PRIZE DISTRIBUTIONS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 213, 17 December 1910, Page 7

PRIZE DISTRIBUTIONS

HIGH SCHOOL. The proceedings a* the High School yesterday afternoon were attended by •bout 1«0 friends of the scholars, the fair sex predominating. Mr. N. K. McDiannid (chairman of the Board of Governors) presided, and among those present were: Mr. H. Okey, M.P., and Messrs. M. Fraser, J. E. Wilson and S. Percy-Smith, and Dr. Fookes (Governors). Apologies for absence were received from Mr. J. B. Roy (who in his letter of apology referred to the fact that this was truly the second occasion he had been absent during twenty years), and Messrs. Glasgow and E. Dockrill. In a few words, in opening the proceedings, the chairman expressed l egret at the very wet afternoon, which had deterred many from being present. "Gaudeamus" having been sung by the echolars, the principal (Mr. Pridham) delivered his report for the year:— At the enu of 1609 there were in attendance 50 boys and 47 girls, total 97. iuere are at the present time 51 boys and 42 girls, total 93, on the roll. Our successes for. 1910 were: One Taranaki scholarship (£6O per annum for three years and a possible extension to four years), one placed in the credit list of University scholarship examination, one matriculation and solicitors' general examination, one partial pass in Senior Civil Service, three Civil Service Junior, two senior Education Board scholarships, seventeen senior free places on scholarsnip examination and on special examination for senior free places, one junior Education Board scholarship, two qualified for scholarships, five junior free places. This year twenty have gained senior free places on the inspector's examination in August, two have gone up for University scholarships, thirteen have entered for matriculation and law and "medical preliminary, ten have entered for Civil Service (competitive), twenty for senior Education Board scholarships, thirteen for senior free places (Civil Service non-competitive), six for junior free places, ten for Bayly Memorial Scholarship—making a total of 74 who have sat for one or other of the public examinations. In 1907 I said that it might be well to consider ihe advisability of doing away with the third term's school examination. This course has been now followed in the case of the two highest forms- (sixth and fifth), and will probably be extended next year to the fourth form as well, the year's work (as far % as prizes are concerned) being judged on the results of tne first two terms' work. There has not been one serious case of misconduct amongst either the boys or the girls during the year, and the discipline of tile classes has been excellent. The average roll for the year is 58.76 boys, 42.98 girls, total 101.74; attendance, 55.54 boys, 40.35 girls, total 95.89; the percentage of attendance, . 96.12 boys, 94.11 girls, total 95.2. With a percentage of over 95 for the year we have no cause for grumbling on the score of attendance. Twelve boys and nine girls have not been either absent or late during the year, and will receive attendance prizes. Free pupils must make at least 80 per cent, of possible attendances in order to earn the capitation grant from which their school fees are paid. As I have already stated, onr attendance for the year is over 95 per cent.; but this does not necessarily mean that every pupil has gained over 80 per cent. I am glad to say that all the Technical School instructors speak in high terms of approval of the conduct and I deportment of the pupils in their respective classes. Mis. Dockrill, Mrs. MacDiarmid and Mrs. Glasgow very kindly gave their services in judging the girls' specimens of dress-making. The physical culture of the pupils has not been neglected, and both boys and girls have made good progress under Mr. Lints' careful instruction. Mr. Ward and Mr. Ryder have been most enthusiastic in encouraging them in their football; and they, together with Mr. Wills, have given up much of their time in the matter of cricket. Since last Christmas our science laboratory has been opened, and under iMr. Ryder's efficient care the puims have made good progress,, and many of them have taken a keen interest in their chemical classes. I had a conversation with Mr. Isaac (technical inspector) on the subject of an agricultural course a few days ago, and he promised to ascertain for me how far agricultural instruction would be recognised by the Department in lieu of some of the subjects prescribed for the senior free place examination. During the year a senior cadet corps has been formed in the school in compliance with the requirements of the Defence Department. Although the boys have only been about six months in training, they have already made a