OUR PUBLIC SOHOOLS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2439, 17 December 1892, Page 2

OUR PUBLIC SOHOOLS.

TEMUKA DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL. The anuual distribution of prizes in connection with the above school took place on Thursday afternoon, the school being very tastefully decorated for the occasion by the children and teachers. There was a laige attendance of visitors and parents, and the greatest interest was taken in the proceedings. The chair was taken by Mr W. Storey (chairman of the School Committee) at about three o'clock, and in a brief speech he expressed the pleasure he felt at seeing so many ladies and visitors present. It showed that public interest in the school was deepening. He was exceedingly glad also to welcome Mr and Mrs Rhodes. The committee had felt very proud indeed when their invitation had been so kindly accepted. He wished to Bay that 'the school had passed a good—he might even say exceptionally good examination, especially considering the trying circumstances of the past year. At the last prize giving he had promised, on behalf of the committee, that good attendance on behalf of the scholars should not go unrewarded, and he was pleased to tell them that some twenty special " attendance prizes " would be awarded that day. He hoped that parents would endeavor to keep their children regularly at school, as their presence not only encouraged the teachers, but added greatly to the general status of the school. Mr Rhodes then, with a few appropriate remarks, presented prizes to the infant division, and Mrs Rhodes having distributed the sewing prizes, an adjournment was made to the middle class room. Here the senior scholars were assembled, and, under Mr Lowe's leadership, a couple of songs were nicely sang. Ms Rhodes was then invited to speak, and after apologising for being somewhat late, owing to the express being delayed, stated that it gave him great pleasure to be present upon that occasion, the more especially as he had Mrs Rhodes's assistance. He did not desire to give them a homily on education, but having himself received his training in Canterbury schools he thoroughly appreciated the importance of the subject, and had always taken the greatest interest in the education system. Those among them who were born and bred in the colony owed much to the forethought of the early settlers, who made such wise provisions for the endowment of schools, and, although unfortunately these endowments were proving too small to provide scholarships for all deserving or talented boys who might desire to continue their education beyond the standard required by the general regulations, still he hoped that provision would eventually be made whereby such a desirable result might be attained. Personally he attached little importance to a classical education, and he was pleased to note the progress that the University classes in education, science, and so forth, were-'hiaking. He could not come amongst them without noticing the loss of the late head master, Mr W. Bryars. He (Mr Bryars) had won his (the speaker's) friendship, and the news of his untimely death was a great shock to him. If anything could cloud the enjoyment of their holidays he was sure it would be the remembrance of the loss of the master who had taken such interest in them. He was glad to learn from the chairman and from the