair weather during their lives, and that during next year their relations together would be pleasant and for their mutual good, and that there would not be any angry ways exhibited —at least, out of the ordinary routine of business, for they must get angry sometimes, or the work would not go on. He had been asked to present Mr. Lillington (who had been longer with them) with another clock, aud that gentleman had earned it better than he (Mr. Hardy) had. He then presented to Mr. Lilliugton, in the name of the boys, an alabaster clock under a glass shade. (Cheers.) Mr. Lillincton briefly addressed his thanks for the gift, which betokened the good feeling existing between teachers and scholars. Ha wished them all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Mr. Hopkirk, as the oldest member of the committee, addressed the children, congratulating them upon their success. Having urged them to still further perseverance, he called for three cheers tor the teachers, which were given with right good will. He then addressed the teachers upon the important nature of their work, and finally expressed the hope that the school would go on and prosper. Mr. Hardy returned thanks to the members of the local committee for the interest they had taken iu the school. The proceedings were then brought to a close by vociferous cheering. MOUNT COOK GIBBS’ .SCHOOL. The proceedings commenced at this school at 1 p.m,, at which hour the girls in the upper room were all seated, a number of members of the local committee and other friends being also present. A round having been sung by the children under Mrs. Francis’ guidance, Mr. Swinet, secretary of the committee, addressed the children. He trusted that those who did not obtain prizes this year would strive to earn them next. No doubt they had all endeavored to obtain them this year, but all had not been successful. This should, however, incite them to redouble their efforts. He thought their singing reflected great credit upon those who had taught them. After some further remarks, he called upon Mr. Mclntyre to deliver the prizes. Mr. Mclntyre, before distributing the prizes, made a few remarks. He said the mistress of the school, Mrs. Tarne, had had some difficulty iu selecting children who were considered worthy of receiving prizes, for she had said they were all the best —there were no “ worst” amongst them. However, the committee had not the means to present prizes to all, so a selection had been made of girls that were considered worthy of receiving the prizes. The prizes were then delivered as follows : Standard Vl.—Helen Archibald, Ist; Annie Fitchett, 2nd ; Bella Campbell, 3rd. Special by Mr. Watt—Eliza Donaldson. Special, by teacher (Miss Helyer)—Josephine Sorwell, Agnes Paterson, Georgina Baloombe, and Alice Dempsey. Standard V.—Florence Benhow, Ist ; Annie Emcny, 2nd ; Christina McGregor, 3rd. Special, by teacher (Miss Wallis) —Louisa Neale, Lizzie Robinson, Carry Page, Alice Hazelden, Alice Trill, and Rachel Jackson. Standard IV.—Annie Reid, Ist; Nelly Parkes, 2nd ; Esther Brighten, 3rd. Special, by teacher (Miss Browne) —Minnie Sidey and Sarah Fraser. Standard lll.—Minnie Hutchings, Ist ; Nellie Smith, 2nd; Isabella Mclntyre, 3rd ; Ada Glozier, 4th ; Mary Page, sth ; Emma Biggs, 6th ; Mary Water:, 7th. Special by teachers (Miss Cook and Miss Warren) —May Flyger, Annie Brown, and Ellen Hill. The prizes having been distributed, Mr. Mclntyre said the children had received their prizes, and now the tables were to be turned, and the teachers to receive theirs. The presentation of prizes by the children to the teachers bespoke a kindly feeling existing between them, and this was what it should be, for good teachers made good pupils, and good pupils made good teachers. The presentations he had to make were the result of voluntary subscriptions amongst the children themselves, and it spoke highly of the respect in which the teachers were held by the girls. He would call upon Mr. James Smith to make the presentations to the teachers. Mr. Smith, after some introductory remarks, iu which he urged industry and perseverance upon the children, presented to Mrs. Tarne two handsome flower vases, Mrs. Tarne, through Mr. Smith, thanked the girls very much, and said she would always keep the present upon her mantelpiece in remembrance of the kindly feeling which prompted the gift. (Applause.) Mr. Smith then presented to Miss Helyer, on behalf of the scholars of her class, a handsome work-basket, as a mark of the esteem in which she was held by her pupils. Miss Helyeh, through Mr. Smith, thanked the girls for their gift, and said she would think of them whenever she looked at it. Miss Browne was then presented by her class, through Mr. Smith, with a large portrait album. Mr. Smith suggested that each of the children should give Miss Browne her portrait, so as to make the gift more complete. Miss Browne having returned thanks, Mr. Smith called upon Miss Cook, and presented her, on behalf of her class, with a Japanese writing desk. Miss Cook had worked her way up in the school, having been formerly a scholar there herself, and he (Mr. Smith) bad watched her progress with some