good start, and are shaping very satisfactorily. Mr. Ryder is the captain, and is most enthusiastic over the work. The rest of the officers are chosen from the boys themselves, and are entering on their new duties with great enthusiasm. It only remains for me to thank my colleagues for the cordial support they have given me during the year, and for their endeavours in every direction to promote the interests of the school. THE CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS. Mr. MoDiarmid, in addressing the gathering, said it was four years since he had tie honor of addressing them. This year, however, the Board of Governors had seen fit to elect him to the position of chairman. He was glad to be able to congratulate the principal; the staff, and the pupils upon another year's good work. The opening of the science room was a distinct forward move, calculated to increase the usefulness of the school. Kext year it was the intention of the Board to establish agricultural classes. tthe formation of the cadet corps was another step in the right direction, and he congratulated Captain Ryder upon the state of proficiency to which he had - ready brought his corps. He regretted that the uniforms which had been ordered were not here in time for this breaking-up. At cricket, fifteen competition matches had been played, resulting in ten wins, four losses and one draw, which might be looked upon as very satisfactory. In the gymnasium, both boys and girls, under the care of Mr. Lints, had done splendid work. He congratulated the girls upon at last having the prospect of securing a really first class tennis court, and he trusted the school might turn out some champion players. This year 77 pupils sat for the University, Civil • Service, and other public examinations, and he trusted that the majority would pass. Of course, included in this "7 there were some who sat for more than one examination. Addressing the boys and girls, the chairman said their year's work was now over, and they were looking forward to enjoying a well-earned holiday before entering upon the labors of another term. Mr. MacDiarmid addressed the boys particularly upon their future conduct. The bovs and girls who had completed their school life he reminded of the warfare that was before them, and emphasised the fact that sue-1 cess in life had still to be won. He com- j mended to them the words of the presi-! dent of an American University to I bis- students: First find the place where God wants you; second, when you have found it, burn to the socket. Go forwd to. your work as those who berl Browning, «Thi 9 world's

"above all," or "excelsior." "Permit me," said the chairman in conclusion, "to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year, and a pleasant and profitable vacation." (Loud applause.) An item, which the chairman characterised as very appropriate at that stage, was then given by the scholars; it was | la song entitled, "Let ais be merry." ] The prizes won during the year were I then presented by Mrs. MacDiarmid, the [ winners being greeted with rounds of applause from their comrades and the public as they came forward for the rewards of their labors. PRIZE LIST. Dr. Fcokes' Cup for General Excellence.—N. Little. Dux Medal.—N. Little. General Excellence (prize).—M. Terry. Arithmetic—Form VI, R. Adlam; Form V. C. Day; Form IV, I. Western; Form 111, C. Gibson. Algebra.—Form VI, F. Clark; Form V, C. Day; Form IV, I. Weston; Form 111, C. Gibson. Geometry.—Form VI. R. Adlam; Form V, K. Tobin; Form IV, I. Western; Form MI, A. Mace. Latin.—Form VI, R. Adlam; Form V, E. Greatbatch; Form IV, C. Old; Form 111, A. Mace. French.—Form VI, C. Norris; Form V, K. Tobin; Form IV, O. Ambury; Form 111, A. Mace. • Literature. —Form VI, M. Kirton; ' Form V, A. Hardie; Form IV, M. Bollinger; Form MI, C. Crome. Grammar.—Form VI, C. Norris; Form V, K. Tobin; Form IV, O. Ambury; Form 111, M. Mackie. Composition.—Form VI, M. Kirton; Form V. C. Dav, Form IV, O. Ambury; Form 11, C. Gibson. •Science.—Form VI. C. Norris: Form V, E. Greatbatch; Form IV, F. B. Kelly; Form 111, M. Mackie and A. Little (equal). Drawing.—Form V, E. Mace; Form IV, I. Howell; Form 111, W. Fordyce. Special Prize.—A. Cocker. Senior Dressmaking.—A. Greatbatch. Junior Dressmaking.—H. Rollo. Gymnastics (girls).—Senior (Form V), E. Wallach and Z. Bavly (equal). Senior (Form IV), C. Old. Junior (Form III), Marg. Corkill. Gymnastics (boys).—Senior, C. Norris; Junior, G. Cnong. Attendance Prizes.