"BREAKING UP!"

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 151, 22 December 1911, Page 6

"BREAKING UP!"

THE OHHjDEEN'S DAY. Yesterday was a day that had been eagerly looked forward to for some weeks by the children of New Plymouth, for was it not the day on which not only were the school prizes awarded to the successful scholars, but it also portended the close of a year's schooling, with the vista opening immediately ahead of over six weeks vacation (until February 5, 1912), which can be spent on the sea beach, in the country, or in various ways dear to the hearts of the little ones. Considerably over a thousand children in New Plymouth and suburbs must have felt disappointed to find that it was raining heavily on the morning of this—to them, and to us in by-gone years—great day. Old Sol, however, came to the rescue, and shining out strongly brought smiles to the faces of the youngsters, and as a result all the ceremonies were well attended and passed off with eclat as follows: CENTRAL SCHOOL. The Central School breaking up and presentation of prizes took place in the Theatre Royal yesterday afternoon, and was largely attended by parents, as well as children. Mr. P. P. Corkill, chairman of the School Committee, presided. A short musical programme, very prettily rendered by the children, opened the proceedings. The first item was an action song, "Splashing in the Briny," by 15 little tots in bathing costume. Then followed a cricket song by a team of boys, which consisted of 14. A recitation, "A Complaint," by Masters S. Riley, E. Bedford and J. Henrichs was clearly given, and the programme ended with an action song, "We'll fight for dear old England," by 32 girls, in costume. They performed the various evolutions in a way which showed careful training on tho part oi their teachers, Misses Crawford and Dempsey, and attention on their own part. Miss Dempsey presided at the piano. HEADMASTER'S REPORT. Mr. H. Dempsey, headmaster, presented his report as follows:—"The present is supposed to be a time of pleasure—a; pleasure, however, not unmixed with a 1 considerable amount of regret. This | must always be so, when a limited num-' ber of prizes are being awarded. Outside the successful ones, there are so many others who are almost equally worthy. This is the hard part in deciding merit, and I am afraid that it will | continue as long as the custom of prize- j giving continues. As you are aware, I the work of the third term of the school I year was much interfered with owing to \ sickness among the children. Many who I had had unbroken attendance up to that time were compelled to absent themselves, so that those only who were fortunate enough to escape could possibly make full attendance. Hence, by the sanction of the committee, it was decided not to count this factor in making out the prize list. Consequently, prolific iency and conduct have chiefly been considered. The roll has increased during the year from 590 to 019, and the I average attendance from 539 to 559. This! raises the school one grade. The schools of the Dominion are arranged in sixteen grades and we are now in| sub-grade 15, the highest but one. The work of the year has been marked by the earnestness of the majority of the pupils, and the increased interest taken by the parents in the progress of their J children. The latter is a pleasing feature, and I hope to see it still further develop. The senior boys have again been of valuable service in regulating the tone of the school and controlling the conduct of the younger pupils. I wish to tell them how I have appreciated what they have done, and bow much easier they have made the management. At no time in the history of the school has there been a better tone or greater loyalty to the teachers. The staff, without exception, have worked earnestly, whole-heartedly and zealously in their efforts to do their very best for those placed under their charge, and I have to thank tkem for so loyally carrying out my suggestions as regards their work. The improved attendance will result in an increased staff at the beginning of the year. At the end of last year five candidates entered for the scholarship examination. Of these four passed, and were admitted to the New Plymouth High School. The recent Standard VI. examination resulted in 25 proficiency and eight competency certificates being obtained. Eight pupils failed, but the majority of these had been \ attending the school only a short time. During part of the year gymnastic instruction to the cadets was gizen by J Mr. Lints. The boys took a keen in- ' terest in the exercises, and appeared to appreciate the efforts of their instructor. 1 It is hoped that next year the girls will be given an opportunity of sharing in this course of physical training. The Boy Scout movement has prospered under Chief Scoutmaster Sullivan, Scoutmaster Mclsaac and Asst. Scoutmaster McGahey. The battalion is now composed of 60 ■boys, and has been drawn from all parts of the school except Stan-' dard I. A few High School bovs and some others who have left school"belong to it. That the work is not interfering | with tho progress at school is shown by the fact that of all the Scouts only one boy has failed to pass his standard examination, and that was owing to his enforced irregular attendance. In the school cricket competition one round of matches has been played, the Central team proving victorious in each match. With the proceeds of an entertainment held in August last a piano was purchased and placed in the school. This has proved of great assistance in the singing lessons. During the year a valuable collection of stereoscopes, stereographs and monoscopes was purchased for the school. They will be found of great service in the teaching of nature study and in giving a general idea of the industries, customs, scenery etc., of other countries. It is hardly necessary to say that the funds for the purchase of these, as well as for the piano, were raised from the public. Thirty new dual desks have been added to the furniture, replacing the old out-of-date long desks, so awkward to work among. In connection with this, I have to thank the Chief Inspector for his willingness at all times to support my efforts to make the class rooms more attractive and comfortable for both teachers and pupils." Mr. Dempsey also expressed thanks on behalf of the staff and himself to the mothers for their interest in the school, as shown by their willingness to provide dresses for every display got up in connection with the school entertainments

CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS. The chairman expressed his pleasure at again presiding at such a gathering. He felt that ha was voicing the feelings of the whole committee in saying that "they w«re proud to be associated with the school—proud of the headmaster and staff associated with Mm, who had given of their best in the service of the school during the past year. He was proud, I too, of the 000 boys and girls who attended the school, He felt that he was correct in saying that there was nowhere on the face of the earth a school with a better moral tone than the Central. A higher standard of morality and thought had been inculcated by the headmaster and was bearing fruit every day, aa men and women, who as boys and girls had passed through the (school

were everywhere a credit to it. This healthy tone would continue to pervade the school while Mr. Dcmpsey was in charge and afterwards. The committee had had its ups and down. The shortness of funds still continued, and they found it uphill work to pay their way—' their poor, miserable way. They were stinted in every direction, and it was only by the efforts of the headmaster and teachers that they were able to raise funds for purchasing these prizes. He also referred to the condition of the school buildings. Both were old and not on modern lines or in keeping with modern progress. Tho committee felt that something should be done to better the condiitons existing, and so got the health officer to make a report. Lots of mothers present, he continued, knew that their children returned home from school drowsy and played out. This should not be with the comparatively short hours' confinement if proper ventilation were provided. The report confirmed their worst fears. Now, at the request of the committee, the doctors of the town were making an exhaustive enquiry, and he hoped the agitation initiated would {result in the demolition of the present buildings and the erection of new ones. He meTely mentioned this matter so as to set them thinking, so that when the matter came to be discussed they would be in a position to back it up. PRIZE LIST. The prizes were then presented a-s follows: PROFICIENCY AND CONDUCT. Standard Vll.—lrene Brown. Standard Vl.—Airini Pope, dux ol school (Mr. Avery's prize), Leslie Butler, Percy Oliver, Harold Hedley, Roy Lealand, Stanley Grayling, Leslie Lealand, Louisa Barker, Lurline Swinton, Ursula Lynch, Archie Hooker, Zeala Bellringer. Standard V.—Marjorie Waugh, Flossie I l ; ord, Alec. Callender, Ernest Way, Rosia Danks, Donald Saxton, Wilfred Blanchett, Haughton Renaud, Gordon Petch, Charles Lawn, Vaugb.au Kirkby, Torn Crone, George Mason, Katie Groombridge.

