PATEA SCHOOL.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1128, 21 December 1883, Page 2

PATEA SCHOOL.

Prise e Distribution.

Tho distribution of prizes gained by the scholars attending the Patea School look place this morning. The children were all collected in the largo room lately added to the old school building which had been appropriately decorated. There were only a few visitors present, among whom were the Revs. Luxford and Thomson, Messrs Hamerton and Taplin. Mr Williamson, the head master incidentally mentioned that he had now been in charge of Patea School for three years. In 1881 they had 211 children on the. books, and 90 passed the examination. In 1882, 259 were on the books, of whom 126 passed ; and in 1883, of 208 on the books, 92 passed. He would like to say with regard to the prizes that their having any at all was owing to the energy of the assistant mistress who deserved a hearty vote of thanks. This, is needless to say was lustily accorded bp the juveniles.

The Chairman of the School Committee, Mr Bafton, being absent, the duty of presenting the prizes to the lucky recipients was undertaken by the Rev Mr Luxford, who said that he felt rather sorry that the chairman of the school committee did not attend, but he had just heard that that gentlemen had to transact some important business. He was pleased to see so many children present, and also to hear the number of marks many of them had gained. He always liked to see a number of New Zealand children, and he might say that the of the country rested

in their hands. The distribution of the prizes was then, proceeded with and those of the children who had succeeded in winning any of these trophies which were truly handsome presents, were greeted with cheers by their less fortunate comrades. One little girl, Edith Gowland, gave, evidence of great diligence she having succeeded in carrying off a number of prizes for proficiency in various subjects. We must not forget to mention the prize-taking essays which were highly creditable.

The Rev. Mr'"Thomson," after the distribution had concluded, said that he felt very glad to see Such a number of ■ the children taking such a good position in the examination. Perhaps those who had got no prizes might feel disheartened, but he would say to them I bat if they persevered, they might obtain prizes next year. Some children were clever, and learned their lessons without any effort. If the slow hoy was possessed of perseverance and -the,other were not, (he slow boy would in the end outstrip him. Mr Hamcrton, in the course of a few remarks, said that he felt sorry more parents were not present for ho certainly thought they should come, if for nothing else than to pay their compliments to the teachers of the Pates school for their untiring zeal in the management of the children. He could not help saying that (he school committee were most frightfully to blame for not being present. How they would account for it to the parents, school teachers and public, he did not know. The National Anthem was then sung by the children, after which they broke up for the Hhristmas vacation of four weeks. Subjoined is the Prize List. Standard VI, possible 1190. —Ist Mabel Hawkcn, 928 ; 2nd, William Hamerton, 857. Standard V, possible 1190.—1st, Amy Haycock, 1033 ; .2nd, Eliza Boagey, 987. Standard IV, possible 1190.---Ist, Chas. Hamerton, 1020 : 2nd, Thomas Nutsford, 907.

Standard 111, possible 740—1st, William Gibson, 579 ; 2nd, John Paterson, 548. "Standard'll, possible 740 —Ist, Charlotte Nutsford, 677 ; 2nd, Alex. Howitt, 658 ; 3rd, Jessie Holtham, 642. Standard I, possible 740.—15t, Minnie Holtham, 618 ; 2nd, Fred. Nutsford, 613 ; 3rd, Lucy Gibson, 571. SEWING. Standard VI, Ist, Mabel Hawken ; Standard V, Ellen Aitchison ; Standard IY, C. Holtham ; Standard HI, Maud O’Connor; Standard 11, M. •Prouaoj Standard I, Edith Gowland. infants’ room. Class I—For marks during year: Ist, Mabel Miller ; 2nd, Edith Gowland, For writing : Ist, Edith Gowland ; 2nd, Joseph Fairweather, For reading : Ist, John Smith. Good behaviour (boys) : Ist, Joseph Fairweather ; (girls), Amy Aitchison.

Class II For lessons: Ist, Frank Beamish; 2nd, Ad* Howitt. For writing: Ist, Flora McCarthy; 2nd, Mary Dwyer. For arithmetic : Ist, Ada Howitt. Special for perseverance, John McClenchy; special for regular attendance, Harry Holtham. Class lll—For lessons ; Ist, William McComisky. For writing : Ist, Percy Lockyer. Class IV —< For lessons : Ist, Mary McCarthy ; 2nd, Thomas Hotter. SPECIAL PRIZES. Best recital ion, Herbert Monro ; neatest exercise book, Amy Haycock ; best reading} Bertie-Wraybest essay: Ist, Jane Eleanor Parkinson ; 2nd, Tryphena Balmforth.