interest. The present was a handsome one, and showed that Miss Cook had been beloved by those she was called upon to preside over from day to day. Mr. Hofkikk then addressed the children, who by this time were shotting signs of weariness, and concluded his remarks by wishing the girls a Merry Christmas and a happy and good New Year. Mr. McTntvhe then proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Tame and her assistants, which was seconded by Mr. Hopkirk, and carried unanimously. The proceedings concluded with singing. . . , , , The committee and visitors then proceeded into the lower room, where the had been seated for some time patiently waiting their turn. Mr. Swinet addressed the children, and expressed the hope that they would all enjoy their holidays, and return to the school after the vacation. After the singing of a round, Mr. Mclntyre distributed the prizes as follows : Class I.—Jessie Smith, 1 ; Alice Topp, 2. Special, by Mr. Watt—Lily J. Donaldson. Special, by teacher (Miss McGowan) Minnie Simeon, and Annie Sidey. Class ll.—Division 2—Danny Connor, 1 ; Alary Hedgeland, 2 ; Ellen Higgins, 3. Class L—Preston Hughes, 1 ; Caroline Lovett, 2 ; Louisa Tamplin, 3. Mr. Mclntyre then presented Miss McGowan with a clock and writing pad, presented by the girls of her class. Mi.-s Maunder was also presented with an album, Mr. Smith returning thanks on behalf of each lady. The National Anthem brought the proceedings to a close. TE ARC SCHOOL. The breaking-up and distribution of prizes at the above school also took place yesterday afternoon, in the schoolroom. Archdeacon Stock, the chairman of the committee, kindly awarded the prizes gained, in the presence of Messrs. Gardner, Rarlow, Fraser, Wallis, and Wilson (secretary), members of the committee. After a few very appropriate remarks by the Chairman, he distributed the prizes given by the school committee as follows ; committee's presentation. Class Vl.—Thomas Woods. Class V. —Hyam Hyams, Ist ; Ada Stanford, 2nd. Class IV. —Frederick Ahlgren, Ist; Joe Holmes, 2nd. Class lll.—Samuel Roberts, Ist ; William Steele, 2nd ; Alice Taylor, 3rd, Class ll.—Peter Drummond, Ist; Eliza McLean, 2nd. Class I.—Charles Lester, Ist; Nellie Ryder, 2nd. SPECIAL FOR GENERAL GOOD BEHAVIOR AND ATTENDANCE. Class VI. —Henry Brace. Class V.—William Pearraan, Ist ; Maud Ryder, 2nd. Class IV.—Ernest Eedward, Ist; Emma Ruck, 2nd. TEACHERS' PRESENTS. Head Master’s Annual Prizes—for industry and good attendance.—Joe Tipene, Ist; Phcobe Ruck, 2nd. Mr. Austin for Diligence and Progress.— First class, John Ingrain ; second class, Fred. Ahlgren. Miss Richmond's for highest marks. — George Barlow, Samuel Roberts, James Wood, Alice Taylor, Maria Hook, Annie Sisson. Second Class, Division 11, (Miss Barnard) — Highest marks for general work.—John Stewart, Ist; Frank Barlow, 2nd ; Louise Beadnall, 3rd. Third Class, Division I. (Miss Redward)— Highest marks for good work.—George Bull, Ist ; Jessie Howe, 2nd. Third Class, Division 11. (Miss Steel). — Willie Carey, Ist ; Nellie Gibbs, 2nd. Mr. Holmes was then presented with a valuable box of water-colors, as a token of esteem and respect by the teachers of the school, and the scholars of his class. Miss Richmond, who is leaving the school, was also presented with a testimonial from her fellow-teachers, handed to her by Air, Holmes, with an expression of the sense of the loss sustained by the school, while wishing her every happiness and prosperity. Mr. Austen received a writing-desk from the scholars of hia class, presented by Air. Stock, and the National Anthem, and cheers for the committee, Mr. Holmes, and teachers, brought the proceedings to a conclusion. AIOUNT COOK INFANTS’ SCHOOL. Considerable interest attached to the proceedings at this school, as it was known that Mrs. Francis, who teaches on the Kindergarten system, is quite an enthusiast in her particular line, and many were anxious to see what progress had been made by the little ones during the year. The results are certainly very satisfactory, for, as will be seen by the list published below no less than 37 girls and 21 boys have been passed into the first .standard, and have consequently been drafted off into other schools. The school was very gaily decorated, prominent amongst the adornments being a large Christmas tree loaded with dolls, drums, nud such other trifles as delight the infantile eye. The pillars of the schoolroom were also similarly decorated. The children having all been