MILFORD SCHOOL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1842, 19 January 1889, Page 3

MILFORD SCHOOL.

The annual treat in connection with this school waa held at tbe school ground on Thursday 17ih inat., and was undoubtedly the best gathering of parents and children that bae over been held in the district. Over 80 children wore assembled on the ground, and scarcely a parent was absent. Drays and traps kept rolling up during the day until the playground was crowded. Fun, food, and frolic, intermingled with mirth and merriment, kept all in good spirits fhrougout the day. The providons were provided by the good ladies of the district, and ample justice was done to the good things provided. At 3 p.m, the Eav. T. A. Hamilton distributed the prizes. Those in the standards were simply gifts of encouragement, only the sowing and attendance prizes being snob in the ordinary acceptation of the word. Special prizes for sewing wore given by Mrs H. E. W. Hamilton snd Miss Green, The boys having no equivalent for cowing, a special prize was given by 0. Waller and Co., of Timatu. to bo competed for in a “ Spalling Bee,” this was well arranged by the head teacher. Each standard having words given them out of the reepcctive dais books. The Eav. T, A. Hamilton expressed his pleasure at being called upon to tako part in their annual gathering. He was always ready to assist in any portef the district, and in whatever way he could promote the welfare of the people. Ha was very glad to see so many of the parents present. It was not enongh for parent to send their children to school; the childish heart needed, above all, the sympathy and loving interest of the parents, and the children would work all the better next year for having had the approbation and sympathy of their elders. He expressed sorrow at the illness of the chairman, who was thus debarred from taking part in the day’s proceedings. The rev. gentleman then impressed upon the children the necessity of taking the fullest advantage of the opportunities which were afforded them of gaining solid instruction. He deprecated examination and prizs giving as producing on abnormal state of things, teachers and scholars alike dreading the “examination fiend ” and the “ cram ” which the present system involved. Eeferring to his own five years experience as a teacher under the North Canterbury Board, he was quite convinced that the great object of education should be, not merely passing an examination, but the development of qualities and character, and also preparation for the practice of self education. Beading, writing and aritbimetio j etc., were merely tools which would enable i the workman to do bis work; they were now learning the use of these tools. All the faculties of the hand, and eye and ear must be trained; and these qualities sometimes enabled men to rise to great distinction, e.g., Blake and Nelson, Marlborough and Wellington, Geo. Stephenson, Smeaton, and others. These men had no great education, but they used their wits. “ Knowledge is power,” So said a man as ho stepped amongst a crowd surrounding two huge mastiffs seizing eaoh other’s throats, and placing a pinch of snuff on the bigger dog’s nose, they sneczsd and separated. All other efforts of the bystanders had previously failed. In canelusion he urged the children to work hard, and like the huntsman, who being asked how he managed to clear all the fences, gave it ae a maxim “ Fling your heart over, and your horse will be sure to follow.” Let them “fling their hearts ” into study, and success would be sure to follow. On the motion of Mr T. White, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Bov. Mr Hamilton for his attendance, and on the motion of Mr 0. Woodley, to the ladies for the refreshments, snd to the committee for prizes, etc. After sports and tea, a party of performers arrived from Temuka, under the leadership of Mr J. G. Proud lock. The concert which followed was thoroughly appreciated. Amusing readings were given by the Eev. T. A. Hamilton, and songs rendered by Miss F. Guy, and Messrs E. Whitehead, W. Smith, P. Langridge and the Bov. T. A. Hamilton, also part songs, glees and a duet. Mr “ Snowball ” a coloured gentleman from Tenneese afforded infinite amusement to the audience, and was enthusiastically encored. After the national anthem, the room was cleared for dancing, and a few hours thus spent concluded a happy and enjoyable day, which will long be remembered in Milford.