SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 440, 29 December 1876, Page 2

SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS.

The Programme for the Gisborne School as advertised, has been strictly, and we may say, so far as the children are concerned, most successfully, carried out. The only part of it that did not succeed very well, was, the dance on Friday evening, but whethei' it was that the affair was completely ignored by the “ upper ten,” or that the more humble citizensdid, not think that the dance was for them, very few presented themselves, however, these were, not disappointed, for Mr G. J. Browne kiudly played for a while, and free admission was given. These examinations are simply opportunities giveu to the public to judge whether the system is working well or not, and whether they are getting any return for their money. For some days past the elder scholars had been engaged in writing answers to sets of questions in History, Geography, Grammar, Composition, and Arithmetic, each pupil being isolated, and the result placed Robert Robb at the head with four firsts, and Arthur Webb, and William Bond close at his heels, Walter Clayton, and Henry Cannon also, sent in very respectable papers. On Thursday, the Revs. E. Williams and W. H. Root, assisted by the members of Committee, Alessrs Woon, Ross, Warren, put the upper portion of the school through a thorough viva voce test of reading, grammar, geography, recitation, dictation &c., and the result was eminently satisfactory. Amongst the little ones Mrs Williams, Airs Aleldrum, and Mrs Parnell, officiated, and found nothing like neglect, but declared they were good throughout. The copy books were judged by jlr H. E. Webb ; of the elder girls it were hardly fair to name any in particular, as excelling, but Annie Sorry, Eliza Rowley, Harriett Flook, Alatuda Hamilton, Amelia Huturangi, Sarah Hill, Annie Robb, Rosanna Jones, and several others carried off rewards of merit. We have not space to name all the little ones who distinguished themselves, but no doubt another 12 mouths will bring many of them to the front for higher honours.

On Friday evening, at 7 p.m. the rewards were distributed by Mesdames Woon, and Adair, a large number of parents and friends were present. The schoolroom was prettily deeorated with ferns, flowers, and flags, and well lighted. In addition to the prizes which consisted of a collection of useful and interesting works, every child received a Christmas present of some sort or another The songs “Watching for Pa,” “Alerry Merry Christinas,” “The song of the grass ” Little Kit ” and “ God save the Queen,” were capitally given by the children, and the Rev. W. fl. Root gave a most amusing and instructive address, calling particular attention t” truthfulness fcmesty, carefulness, ai 1 - irU.i'jL

The Picnic to Roseland on Boxing day was well attended by the scholars; 130 children some of them visitoss marched down Io the boats at the Ferry, whence they were conveyed to the scene of their festivities. Mothers and infants were there two, and many of our native friends who seemed thoroughly to enjoy the day. It seemed as though the Creator looked kindly down on the happj' group, for as to the weather, it was a day of days for a picnic, bright sunshine tempered by a lovely breeze, and fleecy clouds, and the boats carried sail up to the very garden gates. Air Bryant received the visitors, and acted most liberally and kindly in Air Uren’s absence, games soon were the order of the day, and as soon as tea was made, provisions were served out almost ad nauseam, consisting of sandwiches and cake, of which there was plenty for all and to spare. All again separated, and the fun ran fast and furious till about 3 30, when refreshments were again served out after which the boats w’ere filled, so as to get the full strength of the ebb tide, and the voyage back was not the least enjoyable part of the day. All were lauded safely and comfortably before 6 o’clock; every one strove to do all they could for the children, so it would be invidious to mention names ; the pleasure of such a labour of love is the best reward. Thanks, a thousand thanks to the kind contributors to this happy Christmas from all the little people and their Teachers. MATAWHERO SCHOOL. The examination of the pupils of this school which is under the mastership of Mr Bolton, took place on Wednesday last the 20th inst., when the Rev. E. Williams attended and took part in the proceedings. From the whole tenor of the school the most favourable impressions were produced. The children and the master evidently are working together with the utmost cordiality—no mean consideration in the elements of success, as is proved by the attainments of the scholars. It is no idle compliment to Mr Bolton to say that his school is in a high state of discipline and mental progress ; nnd the settlers having children attending the school, no doubt fully appreciate his worth among them. Under his instruction, the children are safe ; and if the elder boys and girls fail to carry with them into the world the higher attainments which are gained in a well-discipli-ned and efficiently-taught school, the fault will be with the parents who remove them from tuition too early in life. Such a cause is neither fair to the master nor the children. When all the pupils acquitted themselves so remarkably well, it was found somewhat difficult to award the prizes. But the following children fairly earned their well-merited success. Ist Class. —Alice Dunne, Ist prize. Ida Lougher 2nd prize. 2nd Class. —Fredrick Weston, Ist prize Thomas King, 2nd prize. 3rd Class.—Bella Buchanan, Ist prize, Philip Parsons, 2nd prize. The progress of school work during the short time the children have attended bears evident marks of close attention to the various subjects taught. In compound addiiion the Ist class were very good. Geography, grammar, history, dictation, spelling, and writing, all were commendably done. The examination ended, the Rev. E. Williams addressed the scholars, praising them for the manner they hare performed their work, and pointing out how much success depends upon regularity, and punctuality at school. Mr Williams then awarded the prizes, addressing each recipient with a few remarks bearing upon the contents of the book as he handed it to the successful competitors, and encouraged them to greater efforts in the future. Three hearty eh’eers were then given to the rev. gentleman.