secretary that the school had fully maintained its reputation, but he reminded the children that it did not lay altogether with the teachers. Thjey, by attention and diligence, could asssist them very much. It was not merely neeessary for them to work a year to get a good position in their class, but they must endeavor to understand also what they were taught, and although they might not all receive prizes they would have the satisfaction perhaps of acquiring an education that would prove more lasting, if less brilliant. They must remember when they left school and entered into life that they would have to compete with the best children from I other schools, so that their educational i labors would not cease with school life. They must continue to work if they desired to be a success and a credit to their teachers, friends, and school. He hoped also that their holidays would not be devoted merely to pleasure, but that they would give a fair share of them to the assistance of their parents. In conclusion he thanked the committee for inviting him to be present that day, and wished them all pleasant holidays and a joyous Christmas.—-(Applause.) The prizes were then awarded according to the following list: — SECONDARY PRIZES. Head boy |of school, Wm, J. R. Gore ; girl, Lilian Brown. Second year work: Donald McCaskill, 1. First year work : Amos Hope, Emma Cooper, David Leach, and Ernest Bolter. MR ROLLESTON'S SPECIAL PRIZES FOR DRAWING. StandardsVl.andVll., Ernest Coopei's Standard V., Ellen Edgar. The work was kindly examined by Mrs Campbell. STANDARD PRIZES. Standard Vll.—Class prize, Ernest Boulter. Standard Vl.—Emma Cooper, Dux of school; Amos Hope, 2; David Leach, 3. Standard V.—Boys : B. Metson, 1 ; D. Ardell, 2 ; W. Blyth, 3. Girls : A. Copestake, 1 : A. Preddy, 2; E. Mattingly, 3. Standard IV.—Boys : F. King, 1; W. Davey, 2; T. Monahan, 3 ; Grant, 4; J. Barrett, 5; J. Livingstone, 6. Girls: M. Ackroyd, 1; E. Oliver, 2; M. Robinson, 3 ; A. Beeby, 4 ; B. Newbury, 5. Standard lll.—Boys : A. Ackroyd, 1; W. Grant, 2 ; D. Gibson, 3 ; D. Grant, 4 ; G. Levens, 5 ; W. McCaskill, G; E. Phillips and J. Edgar, equal, 7. Girls : Lena Gaze, 1; C. Oldfleld, 2 ; A. Nicholas, 3 ; A. Hope, 4 ; E. Hopkinson, 5 ; M. Jackson and E. Boulter, equal, 6. Standard ll.—Boys : J. Roddick, 1; E. Hooper, 2; J. Moore, 3; H.Lee,!; H. Smith, 5; W. Mcßratney, 0; W. Scott, 7. Girls : H. King, 1; B. Blyth, 2 ; 'A. Preddy, 3 ; A. Grant, 4 : E. Beeby, b ; R. Goodey, 0 ; P. Streeter, 7. Standard I.—Boys : Prei Oliver and Charles Boulter, equal; William Gregory, Raybut L°ngson, and Walter Roddick, equal; Arthur Surridge, 6 ; John Lee, 7; James Taylor, 8. Girls : Amy Cooper, 1; Annie Smith, 2 ; Annie Livingston and An 'lie Oldfield, equal; Emily Hooper and Laura King, equal. Special for general improvement, Honrietta Kapiti. Preparatory IV. —William Duncan, 1; Ellen Mark, 2; Ellen Goodeve, 3 ; Lily Fletcher. Preparatory 111. Upper : Maggie Boydj 15 Harry Boulter and Arthur iii%, equ^l; John livens and Francis Hooper, equal; Agn&s Williams, (}; JohnMoap,7. Lower: BeatricePrattley, 1 : Frank Davey, 2 ; Lizzie Mehrtens and Arthur Scott, equal; Annie Gregory, 5 ; Lily Ij'ee ? G ; Walter Claridge, 7. ' Preparatory lI.—Q-ertrude Tayler, 1 ; Maucj Radford, % ; John R'arriscm, 3 > Bertha Ackroyd, % ; Edward King, i>. Preparatory I.— E}ia Nicholas,' 1; Ague? Eaglt>atone.,2; Leslie R- Taylor, $.

