PUBLIC SCHOOL EXAMINATION.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 176, 16 December 1876, Page 2

PUBLIC SCHOOL EXAMINATION.

The Education Board of the district, whether through thrift Or necessity we do not know, restricted the value of prizes to be given to the scholars in various schools in the district, to L 5, and, as might he anticipated, the share to each school was very small. This became generally known a week or so ago, when a few enthusiastic persons went in and in a very short time subscribed L 8 additional, in order to oncourage youthful talent. Under the Education Committee, Mr Lee was appointed sole arbiter, hut the doners of what may be called the public prizes would not allow their distribution to be so disposed of, and very naturally preferred that a local committee should have a voice in the matter, and Messrs Williams, Finnerty, and Ur. Walker were asked to act as judges, Mr Dyer doing duty as examiner in preparing papers &c. As might be expected, the greatest enthusiasm was shown by the youngsters, and the competition was keen, far more indeed than was shown for the routine prizes. It is only duo to Ur. Walker to say that the subscription list for the purpose originated with him, and to his exertions may be attributed the successful result that followed them. The examination commenced early in the day. After this was concluded, but before the prizes were distributed, the youngsters feasted right roally having as much cake, buns, tea, &c., as they could stow away. The ladies were most generous, Mesdames Ehatigan, Coutts, Hirst, Uale, Walker, Williams; Mademoiselles Turner (2), Williams (2), being especially noticeable in providing for the juvenile Hock. After the younger portion of the guests had been satisfied, their elders sat down, and after this was concluded the prizes were distributed. Mr U. Coutts gave awaj r tlie awards made by the Board, and Airs llbatigan most kindly officiated as distributor for the prizes purchased by collection. We regret that, we are unable' to publish a complete list in this issue, and therefore hold it,over till onr next, lest by some ■ accident we should do injustice to some of the rising generation by making errors. Mr G-. W, Williams, who had acted, as one of the examiners, before the second

distribution of prizes took place, said that so close had been the competition m The higher classes that it was almost invidious to classify the- children. Mr linnerty, who'had also acted as examiner with him, had noted the same difficulty. The manner in which they had got through their examinations reflected great credit both on the scholars and teacher, and all classes had come out of th* examination exceedingly well. The presentation of the prizes was then proceeded with, Mrs Rhatigau accompanying each gift with a few well chosen remarks.

At the conclusion, Mr Dyer (master of the Carlyle school), asked Miss Williams, pupil teacher, to come forward, and acknowledged, in warm terms, the great assistance she had been to him in the school. He at the same time requested, as a token of esteem, her acceptance of an excellent work, that he theu presented to her.

After this pleasant little episode the children gave three hearty cheers for Mrs Rhatigau for her kindness. Mr Williams moved a vote of thanks to the examiners, and also to the ladies for the tea, both of which, it is hardly necessary to say were carried unanimously'. It need hardly be added that the pride of the parents of the winners was greatly and that the losers cordially- and honorably' accepted their defeat. A happier or more merry collection of young scholars has seldom been dismissed to their homes, even for Christmas time.