—P. Clemance, A. Harle, E. Mace, B. Allen, B. Blanchett, A. Brown, M. Mackie, A. Mace, H. Rollo, C. Crone, Fordyce, H. Mander, L. Richards. N. Little, W. Whitton, E. Grant, F. B. Kelly, D. Brown', R. Brokenshire, G. Salt, F. Throssell.. The chairman congratulated the prizewinners, and specially mentioned Norman Little, upon attaining the position of dux of the school, and expressed tne hope that he would continue to progress in his studies. "Steady, Boys, Steady," was the next item, a song by the scholars. OTHER SPEAKERS. Mr. Okey, M.P., congratulated the principal, and those who' had assisted I him, in being enabled to present such a 1 splendid report for the year. It spelt progress, and that was what they all looked for in a school of such dimensions. Mr. Percy-Smith addressed the hoys. He thanked Mr. Ryder for the exhibition given at the camp on Wednesday. It was a subject in which he hsid aiways taken an- interest, as he was one of tne original volunteers in the Taranaki district. He was perfectly delighted with what he had seen there, and it reflected credit upon themselves and their officer*. Mr. Smith referred to the movement to establish agricultural classes next year. Upon agriculture depended the whole prosperity of the country, and so it was essential that knowledge of it should be increased. There was lots of room, and if the boys would take his advice they would go in seriously for an agricultural course, and secure the preliminary knowledge necessary to the prosperity of what can be made a great country. (Applause.) ■Mr. C. T. Mills, representing the Navy Leagiue, of which Mr. Tisch was president, apologised for the Mayor's unavoidable absence, and on behalf of the League presented to the principal for distribution among the members in the school, a number of copies of "The British Navy, Past and Present." The proceedings ended with the singing of "God Save the King." WEST END SCHOOL. The annual prize-giving ceremony, together with the presentation of the shooting belt, medals, swimming certificates, etc., took place in the gymnasium yesterday afternoon. Despite the inclemency of the weather quite a number of parents and friends of the scholi ars attended. His Worship the Mayor j (Mr. G. Tisch), Messrs. H. Gilbert and j I. Morrison, representing the school comI mittee, and the teachers were also pre- | sent. A capital programme was con- | tributed by the pupils, and was much I appreciated, Miss Bessie Sisley assisting at the piano. Mrs. Dowling, headmistress of the school, submitted the following report: "The teachers and children are again pleased to meet you all at our 'Break-ing-up' ceremony, for your attendance here shows that you take an interest in our school. I am glad to tell you that the school is increasing in numbers. There are now 416 on the roll. Next year we shall have another assistant added to our staff. During the year, a new room, which we were able to use on Bth August, has been added. This year I there was an outbreak of whooping cough among the children, and this caused us the loss of an additional assistant, which otherwise we should have I had at the beginning of this quarter. We lost this teacher by four of an atI tendance. If one other child had atj tended regularly for six weeks of the quarter, we should have had this assistant. I would like the parents to know that regular attendance counts, too, in | the promotion of the children from stan- ' dard to standard, and also in the gaining of certificates of standard VI. The inspectors urge, and quite rightly, that those children who have been absent for a number of half days each year, unless they have exceptional ability, cannot have such a good grip of the work as those who have made full attendance. Our school committee does each year what it can by giving prizes for full and good attendance (those who have not missed more than ten times); and the Department issues first-class certificates for full attendance, and second class for good attendance (those who have not missed more than 5 times). Yet we need the co-operation of the parents to jgain the ideal, i.e., a full attendance for every child. Though there was an epidemic of whooping cough and an outbreak' of scarlet fever, still 64 children have gained full attendance prizes and certificates, as against 4S last year, and 66 have gained second class prizes, making a total of 130 in all, or nearly onethird of the children. The promotion in each class to a higher standard has been very satisfactory. Of course, there are failures even with good attendance, for some children .are not able to comply with the required standard in the given I time, but these must not be discouraged, for the teachers are sure they have made / I steady progress. In the sixth standard . i of 34 pupils, 32 passed, and, owing to sickness, 2 were absent; 27 of those who | passed gained proficiency and 5 competency; thus making 94 per cent, of | passes. Besides several special prizes others hare been given for merit, fpr sewing, and one to each infant. The proficiency and fyrttfcates.

