WINCHESTER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1283, 30 December 1884, Page 3

WINCHESTER.

(Fom our Own Correspondent). As a fitting way to commemorate Christmas, the Rev. Mr Hamilton preached a moat eloquent and instructive sermon at 9 o’clock on Christmas morning, which was attentively listened to by a numerous gathering of members of the church. The sacred building was tastefully decorated by the ladies of the congregation, while hymns suitable to the occasion were feelingly rendered by the choir, and heartily joined in by the worshippers. The service past, the township for the rest of the day wore a very quiet appearance, showing that the inhabitants preferred spending the day in quiet mental enjoyment among family circles rather than in boisterous mirth. On Boxing Day, however, the scene was changed. From an early hour picnic parties were to be seen passing through the township to the picturesque “ bush ” at Geraldine, whilst others were content to spend the day with the rod and line in search of the “ finny tribe ” in the well-stocked streams in this district. The early train from Timaru brought a large number of pleasureseekers, many of whom, by the kind permission of Mr Deßenzy, made their way to the “ Blue Gum-’,” as a por ion of the “ Huunington Estate” is called. Several parties from the neighboring township of Geraldine arrived at the same place about 10 s.m., and these were shortly afterwards increased by the school children of the Winchester School, to the number of about 100. accompanied by their teachers and several members of the School Committee, so that this picturesque spot presented a most animated appearance. The gay colours of the flags carried by the children, and the still brighter costumes of the “ fair sex ” formed a pleasing contrast to the sombre hues of the blue gums, while the frolics and boisterous mirth of the little ones, the more subdued merriment of their seniors, and the evident desire of each to add to the pleasure of the other, seemed to imply a determination for this day at least to verify the prophecy that there should be “ Peace on Earth, goodwill towards men.” The school children spent the day in running, racing, skipping, swinging, and other timehonored sports, prizes being awarded to the successful competitors, while their creature comforts were not forgotten, the usual tea, cakes, tarts, lollies and fruit being in abundance. At 5 p.m.. the weather threatening, the children were collected and marched back to the school, where an excellent tea was given them, after which the school room, which had been decorated tastefully, was thrown open, and the children their parents and triends entered to witness the presentation of prizes to those who had been successful in passing the annual examination by the Inspector of Schools. Mr George Taylor, Chairman of the Committee, occupied the chair, and after expressing his pleasure at the success of the day’s amusement, gave a well deserved meed of praise to those who bad secured a “ pass ” at the recent examination, and exhorted those who had not been so fortunate to further endeavors during the coming year. The Teacher, Mr John L. Cooke, was then called upon to read the Inspector’s report, which was as follows . “ Report of the annual examination of the Winchester School, held on the 24th of November, ISB4 : “ Standard V. maintains the high character for which it gained credit at the special examination held three months ago. Standard IV, and 111. still show considerable weakness, but in both Standards a considerable improvement has been made in grammar, which was.somewhat severely commented upon on the former occasions. Standards 11. and I. and the Infant Division are quite satisfactory, except that in Stan-

dard 11. the geography was poor and the writing scarcely up to the requirements. The sewing would not justify me in making a very great allowance in favor ot the girls, but 1 have done so in the case of a pupil in Standard 11, of whose attainments I formed a somewhat more favorable estimate at the recent examination. —I am, etc., “ W. J. Anubrbon. “ Inspector.” The following is the list of passes in the several Standafds : V. : presented 4. passed 4, entage gained 100 ; Standard IV. ; presented 8, passed 3, percentage 37.5 ; Standard 111. : presented 7, passed 3, percentage 42.8 ; Standard 11. : presented 8, passed 8, percentage 100; Standard I.: presented 6, passed 6, percentage 100 ; percentage for the whole school 72.7. The Chairman then handed the prizes to the successful scholars, alter which three hearty cheers were given for Mr Dunnett and Miss Young, the late Master and Mistress respectively of the school. The school was afterwards cleared, and dancing commenced, which was kept up with spirit until midnight. I cannot close this report of the annual picnic and presentation of prizes without making special mention of Messrs Robt. Smith, Ensor, Taylor, Northam and Klee, all of whom worked indefatigably, and to whose exertions the success attending the “outing” was mainly due. The prizes, costing five pounds, were purchased with the money presented to the Committee by Mr Postlethwaite, late M. H.R., to whom a public vote of thanks is also, due, and last, but not least, Mrs Rnbt. Smith and the band of ladies who assisted at the “ feast” deserve all prabe for the kind manner in which they carried out their by no means easy task. As a set off to our enjoyment numerous small articles were missed by certain residents, and one unfortunate (a stranger to the district) was on Saturday arrested on suspicion.