Standard IV.—Norah Carkill, Beulak Hartmell, Connie Bain, Nancy Pott, Myrtle Williams, Arthur Phipps, Ernest ■ Hardwick, Elliot Hambling, Teresa Monteath, Cyril Way, Donald Doile, Jack Roberta, Baden Moverley, Amy Allen, Doris George, Jaok Cottier. Standard lll.—Christie Sinclair, Zaida Sowry, Jack Matthews, Maud Way, Willie White, Robert Glasgow, Ethel Graham, Amelia Knight, Eileen Hooke, Graham Ching, Elsie Curline, Ernest May, Dorothy Gibson, Teddy Pope, Doris McGonagle, Seddon Riley, Dulcie Leech, Martha Lee, Jamiea Henricl®. Standard ll.—-Charles Noble, Eric Brewer, Colin, Bayly, Robert Pascoe, Harry- Goss, Clarence Ennis, Sydney White, Elsie Honnor, Mildred Monk, Edmund Jury, Claude Kyngdon, Ronald Ward, Rita Boulton, Maud Smith, Ruth Callender, Dougilas Bradbury, Leonard Hughes. Standard I.—Clifford Hall, Bertha White, William Healy, Rona Benbow, Eileen Buttimore, Jim Pott, Keitha Brown, Gladys Hardgrave, Marcia Griffiths, Sydney Hayden, Bertie Boon, Cecil Clarke, Fred May, Robina Lee, Jack Haldane, KeitJia Ward. SPECIAL, PRIZES. | Valuable services rendered—Tom CorI kill, Stanley Bridger, Percy Mills, Roy I Hopkins, Claude Mine. Arithmetic—Lily Reed, Ernest Bedford. Spelling—Enid White, Ronald Boon; Harold Coulthard. Drawing—Leslie Way. I Physielogy—Donald Doile (Mr. Wagstaff'a). Recitation —Laurie Davies. I Scouts—Best senior progress (medal) : i Sergt. Norman Leech (Mt. Dempsey's). | Best junior progress (medial) Corp. Erneat Way (Mr. Mclsaac'a). Nine years' unbroken attendance— John SkilTey. Eight years' unbroken attendance— May Harvey. j Scripture examination (awarded by ! Rev. S. S. Osborne)—Christie Sinclair, I Lily Davison, Teddy Pope, Rita Re veil,. Elsie Curline, Robert Glasgow, Jack ! Matthews, Jane Christian. At the conclusion, the chairman congratulated all the prize-winners and trusted that they would long treasure them as mementoes. He wound up by wishing ail a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. The singing of the National Anthem concluded the proceedings. The chairman announced that Mr. Crust invited all the children to attend the Royal Pictures on Saturday afternoon free of charge. WEST END SCHOOL The amual foroiking-up ceremony and presentation of prizes took place at the school yesterday aiternoon. There was a good attendance of parents, and the teachers were also present. The (Rev. 'P. P. K,ellow, in presenting the .prizes to the infants, expressed his pleasure at havirigi suchi a number of presentations to make. It showed that there was no lack of good teaching om the part of the staff, and l he congratulated the teachers one and all for the success attained toy the pupils under I their guidance. He also spoke some kindly remarks to the children, saying that the better he knew the children at the West iEnd school the he liked them. ;He wished to thank Mr. Blanchard Ifor the donation of a bag of lollies and ami egg to each of the infants, and 1 in conclusion he wished them all a ; Merry Xnuas and a Happy New Year.

j The parents and friends w«re then in- !

vited to the gymnasium, where the senior scholars were presented with the prizes won during the year. The gymnasium had been tastefully decorated for the occasion by the teachers, while from the centre of the room the title of the school hung out prominently. On the platform were members of the West End school committee, .Mr. J. B. Roy, Mr. Adlam, and others. HEAD TEACHER'S REPORT. Mrs. Dowling submitted the following report:— i The report of the headmistress (Mrs. Dowling) was read as follows:—"This, of course, as you know, is the children's day —one of the happiest of the year to them; and so 1 am glad to see so many parents present at our prize-giving ceremony to-day. The work of this school •year is over, and as the children have just sung, "Vacation comes to-morrow." On the whole, the children have worked steadily and diligently, and their con- , duct has been very good indeed. They understand that all have not won prizes; and thought many have not been successful enough to reach the top, yet their work has gained them promotion to a higher class. Of course, there always will be a few who need longer than the given time to reach the standard rej quired for promotion, and I would like to give a word of encouragement to these. Your year's work is not lost; ; you need a little longer to do the work that others have accomplished in a year; you must work on steadily and you'll win in the end. The work in the infant room is in good hands. Miss Myno' t and Miss O'Brien, with their pupil ten. ' ers, have made the work of the li. ' ones most interesting. They have ni;; 1 the lessons very like—well, disciplin ,i play; and in ttiis way have taught the little workers to love their school. Of the senior scholars, thirty-two sat for the proficiency examination. Of these one failed, four gained competency certificates, and 27 proficiency certificates. 1 Two boys and two girls have tied for top place in the school—Ken. Brokenshire and lan Roy, and Sybil Jackson and Nellie White. The attendance of the children has been good, though the average was somewhat lessened through prevalence of measles in the winter. This year 75 pupils have made full attendances and 58 have missed not more than ten times. To these we have given prizes; but since the law now compels children to attend all the times the school is open, there is no longer any honor about gaining an attendance prize. The committee and staff have, therefore, decided to discontinue attendance prizes and to give more merit prizes, say ten in each class, irrespective of sex. The swimming classes of last summer were well attended, and the instructor (Mr. Morris) ds to bo congratulated on the results,, for 42 pupils gained swimming ■| certificates, eight learners' certificates, 22 proficiency certificates, and 12 certifi-' cates of merit. The girls have take* J great interest in their swimming lessons. The gold brooch given by Mr. Greiner' has been won by Nellie Hawker. The ■ cadet officers have trained the boys h.> take great interest in their drill and, shooting; and here I must say what a great convenience to the officers and, cadets our miniature range is. The chamipon belt and medal has be eh won by James Inch, medals by David Sykes and Ken Brokenshire, and these, with 15 other boys, qualified for marksmen's badges. During the year Bible-reading has been introduced' into the school. Several ministers of religion, have attended each Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Manr times between two and three hundred children have remainded to Bible lesson. lam glad to say a very good feeling exists between the children i and the individual members of the staff. !I wish to thank my staff for their untiring zeal and co-operation in all matters that have tended to the welfare of our school, and to wish parents and childi rcn a very happy Christmas and New Year."

