WEST END SCHOOL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8004, 15 December 1905, Page 2

WEST END SCHOOL.

PIiESENTATION' OF PHIZES. If any citizen required an indication of the genuine interest in school matters displayed by the parents of' children nttcmling the West End [.School, the proof could easily li.ive been obtained at the annual prizegiving ceremony on Thursday al'tcrnoun. The theme of most of the remarks made by the speakers was the hearty co-operation of tcaclirrs and parents, resulting, of course, in most cordial relations, regular attendance, and good education, Vesterilny afternoon was the children's red-letter day, when they assemble! to receive the rewards for the year's work. The proceedings opened bv the pupils, led by Mrs Howling, singing "This is our holidav."

! Mr H. Gilbert, chairman of 111.' school committee, addressed a few words to the assemblage, after which Mr Bowling, head teacher, explained that it had been decided to give attendance prizes as usual, the tcachtrs and committee feeling that it would be unfair to alter the system of prizegiving at the end of the year. It was essential that each child should know at the commencement of the school year on what basis prizes were to be awarded. The attendance for this year had been a record, 30 children lat tending on every occasion on which the school was opened and <47 having missed only ten times or less. In the previous year tho numbers were 23 and 31 respectively, with a roll number practically unaltered (applause.) Mrs Dowling uttered the sound remark that " our teaching is of little use unless it prepares children for their after life," and stated that the habit of punctuality j and regularity was a real virtue. The stafE wished to thank parents for their hearty co-operation in this direction. His Worship the Mayor, Mr K. Cock, dwelt on the unusual interest shown by parents in this locality, and congratulated them on having such a teacher as Mrs Dowling. After wishing the pupils a very happy Christmas vacation and; a prosperous New Year, |Mr Cock, on behalf of the parents assembled, thanked Mrs Dowling and the staff for the gc.iuinc interest in the children's welfare.

The prizes wero then distributed, every child in the lovrer standard receiving some reward, from a fund subscribed by the mothers. Sp.-e.i-il prizes were awarded, encouragement being ;j;ivcu to progress, good conduct, helpfulness, neatness, and general proiieieney. A popular presentation was that of a handsome brooch to Miss Annie Trigger, who has missed only one attendance in eight years, and that was on a bitterly cold winter's dir. The full prize-list will appear in Saturday morning's issue.

His Worship then presented Mrs Dowling with n set of silver cutlery, as a Christinas present, from the senior pupils. Tliev wished to show their appreciation of her earnest pains and many kindnesses, and he hoped the recipient would long prize the gift. In returning thanks, Mrs Howling urged her scholars lo "do your very best always, as you lute done for me; then vi"i will lie good mil useful citizens of .N'ew I'ivmoiilli."

The next item on the programme was one tint is only too rare—a present from the parents of schoolchildren to the infant mistrc.is. 011 behalf of the the mothers Mr Cock presented Miss Mynolt willi a handsome gold watch and chain, appropriately inscribed. Three cheers were given for 'Miss Mynott, who was 100 overcome to say more than"l thank volt very much," and asked Mrs Dowling to reply.

The head lonelier first added to the Mayor's eulogy of the recipient, des-

cribing her as " a willing teacher and 11 trustworthy friend." The teachers weiv all glad to sec this recognition of the services rendered outside her stipulated duties. Three cheers wore given for the .Mayor. Mr Gilbert, on belli!f ofllieeom.nittee, thanked the Mayor for presenting the prizes and fir his own donations; also Mr T. Avery, Mrs Green, the teachers, Mrs Billiard, Mr Br.inch.ird, and the parents for assisting the prizefund.

The children sang "Haste awiy," and then lined up to receive gifts of sweets, afler wliieli the gathering dispersed.