SCHOOL PRIZES AND THEIR DISTRIBUTION.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1135, 7 January 1884, Page 2

SCHOOL PRIZES AND THEIR DISTRIBUTION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Believing that an entire absence of supervision by the committee in the purchase and giving of the prizes has led, if not to favouritism, at least to carelessness or a want of common sense, I drew attention to the one case of which I was cognisant, which led to a personal-explanation by Mr Williamson to the effect that tho second master had selected a book called “Little Folks” for the 3rd prize in the Ist Standard, also “Little Folks” for the Ist prize in the 3rd Standard, and Mr Williamson drew his attention to the fact that the prizelakers being brother and sister, two hooks exactly similar would go to the same house, so another book was substituted for the ’ Ist prize, and Mr Williamson admitted that it was not a hook that should have been given, and offered to exchange it for another if the boy would return it. This the boy declines to do, stating that it does not matter, hut he had felt at the time that an unfairness had been done when he saw others, behind .him in the race receiving prizes of greater value. Now, sir, I do not know who the writers “ Pro Bono Publico ” and “ Alpha ” are, or what grievances they may know of, but it is evident considerable dissaiisfaction exists, and it would appear by yonr foot-notes that you were satisfied that every- fairness has been used, and you appear So sit upon those who have expressed opinions which are probably shared by others who do not care to publicly express them. In your footnote you say; “ Frizes are awarded according to tho number of marks gained in examination by the Inspector,” This is ns it should be, provided there is no unfairness in the value of the prizes so awarded. In yonr foot-note to “ Alpha ’ you say, “ The pn'ze list and number of marks obtained wore published in the Mail of 21st December”; hut what “ Alpha” asks for is what the committee in fairness to themselves and the teachers should furnish, to set at. rest all shadow of a doubt of unfairness, that is: a list of tho prizelakers in each Standard, number of marks obtained, and value of prize awarded ; also, what prizes have been given in addition to those won by marks gained by examination by the Inspector, and award marks given by the headmaster during the term, to whom given, and the value of these prizes, for it is in the giving of these special prizes and their proportionate value that dissatisfaction has arisen.—Yours, &c, John Gibson. Patea, Jan 5.