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES.

Mr. GMbert (chairman of the West End school committee), in presenting the prizes, remarked that he was pleased to see 60 many of the parents present. He considered it was the largest attendance there had ever been at the breaking-up ceremonies. He was pleased to see so many prizes to present. He was also j pleased to be able to say that the committee's finances were good. This time last year the committee was in debt to the extent of from £ls to £l6, but this year, thanks to the teachers for holding concerts and placing the money derived from them to their funds, he was able to say that the debt had been paid off in addition to paying for the prizes | that were to be presented to-day. , Rw. F. P. Kellow, in presenting th« | prizes donated by Mr. N. T. Maunder for the best essay on "Aleohology," congratulated the scholars on the contents of the essays. There were 49 essays, and the conditions were that a prize cash to the .best toy and girl in each standard from Standard HI. to Standard VI was to be awarded. Under these conditions it made it rather difficult for him, but he had gone over the work very carefully and he hoped that the remaining 41 who had not received prizes (for their essays would in no way be discouraged, but weuld push an and try hard for the prizes next year. Mr. Adlam, (being am ex-soldier, was asked to present the shooting belt and medals won by the cadets. He spoke at. some length as to the benefits of shooting apart from the good sport derived from it. The following names are now inscribed on the belt:—l9o7, 1908, and 1009, H. N. Johnson; 1910, L. Pitapat rick; 19hi, J. H. Inch.

The following is the prize-list.:— PRIZES FOR MERIT.

Standard Vl.—Top boy, Ken Brokenehire and lan Roy (equal); top girl, Nellie White and Sybil Jackson (equal); second boy and girl. Ray Lepine, Phyllis Wilson; third in class.'Alma Russell.'

Standard V.—Top boy, Newton Sole; top girl, Eveline Coad and Alice Barnes (equal); second boy. William Hughes; second girl, Winnie Newel], Emily Ben' nctt (equal.); third in class, May Lynch. Standard IV.—Top boy, Roy Deare and Gordon Jury (equal); top girl, Leila Ilurle; second boy. Fred Lepine; second gill, equal, Coral Barnes and Rita Martin; third in class, Dick Wilson.

Standard lll.—Top boy, Ronald Greiner; top girl. Eva Newell; second boy and girl, Claude Morey, Mary Coleman;'third in class, Doreen Watkins.

Standard I].—Top boy, Roderick Morrison; top girl, Joan Wilson; second boy and girl, Darieii Sullin, Noel Jackson; third in class. Madge Barnes. Standard I.—Top boy, Gerald Webster, William Rea (equal); top girl, Edna Mouat: second hov and girl, Ronald McLean. Gladys ]lodge; third in class. Keitlia Jurv.

Infants (]'. m.)— Top boy, John Stanley; top girl. Nancv Wilson'; second girl Rubv Sole. ' '

Primer IT.—-Top boy, Colin Greiner; top girl, Ethel Sole.