f . MffßWSi',-' '' •' ■ ' ■ Regular Attendance (Maximum 406). Amos Hope, Sampson Bates, and Annie Hope, 406; Denzil Ardell, Ernest Cooper, and Annie Gregory, 405. Standard I.—Paul Bates, 403 times; William Gregory, 402 ; John Lee, 402; James Bowman, 402; Emma Cooper, 402; Amy Cooper, 401; Sarah Darroch, 401; James Taylor, 396; Ethel Mogridge, 396. B. Metson. good conduct. . Standard I.— Amy Hooper, Jenny Boyd, John Bowman, and Aleck Monahan. SEWING PRIZES. Standard Vl.—Fanny Ardell, 1, best';? work in the school (presented by Mrs**** Job Brown). Standard V.—Ada Copestake, 1 (presented by Mrs E.Brown) ; Annie Preddy, < 2; Ellen Edgar, 3. . ~-■ Standard IV.—Mabel Ackroyd, I (presented by Mrs W. C. Roulston); Ada Beeby, 2 (presented by Mrs Phillips); Edith Oliver, 3; Bessy Newbury, 4. Standard lll.—Amy Mattingly 1 (pre- > sented by Miss Hitchcock); Annie Nicholas, 2 (presented by Mrs Cooper) ; Annie Hope, 3; Eva Storey, 4; Ada Bateman, 5; Lena Gaze, 6, Standard ll.—Lizzie Levens, 1; Agnes Grant, 2; Beatrice Blyth, 3; Gertrude Greaves, 4; Agnes Armitage, 5 (presented by Mrs Voyce). Standard I.—Annie Smith, 1; Amy Cooper, 2; Henrietta Kapiti, 3 ; Amy Hooper, 4 (presented by Mrs Voyce); Jenny Boyd, 5 (presented by Mrs Voyce). Preparatory Class.—Rose Hobbs, 1 (presented by Mrs Gaze); Ophelia Williams, 3. DARNING. Mabel Ackroyd, 1 (special prize presented by Mrs Rolleston); Minnie Ewings, 2. Another song by the children followed, when the Rev. J. Dickson gave a Bhort address, in which he said that the difficulties through which the school. had passed would have gone far to kill a school in the Old Country, where there was greater competition. He referred to Mr Bryars' death, and held up for the imitation of the children his attachment to his parents, his power of self control, etc. Ho hoped that now a man of scholarly attainments, and of good character would be appointed, and recommended the teaching of " Alcohol and its evils," and in conclusion wished teachers and scholars " A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year." The Rev. J.. Dellow, in the course of a very interesting speech, contrasted the difficulties boys and girls experienced some 30 years ago in acquiring an education as compared with the present day, and gave a very good example of the same from his own life. He urged the children to avail themselves of the opportunities afforded them, and to pay diligent attention to the teachings of their teachers. He laid stress upon the necessity for strict attention to discipline. In habits of obedience and regularity were laid the foundation of many a useful life. He congratulated the children upon their singing, and was pleased to see the tonic sol-fa system used. A love of music and flowers did much to make home life happy, and those who were bo fortunate as to have a musical gift should cultivate it, not merely for their own gratification, but as enabling them to afford pleasure to others. He congratulated them very heartily upon the progress attained during the year, and, in wishing them the full measure of enjoyment for their holidays, he trusted that they would not allow all they had learnt to drop from them, and thus leave their teachers a lot of back work to make up. Mr Russell moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr aud Mrs Rhodes for attending tli6 school that day. He, in common with other members of the committee,was particularly pleased to see Mrs Rhodes. All the old hands knew her ancestry, and the colony had reason to be proud of them. She came of a noble stock, and he was' proud to see her associated with their member as his helpmate. Of Mr Rhodes he could only say that ho was always genial to his friends, and also to those politically opposed to him, and willing at all times to join them upon occasions like the present and work for the interest of the district generally. The motion vras carried with acclamation, and Mr Rhodes briefly returned thanks.