seated, Airs. Francis put them through a variety of vocal exercises, which were very creditably performed, accompanied as they were by appropriate gestures. There was a large number of people present, and surprise that such little ones should hat e been so well drilled was depicted on the countenances of many of the visitors. Mr. Mclntyre having addressed the school, the teachers passed in and out amongst the scholars, distributing a variety of gifts, every child receiving something, and some a double, and even treble, portion. Tin whistles, we beg their pardon Hquiridosophons, and and trumpets soon resounded throughout the hall, bigger boys flourishing bats and whips, while the girls tenderly caressed flaxen-haired dolls dressed in the latest fashion. Altogether 1120 gifts were distributed, the greater portion of them being provided by Mrs. Francis and her assistants. A few of the articles which remained over will be forwarded to the Hospital to delight the hearts of some sick children there. The distribution of gifts being over, the prizes allotted to the children who had passed into the first standard were then given out as follows : Herman Jessup, Philip Williams, David Wilson, Stephen Swiney, John Miller, Fredk. Carman, Frank McYicar, Willie Williams, John Turner, Edward Batten, Simon Fraser, Charles Alclntyre, Dougal Campbell, Walter Cowbiick, William Gibson, George Beere, Stuart Batten, William Bowden, Albert Boyce, Henry McLoughlin, Charles Curtis. Lucy Hengs, Kate Hayes, Alartha Scott, Alatilda Burton, Harriet Gell, Annie Afason, Fanny Cowbrick, Alice Lee, Rose Loop, Emma Emeny, Annie Smith, Alaude Anderson, Unice Hedgeland, Lucy Goff, Daisy Holmes, Emma Holmes, Adeline Igglesdon, Kate Watson, Hannah Ray, Flora Richardson, Ellen Bulliman, Ada Hill, Clara Porter, Edith Hutchens, Lettie Brickiand, Ada Bilman, Kate Goff, Alary Boonstra, Annie Afildenhal, Kate McGregor, Alice Leslie, Caroline Twiner, Frances Lee, Annie Watson, Margaret Burns, Lottie Plimmer, Rose Smith. TE ARO CONVENT SCHOOLS. The following were the prize-takers at these schools;— SPECIAL CLASSES. First Class.—lst division : Catechism and Scripture history, good conduct and politeness, needlework, M. A. Reardon ; composition and history, geography and grammar, and writing, M. Nidd. 2nd division: Composition and his tory, catechism, recitation, and music, E. Flannagan ; general improvement and singing (Ist prize), J. McDonald ; Scripture history and drawing, M. O’Neill ; general improvement, M. Frost; arithmetic, K. Priedeaux ; general improvement, H. Bohan; needlework, E. Kimbell ; writing and singing (2nd prize), H. Chandler ; general improvement, K. Thomas ; geography, A- Handley 5 regular attendance, E. Chandler. Second Class. Catechism, M. Power ; history, S. Coffey ; regular attendance, L. McDonald ; geography, M. Harding ; grammar, L. Robinson ; writing, H. MoElwaine ; general improvement, M. Flannagan ; needlework, E. Mountain ; arithmetic, L. Curry ; general improvement, A. Moffit; fancywork, K. Meech; general improvement, E. Mountain. Third Class.—Reading and spelling, E. Cromby ; writing, L. Collins ; regular attendance, L. McDonald. MIDDLE SCHOOL. First Glass.—Christian doctrine, B. Alacnamara; general improvement, A. McLean ; writing, L. McKeegan ; general improvement, A. McLoughlan ; reading, E. Swan ; general improvemvu', E. Cooke; geography, K. O Shea; gui-.i conduct, R. Urwin ; general improvement, E. Ryan; Scripture history, E. Swan ; grammar, A. Mollumby ; arithmetic, M. Daveyy general improvement, S. Finch ; English history, L. McKeegan; drawing, M. Davey ; singing, L. Smith ; general improvement, L, Smith ; needlework E. Biddell.

Second Class. Christian doctrine, M. Hickey ; reading, E. Fisher ; good conduct, J. Priedeaux ; general improvement, K. Grant ; regular attendance, O. Tier ; grammar, M. A. Bowen ; reading, C. Fierce ; general improvement, B. Mulcahy ; grammar, L. Wheims ; arithmetic, R. McKeegan ; singing, A. Wilson ; general improvement, L. Toohill ; general improvement, A. Evans ; arithmetic, M. Pinfold. Third Class. General improvement, L. McMuliins ; Christian doctrine, N. McCarthy; good conduct, L. Shelly. The proeedings term, '' el with the singing of “God Bless the Pope. 1 ’ MRS. JOHNSON'S SEMINARY, LOWER HfJTT. An agreeable evening was spent at the Lower Hutt 011 Thursday evening at Airs. Johnson’s usual gathering of her pupils prior to the Christmas holidays. The recitations and musical programme were most satisfactorily gone through by the several grades of pupils, aud some adult singing enlivened the entertainment, several encores being received. Mr. Bestham, in distributing the prizes, alluded to their being well deserved, and complimented Mrs. Johnson on the zeal and energy displayed by that lady in her efforts for those placed under her charge.