Primer I.—Top boy, Willie Reid; top girl, Emma Marton. SEWING PRIZES. Slandard Vl.—Nellie Hawker (gold brooch presented by Mr. Greiner). Standard V. —' Irene Gilbert (Mr. .Avery's special). Standard TV—Winnie Hawker. Standard 11T. —Myra Johnson. Standard ll.—Gertie I'arrott. Standard I.—Doris Roper.

DRILL AND SHOOTING. | The champion belt and medal for ' shooting—James Inch. Medals for shooting—David Sykes, Ken Brokenshire. Medal for the greatest improvement in drill (presented by Mr. Greincr)—Scon Brown. SPECIAL PRIZES. Competition essay on Temperance Wall sheet—A prize has been awarded to one boy and one girl in each of the Standards'lll. to VI.: Standald 111., Boy, Claude Morey; girl, Audrey Tapp. Standard IV., Andrew Fordyce, Erice Fitzpatrick; Standard V., John Fordyce, Irene Gilbert; Standard VI., Ken Brokenshire, Sybil Jackson. Mrs. Wilson's special for most steady worker, Standard V.—Elsie Campbell. Mrs. Blanchard's special for most steady worker, Standard IV.—Muriel Hawkes.

Mr. Blanchard's special for most steady worker, Standard 111. —Alfred Dowries.

Mr. Sykes' special for natural gift in drawing —Standard IV., Andrew Fordyce; Standard 111., Stuart Duke. Mrs. Cookers special. for general behaviour, Standard V. —Alice Hart.

Mr. Evetts' special for best copy book, Standard llL—Percy Drinkwater.

Mrs. Dowling's special for general helpfulness—Nellie 'White. Mrs. Asher's special for general neatness, Standard lll.—lrene Bullot. Mrs. Asher's special for general improvement, Standard 11. Dorothea Broome. Special doll for Standard I.—Doris Loveridge. FCJLL ATTENDANCES. Standard Vl.—Edith Busby, Dorothy Eva, Gladys Gilbert, Nellie Hawker, Sybil Jackson, Olive Jackson, Aira Rollo, Phyllis Sole, Phyllis Wilson, Nellie White, Ken. Brokenshire, Glyn Morgans, lan Roy-

Standard V.—Hilda Bishop, Emily Bennett, Alice Barnes, Rita Hobson, Gladys Morgans, Winnie Newell, May Christensen, Harold Gardner, Alan Mills, Colin Rich, Newton Sole. Standard IV.—Coral Barnes, Leila Hurle, Eileen Johnson, Ida Mills, Walter Bennett, Raymond Cock, Roy Deare, Bert Gardner, Royce Hooker, Jack White. Standard 111. —Evelyne George, Edna Lamerton, Ella Slung, Audrey Tapp, Doreen Watkins, Olive Rich, Seon Brown, Norman Brokenshire, Alfred Downs, Percy Drinkwater, Robert Emraerton, Roy Hoskin, Laurence Gilbert, Jack King, Hector Mackay, Keith Nodder, Charlie Stewart, Newton Stewart, Frederick Stohr, Harry Trigger. Standard ll.—Edith Downs, Myrtle Jury, Eileen Rich, Nola Crozier, Madge Barnes, Gertie Parrott, Violet Hasluck, Sinai Morgans, Keith Thomson, Cyril Hughes. Standard I.—Muriel Bennett, Amelia Bullot, Hilda.bel Cock, Alice Lamerton, Evelyn Martin, Ivy Parrott, John Cavaney, Ronald McLean, Stanley Rielly, Walter Stewart, Gerald Webster.

Infants—Arthur Howell, Fred. Cavaney, Sam Medway, George Cavaney, Owen Johns, Vera George, Nance Thomson, Norrien Hoskin, Connie Hasell, Irene Stewart, Mary Mills.

NOT MISSED MORE THAN 10 TIMES.

Standard Vl.—Alice George, Olive Inch, Hilda Jury, Eva Marks, Alma Russell, Eileen Tighe, Nita Yates, John Medway, David Sykcs.

Standard V.—Marjorie Mouat, Margaret Brown, Lily Medway, Eveline Coad, Irene Gilbert, William Hughes, Bert Rich, Claude Russell.

Standard IV— Erice Fitzpatrick, Winnie Hawker, Rita Martin, Annie Rea, Veta Hughes, Alma Sowerby, Ken Ward, Dick Wilson, Gordon Jury, Charles Siffleet, Monty Yates. Standard lll.—Myra Johnson, Kathleen Mander, Eva Newell, Mary Coleman, Ivy Jackson, Norman Coburn, Charlie Gardiner, Stanley Hart.