and certificates gained by the swimming class together with the medals gained by Minnie Tiplady and Charlie Bacon for life-saving will be presented. The belt and medals gained for shooting, and a medal given by Mr. Greiner for the greatest improvement in cadet drill, will ; also be presented. I may say here what [a very great help to the snooting, and a great convenience to the officers, the new miniature rifle range is. Before concluding, I would like to thank all my assistants for the zealous way in which they have done their duty throughout the year, and the willingness with which they have attended to outside work, such as swimming classes, shooting classes, scout work, football, cricket, etc. I wish to give a special word of praise to Miss Mynott. For some months she had an over-crowded room, then she had a change of teachers, and though under good condtions infant teaching is very trying, yet throughout it all Miss Mynott has always been good tempered and happy with the little ones. It is the conscientious work of the staff that lightens the responsibility of the head teacher, and that makes all the work go on smoothly and successfully." Concluding, Mrs. Dowling hoped the sixth standard scholars who were leaving the school to face the battle of life would ever act in an upright manner, and in conclusion she wished them God speed. Mr. Tisch, after referring briefly to the great pleasure it gave him to attend at such a pleasant function, congratulated the scholars and teachers on the splendid results obtained during the year, and also on the way in which the parents, .teachers and committee had always worked in harmony. The fact that not so very long ago the attendance at the school was from 100 to 120, and that now the roll stood at 415 proved this statement. Loyalty had always been shown to the committee, and consequently anything asked in furtherance of the school was always carried out without any hesitation, whatever. He was thankful that the school now stood second to none in the Taranaki district. He wished' to thank all those who had so generously donated special prizes to the scholars, also Mr. G. Blanchard for a tin of lollies for the youngsters. Mr. Gilbert, in presenting the belt to the best shot, apologised for the absence of Mr. Adlam, who, being an ex-soldier and a member of the Education Board, had been asked to make the presentation. He explained that next year owing to alterations having been made in the regulations pertaining to the belt, it would be difficult to say whether the shooting would take place at the butts or their own range as had been the case before. He urged all the corps, however, to make a big bid for the inscription of their names on the belt, which he hoped would be hung in the school for years to come. After the distribution of the prizes an adjournment was made to the playground where the children indulged in an exciting scramble for lollies (consisting of iy 2 cwt), which, judging by the way they disposed of them, they thoroughly enjoyed. PRIZE LIST. FULL ATTENDANCE. Standard Vl.—Harry Gilbert, James Inch, Ken Jury, Ken Stohr, Dora Hawke, Dorothy Hasluck, Kathleen Hughes, Jessie Mclsaac, Violet Martin, Bessie Sisley, Rene Thompson, Mary Tiplady. Standard V.