TECHNICAL COLLEGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 December 1921, Page 6

TECHNICAL COLLEGE.

BRBAKIXG-UP CEREMONY. AND EXHIBITION OK WORK. The New Plymouth Technical College school year ended yesterday’ afternoon, when the annual breaking-up ceremony and distribution of prizes took place. The school was thrown open to visitors to enable them to inspect the various specimens of work done by pupils of the school. Two of the large class-rooms, were used for the prize distribution cere‘mony, and these had been tastefully decorated with ferns, miniature flags and Chinese lanterns.

Rev. W. J. Elliott spoke a few words m which he heartily’ congratulated the school on the successful work done and splendid progress shown, both on the scholastic side and in recreation. He hoped they would from strength to strength and become an ornament to society and a benefit to themselves unu all those around them. Mr. P. J. H. White (chairman of the Taranaki Education Board), expressed his pleasure at being with them once again. He had to apologise for the absence of other members of the board owing to their finding it impossible to attend. Mr. White then addressed himself to those who were about to leave, saying that they had come to the most important period in their career. He stressed the point that we should always be learning, to keep ourselves fresh, young and bright in so far as we kept our minds receptive. He advised the pupils to cultivate hobbies, and to take an interest in passing events, especially by reading the newspapers, but not reading them in a perfunctory manner. Mr. White congratulated the principal (Mr. Moore) and his stall on their excellent record, also the pupils and all concerned, on the admirable appearance of the school. They’ should always strive to make their school “the best ever/’ (Applause.) The scholastic and sports prizes were then presented by’ the Mayor (Mr. Frank Wilson), who afterwards made a

short speech, in which he noted with pleasure that an increase in attendance had been attained and maintained. He congratulated the school on the good work being done, for having now passed the infant stages of its" existence it had developed z into a really live institution. The interest displayed by the ex-pupils was very gratifying, and he hoped those leaving would join the Old Pupils’ Association. His Worship concluded by wishing one and all a pleasant holiday and a merry Christmas. (Applause.) A pleasant interlude was the presentation of a fountain pen to the prfiiciplh (Mr. Moore) by Mr. Taylor, on behalf of the pupils. The National Anthem brought the proceedings to a close. After the ceremony’ the visitors were invited to afternoon tea, which was served in the cookery room. PRINCIPAL’S REPORT. The principal's report and the prize list were as follows: — The school opened with a roll number of 464 pupils, including 78 new’ pupils, last year’s being 120 pupils, so that the increase was over 36 per cent. The enrolment in the various courses were as. follows (last year’s figures being given in parentheses: Commercial (JI (49), engineering 44 (40), general 19

(15), domestic 16 (11),/agriculture and industrial 7 (5), science 15 ( —), discharged soldier 1 ( —). The most gratifying feature this year is the fact that these numbers have been maintained throughout the year, so that with pupils leaving and\ new pupils joining, the roll at the end of the year is 162, only two short of tlie number with which we opened. •We found that desk accommodation was over-taxed, and the larger number of first year commercial pupils necessitated a re-arrangement of clashes and staff. The matter of desk equipment has recently been remedied to a certain extent, but there are more required to fully complete the equipment. A number of staff changes occurred during the year. Mr. Kirkpatrick was appointed chief instructor of mechanical engineering at Wellington Technical College, and left at the end of February. Mr. Skelton was appointed senior instructor, and Mr. H. C. Gatland assistant instructor, but could not take up his duties until x June. This meant that the engineering department was without a permanent instructor for the first term. The work, however, was kept going by Mr. Skelton and myself, and J have to thank Mr. Skelton for the way in which he carried out his heavy task during that period. Miss M. Goy’ left at the end of the first term to be married, and Miss V. WJiite. 8.A., was appointed to fill the position, but could not take her duties until July. Mr. J. D. Roulston was appointed to relieve. Miss Wright was appointed domestic science mistress in place of Miss Heal, who resigned at the end of the first term. Miss Lambert resigned at the end of the second and Mr. Roulston was appointed on the permanent staff in her stead. ' Miss Jensen, who for the past five vears was on the clerical stafl, and latterly registrar of the school, was appointed a full-time teacher of commercial subjects. The examination results for the y’ear are as follows: Intermediate passes, partial passes, teachers D certificate, awarded senior free places on annual examination. City and Guilds of London examination.—Five passes motor car engineering grade 1, six passes electrical engineering grade 1, one first-class pass . Pitman's shorthand certificates. I Twelve speed, seven theory, 10 element- . arv. . , . 1 : First, second and third prizes annual book-keeping examination held by the Society : f Accountants for high and technical Schools in Taranaki, one bookkeeping diploma, one section accountant, examination. The usual exhibition of work was held at the Winter Show, and was highly praised, 32 prizes being gained bv the pupils of this school 'Sports—Although severely hampered for the want of playing area, the standard of sports has been maintained. Ihe standard of the football was better tnan The hockey was again very good, the A team being the runners-up ot the | northern section of the championship. Two members of the A team were selected ami played for the Taranaki representative hockey team. | When the,cricket season commenced we were faced with a grave disability „f having no ground for practice, as I the Recreation Ground was being ; nloiirhed up and re-sown for next foot- , ball season. However, we are carryoa uado.* diiiiiulties.

