STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 November 1920, Page 6

STRATFORD.

TARANAKI DAILY NEWS. STRATFORD AGENCY. Advertisements and items of news for publication should be left at the ofllce or tho local representative, W. J. Wilson, next Union Bank. THE DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL. A EULOGISTIC REPORT. November 2. The public of Stratford ought to be particularly pleased to know that they have such an efficient District High School, as sliown by the report of Mr. J. A. Valintine, senior inspector of schools for the Taranaki Education Board, who visited the school on September 24th. The inspector states that the staff of the school is a strong one, and its members appeared to be thoroughly well qualified for their work. "There are," states the report, "184 pupils on the roll, of whom 168 were present, the attendance being affected by the prevalence of sickness amongst the pupils. Outside the local district there are 10 schools from which pupils are drawn, and these supply 7'i of the roll number. The courses of instruction are: (a) classical; (b) rural and domestic; (c) commercial; and the subjects taught comprise English language and literature, French, Latin, mathematics, history and civics, geography, physical science, agriculture, agricultural boftiny and chemistry, dairy science, wooVlwork (boys), and domestic science (girls) Pupils are prepared for the various department examinations and for matriculation and junior scholarship examinations of the University of New Zealand The boys take military drill (senior cadets, Company No. 112), and the girls practise physical exercises and play various games, especially hockey and tennis. "This school is particularly well managed, and all the work is marked by thoroughness and accuracy," adds the report. ''The science courses are. very full, and form a marked feature of the operations of the school. In the language lessons, sound teaching is evident, and in the domestic courses practical training is given, while tuition ill !he commercial classes should fit the pupils to take effective part in clerical work anywhere. A fine tone prevails throughout, especially in the highest forms, in which assiduity and diligence are striking characteristics, and very full programmes of work have been drawn up for the school."

OPPORTUNITIES FOR BOYS. In his report, presented to the Stratford School Committee the headmaster (Mr. F. Tyrer) makes the following interesting remarks concerning the new regulations for the employment of boys in clerical divisions of the Public Service which have recently been issued. "Hitherto," states Mr. Tyrer, "the Public Service examination has been the qualifying test, but now a number of lads with proficiency certificates will be appointed under these regulations, aiul are to be at office work only in the mornings, and are to continue school -studies in the afternoons, so that at the end of two years they can pass the qualifying examination and secure permanent employment. Further, the boys are to reside at and be governed by the conditions of a hostel which is under the charge of an experienced teacher The salary payable for the first year is ftia, plus lodging allowance, and the charge of the hostel is to be 24s a week. Cadets who have passed the Public Service 'examination will be appointed at a salary of .CSa per year, plus £4O lodging allowance, with the provision that these, if employed at Wellington, may reside at the Y.M.C'.A. hostel at 27s per week. Cadets who have passed the mat--1 riciilation examination begin at a salary of £IOO per year, plus £.'!o lodging allowance. An annual increment of salary ia provided for, and after 12 years' service each officer is to receive- a salary of £320 per year. "On the whole," adds Mr. Tyrer, "the new regulations provide distinctly good conditions for public servants, and should tend towards securing a better class of boys for the service."

THE STRATFORD SCHOOL. The headmaster of the Stratford .School, in his monthly report to the school committee, states that several cases of mild influenza still exist in the district, and tlie school attendance, especially in the primary department, was consequently hardly satisfactory. "Tho public service and senior school examination? are to be held from the 22nd to tho 2!) th of November, and ail candidates will be fully engaged at examination work on the 24th and 2oth, the days of the Stratford Show. This was rather unfortunate, as a number of the rural students who had entered for the judging competitions will be unable to attend the show unless some special arrangements for them are made by the show committee. "The work of the school is proceeding satisfactorily. The examination of class I) for proficiency certificates is being held on somewhat new lines this vear, and a higher standard will probably be needed for a pass. This in my opinion is a step in the right direction, provided the standard of pass is the same in all the Education Districts."

STRATFORD CROQUET CLUB. The Stratford Croquet Club opened the 1 ' season on Tuesday afternoon under weather conditions which were not altogether satisfactory. There was, however, a strong muster of members and visitors and the afternoon was spent in an enjoyable manner. The president (Mrs. • Rieral in declaring the season opened, ] stated that (he prospects for the club 1 were very bright, and the members | could look forward to some very enjovI able games. The greens were all in ' splendid oi'der for playing, and a nnm- | her of new members had joined, taking I the places of those who bad left the ! district. Mrs. Ricra referred lo the formal ion of the Avon Croquet Club, in conjunction with the Howling Club, and expressed the hope that- the two clubs would enjoy many pleasant matches together. After welcoming the new members and the visitors from the Avon Club, Mr*. Kicra took the first shot, and .' declared the greens opened. Afternoon tea was then handed round, after which a few friendly games were played, until the rain put a stop to further play.

GENERAL. There were sixteen days on which raia fell fast month, and of the total m JAju itieJbu. _U£l ins&js Jtei) io

the period from ilio 'J.'ird lo (he 31st. The heaviest fall was on the 26th when .'{.B7 inches fell, and the lightest on the 23rd, when only .01 inches was recorded. The petition for a continuous telephone exchange service in Stratford is now in Wellington, awaiting the sanction of the head office, and a reply may be expected shortly, stating when the continuous exchange will be inaugurated. At a meeting of the committee of the Avon Bowling Club, it was decided to hold the official opening (postponed from 28th ult.), 011 Thursday, 18th inst. Mr. Jonas Masters is at present indisposed, and is confined to his bed. The New Plymouth Citizens' Band has been engaged to provide the music for the Stratford Races. Mr. T. I. Lamasou advertises particulars of a furniture sale to be conducted at the residence of Mrs. E. Smith, Olivia Street, Stratford, on Thursday, November 4th, at 1 p.m. The lines are all described as being first-class and in splendid condition. What better present can you give yourself or your friend than a Fountain Pen? Now that you can obtain a reliable Fountain Pen for a very small sum, is it wise to bo without one? We have a large variety of self-fllling pens, stylos, and safety pens, including the well-known mnkc-s of Scheaffera and John Whitworth, at prices ranging from 10s to 2 guineas. Tell us what style of nib you like. 11. J. Hopkins, Stationer, Stratford. McAllister, photographer, Stratford, has the best equipped studio in Taranaki, a capable staff and years of experience. Besides this the prices are the lowest in the Dominion for the same class of work. Make an appointment without delay.