Standard H.—Dulcie Gardner, Nellie Medway, Beatrice Inch, Madge Loveridge, Violet Cavaney, Stanley Russell, Nelson Moore, Reggie Kdgecombe, Sydney Drinkwater, Egar Gillbanks, Gordon Stewart.

Standard I—Gladys Hodge, Mabel Jury, Keitha Russell, Elsie Siffleet, Doris Loveridge, Desmond Fitepatriek, Percy Johnson, Reggie Jury, Richard May, Donald Mackay, Frank Riclly. Infants—John Stanley, Ivon Watkins, Spencer Ellis, Trevor Haseil], Eric Brokenshire, Willie Bain, Kern Nodder, Fred. Newell, Dermot Jury, Cyril Lash, John Rampton, Roy Downs, Catherine Morgan, Dora Schultz, Dorothy Hodge, Laura Sanger, Mona Evans, Dorothy Bennett, Elsie Lamerton, Isabella Coad, Ellen Harvey. SWIMMING CERTIFICATES.

Learners' Certificates (lOOydsl—Lily Medway, Gladys Gilbert, Alice George, Winnie Newell, Kathleen Hood, Joe Hamilton, Arthur Blanchett, Claude Russell. Certificates of Proficiency (220 to 880 yds)—22oyds: Phyllis Wilson, Isabel Connett, Newton Sole, Ray Cocker, Jack Medway, !*• BosweH, John Coleman; 440 yds: Molly Gower, Edith Busby, Alma Russell, Rita Hobson, Harold Rich, Bert Rich, Colin Rich; 880 yds: Dorothy Eva, Sybil Jackson, Aira Rollo, Marjorie Mouat, Olga Wallach, Jim Inch, Glyn Morgan, Charles Ward.

Certificates of Merit (one mile and over)—lda Gardner and Ken. Broke* shire (IMOyds), Clifford Bell (1980 yds), Irene Gilbert and Ken. Stohr (2200 yds), Eva Marks, Nita Yates and lan Roy (2(Moydsl. Eileen Tighe and Harry Giifcert (3520 yds), Hilda Jury (3060 yds), Rachel Gewer (4400 yds).

Mr. J. B. Roy spoke as to the good qualities of the teaching staff of the school, and the loyalty shown by the scholars to their teachers, and proposed that their appreciation be shown by a vote of thanks from the parents to Mrs. Bowling and her staff, which was earned ly acclamation.' Mrs. Dowling returned thanks.

A capital programme was rendered by the scholars during the afternoon, and was much appreciated by the parents. The children then withdrew to the playground, where the usual "scramble" was indulged in, and judging by the interest that was taken by them and the cheers that rent the air for some considerable time it was plainly evident that they did not intend to let school work trouble them until 1912. FITZROY SCHOOL. The breaking-up ceremony and presentation of prizes took place in the Hall yesterday afternoon, there being a large attendance of children and parents. The headmaster apologised for the absence of the Mayor and the Rev. Kempthorne. Mr. J. Tisch said he had been asked to present the prizes, which privilege he appreciated. He said that he had watched the progress of the school, and the work that the children had done was very creditable. He referred to the matter of school committees, saying that with the parents of 170 children there should not. be any difficulty in getting now committeemen every year. The master of the school, he said, was one of the best teachers in the Dominion, and if the men did not take sufficient interest in school affairs, he thought the ladies could exercise an interest by persuading the fathers to attend the annual meeting and see what was going on. When a school has a good master he wants upholding in his duties. PltlZK-LIST. Mr. Tisch then presented the prizes and certificates as follows: Standard Vl.—Dux, Doris Lawn; general progress, Olive Simmons; progress and attendance. Allan Wood. cVandard V.—Highest average marks,

Keith Jackson; general progress, Frank Kelly ami Rosie West.