—Ken Brokenshire, lan Roy, Alex Siffleet, Gladys Gilbert, Alice George. Standard IV.—Harold Gardner, May Christensen, Eveline Coad, Rita Hobson, Eileen Johnson, Irene Gilbert. Standard lll—Walter Bennettf; Raymond Cock, Bertie Gardner, Royce Hooker, Harry Trigger, Robert Emmerton, Muriel Blanchett, Marjorie Greiner, Winnie Hawker, Rita Martin. Standard ll.—Norman Brokenshire. Norman Coburn, Alfred Downes, Ronald Greiner, John Nnapman, Charlie Stewart, Newton Stewart, Fred Stohr, Violet Cavaney, Evelyne George, Violet Hasluck, Edna LamertoT. Standard Bennett, Cyril Hughes, Eric Lash, Gordon Stewart, Madge Barnes, Hildabel Cock, Gertie Parrott, Keitha Russell. PRIZES OF MERIT. Standard Vl.—Ken Jury, Gordon Beck, Joyce Wilson, Nellie Hurle and Myra Rea. Standard V.—lan Roy, Ken Brokenshire, Sybil Jackson, Edith Busby. Standard IV.—Arthur Blanchett, Raymond Cocker, Alice Barnes, Jean Alexander and Eveline Coad, equal. Standard lll.—Andrew Fordyce, Fred Lepine, Coral Barnes, Winnie Hawker and Rita. Martin, equal. Standard ll.—Claude Morey, Ronald Greiner, Mary Coleman, Eva Newell. Standard I.—Roderick Morrison, Harold Morey, Madge Barnes, Joan Wilson. SEWING PRIZES. Standard Vl.—Nellie Hurle; standard V., Phyllis Sole; standard IV., Irene Gilbert; standard 111., Annie Rea; standard 11., Myra Johnson, standard 1., Gertie Parrott. SPECIAL PRIZES. Mrs. Dowling's special prize, general helpfulness, Mary Tiplady. Mr. Bary's special prize, playing for singing lessons, Bessie Sisley. Miss Nestrup's special prize, greatest improvement in exercise work, girl, Doreen Watkins; boy, Fred Stohr. Mr. Avery's special for helpfulness, Clifford Beai. Mrs. Blanchard's special for highest number of points in cookery classes at Horticultural Show, Dora Hawke. Mrs. Wilson's special to most steady worker in standard TV., Gladys MorganMrs. Jackson's special for best behaviour in standard 1., Nellie Medway. Mr. Greiner's medal for best improvement in drill, Alfred Downes. Belt and medal, Laurie Fitzpatrick; medal, Clifford Bell; medal, John Coleman; medal, Eric Lepine. SWIMMING CERTIFICATES. 100 yards.—Gyln Morgan, Dorothy Eva, Alma Russell, Olive Jackson. 220 yards.—Ray Lepine, Roy Peddie, Ida Gardner, Grace Kendall, Vioief Martin, Kathleen Hughes, Eva Marks, Dorothy Morris. 440 yards.—Leslie Turner, Harry Hooker, William Alexander, Arthur Harding, Herbert Patterson, Harold Evetts, James Inch, Kathleen Berry, Grace Mouat, Olga Wallach, Nita Yates. 880 yards—Harry Gilbert, Laurie Fitzpatrick, Charles Fair, Norah Moore, Madge Jury. 17G0 yards.—Richard Oliver, Andrew Allan, David Sykes, Clifford Bell, Lottie Hamilton, Joyce Wilson, Nellie White, Mvra Rea. 2200 yards—Kenneth Stohr, lan Roy, Eileen Tighe, Bessie Sisley, Norah George, Dorothy Blanchard. 2040 Bacon, Kenneth Brokenshire, Irene Thompson, Minnie Tiplady. 3520 yards.—Dora Hawke, Dorothy Hasluck, Elsie White, Hilda Rollo, Jessie Mclsaac, Hilda Jury, Doris Gilbert. Mabel Mills. 3960 yards.—Ethel Johnson.4400 yards— Veta Gilbert. 5200 yards.—Nora Crozier. >■ Life-saving.—Mary Tiplady 76 points, Charles Bacon 71V 2 points.