Poverty Bay Standard. Published Every Evening. GISBORNE: THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 1883.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1244, 11 January 1883, Page 2

Poverty Bay Standard. Published Every Evening. GISBORNE: THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 1883.

The election of School Committee men takes place on the 29th of the present month, and it is most important that gentlemen of ability and education should be appointed. There arc several very necessary matters which require consideration, and without for one moment reflecting upon the present Committee, or their faithful and honest working during the year, we must confess that we would like to see an infusion of new blood in this, and in all matters where the public weal is affected. An obstructionist, or one who will constantly oppose everything brought forward is invariably a useful man on a com mittee, as instance of subjects which require discussion being allowed to pass in a humdrum sort of manner, questions are brought forward, and very many things crop up which Otherwise would be quietly neglected. Now, there are one or two things in connection with the awarding of prizes, which we would like to mention, and to which we would specially direct the attention of the future Committee, whoever they may be. The Rev. Mr. Hill, when addressing the school children at the breaking up, spoke strongly upon the point that it was unfair to boys or girls of eight and nine years of age to have to compete against others of thirteen or fourteen, whose brains were more matured. The little ones had a very hard uphill light, and although in very many cases they were successful, it was purely through sheer hard work, aided by ability. The rev. gentleman considered, and we quite coincide with him, that some allowance should bo made, and that where a mere child has had to compete against boys aud girls four or five years his or her senior, and has proved that a great effort has been made, some recognition in the shape of a prize should bo given. There is one other prize which we thipj< should be put upon the list, which is, that the youngster who has advanced most during the year should receive some reward for his hard work. Some enter the school absolutely knowing nothing, but by the careful tuition they receive at the hands of Mr Morgan and his assistants, gradually acquire knowledge. Is it not fair, then, that a boy or girl who in a few months catches, passes, and beats a pupil who has had the advantage of years of training, should have presented to him a special prize. Of the ability to impart knowledge possessed by Mr Morgan and those who so well assist him we can only speak in the highest terms of praise, and the new committee will have the satisfaction of knowing that, as far as the educational department is concerned, their duties will be light.