Swimming sports were held early in the year.

Three basket-ball teams were formed and carried on throughout the season.

The daily physical drill for all pupils is of great benefit to the general physique and carriage. The school cadets have entered with keenness into the shooting competition. This has been maintained by the fierp of a miniature rifle range in*the school ground, and as the result of a suggestion made in my last annual report two .22 miniature rifles were purchased. A senior and junior team were entered for the Imperial Challenge Shield, the results of which are not to hand. The team entered for the Weekly Press Challenge Shield for last year well up, and although not successful, it is pleasing to note that the shield came to New Plymouth, our team, r believe, being second in the North Island, scores. Mr. Crimp, who has charge of the shooting, lias done much to arouse and maintain the enthusiasm.

Hostel.—The hostel was opened at the commencement of the year, and 8 boarders have been in residence. Old Pupils’ Association.—The Old Pupils’ Association has proved a live body. Regular meetings have been held throughout the year, and the enthusiasm displayed has shown the need of such an association. During the year several enjoyable social functions for the pupils have been held. Library.—The library has proved a great asset to the school. In spite of the unfavorable condition under which we are working, the school has had a very successful year. It has maintained the numbers throughout the year, kept up all its old activities, and instituted new ones. I have to thank the whole of my staff for their loyal support and enthusiastic co-operation throughout the ygar that has made this success possible. From the favorable comments I hear from outside I am pleased to say that the school has a good place in public, opinion. This good opinion we will earnestly try to preserve, for with it the best endeavors and hard work of the pupils and staff become a pleasure. I have to thank the Advisory Board for their keen interest and assistance during the year, and also those wno have iiberally donated prizes, trophies, etc., to the school. Mr. Moore, intimated that word had just been received that in the" Taranaki competitive book-keeping examination two pupils of the school, Evelyn Smith and Mary Macßae, had been placed first and second respectively. EXHIBITION OF WORK. Nowadays people are too apt to think that education consists in the learning of Latin and the mastering of mathematics, and so on, but they are prone to overlook the important work done in technical schools, where our boys are taught useful trades, while the girls are trained in office work and the art of house-keeping. To those who hold sych notions an inspection of the work done at the New Plymouth Technical College would come as somewhat of a revelation.

