SCHOOL GROUNDS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 265, 16 December 1909, Page 4

SCHOOL GROUNDS.

AN INCENTIVE TO IMPROVEMENT. Mr. G. Tisch, Mayor of New Plymouth, and formerly member of the Taranaki Education Board, has presented to the Board a handsome challenge shield for the best kept school grounds and surroundings. In a letter covering the gift he informed the Board yesterdayj that during the time he had had the honor of being on the Board he had discussed this matter with the Chflci Inspector, and he understood that during the year the inspectors had, when ♦'iaiting the scJiools, noted the condlition of the school grounds and awarded marks for beautifying, tidiness, and conditions of grounds generally. In prcsending the sliield ho hoped it would, create a healthy rivalry between the schools', and have the effect of educating the pupils to beautify the grounds. The Board passed a resolution accepting the handsome trophy and tendering Mr. Tisch its best thanks for bis gererosity.

THE SHIELD. The shield 1b a very handsome and attractive oik', rather removed from stereotyped style ( and a fine specimen of the modern art. It is of fumed oak, splendidly carved, and bearing the following inscription on a large silver plate: "Tisch Competition Shield for best kept school gardens." Smaller silver discs will bear the names of the successful schools. The shield was designed and carved by Mr. G. Moverley, and the engraving was the work of Mr. A. L. Cooke. THE CONDITIONS. In awarding the prizes, the general tidiness) and cleanliness of the rooms,' premises, etc., were taken into consideration as well as the planting of trees and shrubs, the headings for which marks were given being beautifying grounds, tidiness of grounds, condition of out L ■houses, of rooms, of fences, general appearance of rooms, condition of apparatus', etc., special effort. Forty per cent, could be earned under the first head, aiid 10 per cent, under each of those following. WON BY OAONTJI. The shield has been won for the first 'yfeni- by the Oaonui school, with 14ti points. Tho following are the leading schools, the points not being given in the case of those scoring under 140 points:— Oaonui 140, Ngairc 142, Stratford 142, Lower Kent 142, Pihama 141, Eitzroy 141. Then followed Norfolk, -Hum Kama, Midliirst, ICorito, Pumlio, Pungareliu, Lower Mangorei, Inglewotod, ligmont Village, and Kaimata in that order, ranging from 131 to 139 marks.