Standard IV.—Highest average and attendance, Ila Francis; general progress, Maido Pattie and! Lan Bagley. Standard I IT.—Highest average, marks and attendance, Dorothy Armstrong; general progress. Jack Johnson and Basil Grayling. Standard II. —Highest average marks, Clem White; general progress, Constance Joll, Walter Sturmey. ■Standard I. —Highest average marks, Alice Crosstorooke and Lucy Lawn; general progress, Muriel Reid. Attendance certificates.—Standard VI.: Allan Wood. Standard V.: Francis Ooom'bes. Standard IV.: Ha Francis and Vi Belliringer. Standard HI: Dorothy Armstrong, Daisy Gunson, Esther Bray, Reggie Fetch, Edward Boulton. Standard I.: May Coombes, Elsie Coombes Primer: Lily Aroa, Esnie Boulton, A. Francis, E. Old. SEWING. Senior DHsirm.—Doris Oxenham 1, Mabel Griffiths 2. Junior Division.—May Coombes 1, Clairrie Linn 2. I

Sewing and attendance.—May Coombes. Drawing.—Eva Haskell.

Primer III.: Evelyn White 1, Merle Hooker 2. Primer II.: Gordon Faull 1, Esme Boulton 2.

Attendance, second class certificates (for those who have not missed more than five half-days during the year:— Standard VI: Eva; Haskell, Annie Petch, 0. Simmons. Standaird V.: N. Kibby, H. Tcdd. Standard IV.: Myrtle Gunson, Maido Pattie. Standard III.: Clifford Johnson, Margery Reid, Alfred Petch. Standard II.: Walter Sturmey. Standard I.: Muriel Reid. Proficiency certificates were presented to Olive Simmons, Annie Petch, Doris Lawn, Eva Haskell, Allan Wood. Competency certificate: Sidney JJintz. THANKS. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Tisch for presiding, on the motion of the headmaster, which was carried 'by acclamation. On the motion of Messrs. A. W. Wood and Reid', a vote of thanks was passed to headmaster and staff for the successful yeair'si work, and they did not believe any teacher worked harder than Mr. Johnson.

The headmaster, in thanking them, said although the year had .been a hard one, it had also been successful. Six out of eight scholars had' passed Standard VI., and there would not be more than ten failures in the school, although it had .been kept back on account of measles.

A vote of thanks was accorded the Bress for attending.

Before the presentation of prizes the children contributed a short and appreciative programme of songs, pianoforte solos and recitations. MAGISTRATE'S COURT. CRUELTY TO A HORSE. At the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, before Mr. H. S. Fitshcrbert, S.M., W. Duston was charged by H. D. McOleland with ill-treating a horse »n December 14.

Mr. Johnstone, who appeared for defendant, said that on the morning in question, Duston had brought the doctor's horse from the paddock, and while grooming it he was struck in the face. He then kicked the animal, and threw two stones at it. The act was done in the heat of the moment.

Defendant pleaded guilty. Dr. McCleland stated that the mare was a quiet one, and that defendant threw hailf-a-dozen stones at her when against the gate. She was then rushed into the stable, where he kicked her.

The Magistrate said he believed in dealing severely with such cases. A man was a coward to knock a dumb animal about. If that sort of thing were allowed there would be no end to bad treatment of animals. When dealing with suck animals one could not always expect them to do what was wished, but that was not a reason for knocking them about. The defendant would 'be convicted and fined 20a and 7s costs. A JUVENILE OFFENDER.

A youth, under 16 years of age, was brought before Mr. Fitzherbert, 8.M., yesterday clisirged with the theft of cigarettes, knives, boots, choeolateß, etc., from Bullock and Johnstone's store, Motooa, on December 1, the value of the goods being £2 2s. Defendant pleaded guilty. Mr. Wilson, for the defendant, said another kd was implicated* but could not be found. This lad had admitted the offence and offered to restore the goods. He asked for the leniency of the court : so,as to give the lad a chance. Senior-Sergeant Dart said the older boy who was implicated had got away. It was not a case of stealing through temptation, as they had put the light out, broken a pane of glass, and went in and stole the goods. The Magistrate said if it had not been for the recent Aet passed he would have no option but to commit him for trial, but now he had the power to convict and discharge him. In pointing out the seriousness of the charge, His Worship said if this- kind of thing was not checked in the bud it would go from bad to worse. Many young criminals commenced in this way and ended in gaol. He advised him to give up the idea of taking other people's property, and as he had all his life before him he hoped he would grow up an honorable and trustworthy man. He convicted and discharged the accused, making an order for the return of the property, and reminded him that if he comes up on another charge he will be severely punished.'