The engineering department attracted particular attention. Here the about 40 in number, are in the capable hands of Messrs. 11. H. Skelton and C. H. Gatland. The first year boys- exhibition of work include*d try squares, chisels and calipers, dll of which they had made themselves. The second year pupils included in their display some particularly well-made scribing blocks, as well as a number of vices, including a special vice for small work. Raehet braces, air valves, tool-makers’ vice, large vices, shaft coupling, and a gear wheel were all the result of the labors of the third year boys. Thd pupils had also converted an old motor engine into an air compressor. An innovation this year is the installation of a generator, driven by an oil engine, which is useful for teaching boys the working of lighting sets. A grinding machine and an extra lathe (making seven lathes in all) have' also been installed recently. A glance into tlie forge shop, which has now a concreted floor, reveals four forges, three of which are driven by an aid blast from a gas engine made and set up by the pupils. The tool-room is kept spick and san, all . tools neatly packed away when not in use. The system of teaching is to give two and a half days per week to theory and two and a* half days to practical work. An exhibition of mechanical drawing was also on view. This work was generally neatly and accurately drawn, a sketch showing a sectional view of a powerpl us motor, the work of A. Dickson. being particularly well executed. The wood-work class is under the control of Mr. Gorringe. The splendid results achieved were shown by the various articles exhibited, including tables, cabinets, chairs, book-eases, meat safes, gates, a wheel-barrow, fern stand, htep ladder, umbrella stand, etc. In the girls’ departments there were seen an exhibition of leather work and work in beaten brass (under Miss Ward), a| display of dresses, table centres, and needle-work of various kinds (under Miss White), and the worx or the cookery class (under .Miss Y\ olferston), which included jams, marmalaae, cakes, biscuits, scones, saiTces, and various other tempting delicacies. Besides these branches, type-writing and shorthand are taught. Altogether the exhibition of work is a distinct credit to the school, as reflecting the great value of the instruction 'being imparted to the pupils. THE BREAKING-UP CONCERT. The annual breaking-up concert, which was held in the Workers’ Hall last night, was attended by a large audience. who were rewarded with , quite a good selection of items from the pupils? The first portion of the programme was devoted to the. staging- of the Shakespearian comedy, “As You Like It," and the caste chosen acquitted 1 themselves well. Choruses, drills and : dances occupied the remainder of the I evening, and all these items were ap- ! preciatively received. An orchestra adto tlie enjoyment of the programme with selections and accompaniments. PRIZE LIST. SENIORS. General Class.—Gladys Hardgrave first civics, botany, first (equal) English, second arithmetic. Arthur Dickson, first aritbonetic, algebra, geometry, French, third English. INTERMEDIATE. ( Lilian Burton, first geography, history and • civics arithmetic, botany, algebra, geometry, French, second English. Muriel Aubrey, second in class. Margaret Sutton, general proJUNIORS. Dorothea Hodges, highest marks in clasa. Deris nedaeman. first arithmetic, second geography, botany, history and civics. CO-MMERCIAL CLASSES. Fourth year.—Mary Macßae, highest marks in class. Third year.—Ethel Smith, highest .marks in class, iris Mountford, second in class aad first in commercial subjects. Violet Bosson, third in class. . Second year.-Bella Millar, highest xuarxs

in class. Elsie Franklyn, second In class. Constance Spurdle, general subjects. First year.—Ruth Rowe, highest marks in class and first In general subjects. Jean McKenzie, second in class. Violet Hunt, first *n commercial subjects. Maude Fitzherbert, special prize for shorthand. Olive Corney, first in book-keeping. DOMESTIC. Nora Wilson, highest marks in class and special prize for neatest books. Rachel Muir, second in class. Juniors.—Annie rcntelow, highest unarks in class. Fearl Sampson, Althea Black, third in class. Grace Gordon-Glassford? second in domestic subjects. Thelma Anderson, neatest books (special prize). ENGINEERING. First year.—J. Martin, highest marks in English subjects. J. Southcombe, second in English subjects. It. Polletti, highest marks for workshop practice. <l. Southcombe, highest marks for mathematics and applied mechanics. J. Martin, highest marks for treehand drawing, geometry and motor car engineering. R. Perrott, highest marks for magnetism and electricity, and steam. Second year.—D. Richards, highest marks in English subjects. H. Barnett, second tn English subjects. H, Barnett, highest marks in mathematics and electrical engineering. H. Dugdale, highest marks In mechanical drawing and workshop practice. B. Corbett, highest marks in motor car engineering and workshop practice. H. Hendricksen, best homework engineering subjects. Third year.—H. Lee, special prize given by Mr. Rollo for best third year student for the year 1921; H. Lee, highest marks in English subjects. J. Smith, second in English subjects. H. Lee, highest marks in electrical engineering. J. Smith, highest maiks in mathematics. H. Lee, highest marks in workshop practice and theory. CAMERA CLUB. PhototgrafCilc competition.—Arthur Dickson (first prize presented by Mr. Teed), Cyril Aker, Henry Henrickson, Douglas Richards. Ronald Sims. AGRICULTURE—INDUSTRIAL. Second year.—Rohald Body, John Robinson, Varley Sampson. SPORTS. Boys.—Senior champion, A» Dickson, run-ner-up, W. O'Byrne. Junior champion, rt. Barnett; runner-up, R. Goodacre. .Highest handicap points, H. Julian; runner-up, j. Southcombe. Fastest time steeplechase, VV. O'Byrne» Fastest time one mile (Mr. Sandford's nledal), J. Smith. Girls.—Senior champion, G. Hardgrave; run-ner-up, R. Muir. Junior champion, N. Hodges; runner-up, 0. Corney. Highest points handicap event, M. Sutton. Football.—Best player for year, A. Dickson; Lest forward in team for year, A. Lobb. Swimming.—Senior champion, boys, L. Loveridge (Mr. Briggs' medal). Junior champion, R. Sims. Senior champion, girls, Jessie Jenkins. Junior champion, Ivy Doughty. Hockey.—Best player Ln team (also school representative in Taranaki rep. team), V. Bosson (Mr. Woodhum's medal). Other school representative in the Taranaki team, F. Knapman. Old girls’ team.—Best players in team, H. Andrews (Mr. Woodham's modal), and F. Soffe. New Plymouth Amateur Athletic Association meeting.—A. Rumbull first in mile, M. Taylor second in mile and second in 440 PITMAN’S SHORTHAND CERTIFICATES. Speed 80 words.—Avis Woodham, Francis Holmes, Eileen Hine, Winifred Carrick. 50 words.—Doris Barnden, Violet Bosson, Grace Fawcett, Mary Kivell, Mary Macßae, Ethel Smith, Fannie Soffe, Eva Symonds. Theory certificates. —Norah Andrews, Grace Fawcett, Mary Macßae, Iris Mountford, Ruth Palmer, Fannie Soffe, Eva Symonds. Elementary certificates.—Constance Spurdle, Winnie Sampson, Ailsa Magnusson, Bella Millar, Jessie Johns, E’isie Franklyn, Janet Fitzherbert, Vera Carmichael, Rita Buttimore, Grace Baldock. Winter Show certificates. —Thelma Anderson, second for scones; Althea Black, second for sponge sandwich; Rachel Muir, first for sausage rolls; Pearl Sampson, first for scones; Beatrice Sims, second for sausage rolls; Beatrice Sims, first for sponge sandwich; H. Barnett, first for engineering workshop work; B. Corbett, first for engineering workshop work; A. Dickson, first for mechanical drawing; A. Dickson, first for engineering workshop work’ J. Franklyn, first for -mechanical drawing; R. Bolettl, first for freehand mechanical drawing; D. Richards, first for mechanical drawing ; A. Rumball, first for meriianical drawing; R Sarten, first for engineering workshop work. CERTIFICATES. Commercial.—The following qualified for fourth year certificates; Mary Macßae, Doris Lund, Eileen Hine, Florrle Kuupman, Walter O’Byrne. Third year certificates. —Noiah Andrews, Violet Bosson, Iris Mountford, Leita Frewitt. Grace Fawcett, Eva Symonds, Ethel Smith, Ruth Palmer. Second year certificates.—Grace Baldock, Rita Buttimore. Janet Fitzherbert, Elsie Franklyn, Alary Hamilton, .Mary James, Ethel Kilpatrick, Bella Millar, Winifred Old, Winifred Sampscn, Constance Spurdle. GENERAL. Fifth year certificate.—Gladys Hardgrave. Third year certificates. —Violet King, Delina Polletti, Patricia Baker, Frederick Bovett. Second year certificates. —Margaret Sutton, Olive Kingston, Kathleen Corney, Muriel Aubrey, Lilian Burton. DOMESTIC. Third year certificates. —Elsie Glentworth. Second year certificates. —Nona Hodges, Rachel Muir. ENGINEERING. Third year certificates. —Ken Elga'-'B Arthur Dickson, Meriton Taylor, James Smith, Reginald Sarten, Albert Rumball, Leslie J Loveridge, Herbert Lee. Second year certificates. —Walfatoe g. Harris, Harry Dugdale, Bernard Corbett, Bergess, Alex Boswell, Harper Barnett. 4