Mr Salraond moved a vote of thanks to the donors of prizes, and to the staff. The former greatly encouraged the committee, and the ready response made to appeals, as well as the numerous spontaneous offerings, proved most acceptable. The result of the examination proved that the staff had done particularly well, and ' certainly earned their five weeks respite from labor. He referred in feeling terms to the loss of Mr Bryars, and considered that his life was one that could be followed by the boys to advantage. The vote having been duly carried, Mr

Low returned thanks on behalf of the staff, and mentioned in connection with the examination that there were only 13 per cent, of failures as against some 20 per cent, last year. Three hearty cheers were given for the visitors aud the chairman, and the gathering dispersed.

GERALDINE PUBLIC SCHOOL. The annual break up for the Christmas holidays and distribution of prizes, took place at i he above School, on Thursday afternoon before a large number of scholars, a few parents, and the teachers. The children, under the direction of Mr. James Colbert, went through a number of choruses in a creditable manner. The ohoruses sung were: " Sleigh Ride," "Dark Shades of Night," "How Sweet is the Morning," " Where are you Wandering." The solo part of " The Midship mite," was nicely sung by H. Hay, and the parts of " Dolly Dimple " and " Willie Wimple " were well taken iu that piece by A. White and Flo. Maslin.

Mr T. 0. Farnie, the head master, explained how the prizes had been allotted. The School Committee had made a resolution that no child should receive more than two prizes. Sometimes the smartest children got most of the prizes, and others equally deserving had to go without, and this was soaroely fair, The class prizes hid been given for marks obtained at examinations. Four or five ordinary examinations and the inspectors' examination were held during the year. Sewing prizes were given fo r work done during the year, and Mrs Dunlop and Miss Pryde had kindly consented to judge the work, and he was sure they deserved the thanks of the school. They had also to thank Mr Archibald for judging for t\\e special prizes. The attendance prizes were given according to the certificate obtained. If a child got a first-class certificate he got a more valuable pyise than one who had only a a second-class certificate; and one with a second-class certificate got a better prize than om without any. Owing to sickness amongst tho school children, there were not so many prizes gained as 'there would otherwise have been. Out qf 238 on the roll only five children had bequ present th,e wjiqlti year. Mr Farnie drew tin QUUdftttt'%

attention to the fact that those who had attended the most regular during tho year were the ones who got most of the prizes, and if they wished to succeed they -would have to attend regularly. He hoped that next year they would see a better attendance in the school. Mr H. W. Walton, chairman of the School Committee, then gave out the prizes, which consisted of large wellbound story books, and annuals, ladies work baskets and boxes, plush picture frames, and a gold brooch in case. The following is the prize list : CLASS ERIZES.

Standard Vll.—James Riordan 1. Standard VI. Boys : Win. Fyfe 1, Patrick Burke 2. Girls : Harriett MeKibbin 1, Jane Fyfe 2. Standard V.—Boya : John Riordan 1, Samuel Shiers 2, Walter Maslin 3, David Joe 4. Girls: Mary Scott 1, Hannah Clarke 2, Bridget Burke 3. Standard IV. —Boys: Stanley Willoughby 1, Alfred Willoughby 2, Henry Walton 3, George Stonehouse 4. Girls : Sarah Bowkett 1, Maggie Finlayson 2, Veronica Albert 3, Annie Moore 4. Standard lll.—Boys : Walter Albert 1, George Booker 2, Derby Rennie 3, George Sherratt 4. Girls : Alice Heatley and Jane Pye (equal) 1, Bessie Boughton 3, Lily Chapman 4. Standard ll.—Boys : Bertie Walton 1, Leonard Heney 2, Alex. McCaskey 3, Charles Grindall 4, John Finlayson o, Peter Hay 6, Henry Whittaker 7, John Pye 8. Girls : Maggie Maloney 1, Jessie Coppin 2, Rose Gore 3, Jane Shiers 4, Edith Reseigh 5, Annie Major 6, Florence Maslin 7.

Standard I. Boys: John Smith 1, John Bowkett 2, Robert Newport 3, Robert Sutherland, Alex. Quinn, Edward Herlihy, Ernest White, Robert Finlayson, and Clement Lawaon (equal) 4th. Girls :—Kate Riordan 1, Sarah Scott 2, Gerty Coppin 3, Lizzie Coppin and Bella Rennie (equal) 4, Jane Heatley, Rose Stringer, and Elsie Sherratt (equal) 5. Preparatory Class—Boys : John Chapman, Charles Stonehouse, Wm, Mundell, John Lawson, Thos. Tozer, Caleb Maslin, Thos. Richards. Girls: Emily Chesterman, Maggie Ramble, Maud Mcllwraith, Emily Bowket, Lily McCaskey, Lizzie Joe, Jane Parker, Mary Boughton, Ethel Walton, Effie Allen, Ethel Hammond, Lizzie Burke, Annie Newport, Maggie Groves, Lizzie Howard, Ethel White, Mary Grindall, Sarah Gaby. attendance prizes. . Standard I.—Harold Baughen, John Bowkett,. Robert Newport, Robert Pizzey, Arthur Hay, John Smith, Elizabeth Coppin, May Baughen, Rose Stringer, Amy Morrißon, Ellen Heney, Fanny Gore, Elizabeth Berry (certificate 1), Annie Hoskins, Bella Rennie, Kate Riordan, Ophelia Ward, Kate Sugrue. Standard ll.—Rose Gore (certificate 1), Lizzie Sugrue (certificate 1), Leonard Heney, John Finlayson. Stand lll.—Victor Baughen (certificate 2), John Baughen (certificate 2). Standard IV. Stanley Willoughby (certificate 1), Alfred Willoughby (certificate 2), Thos. Bowkett (certificate 2), Fred. Maslin, John Joe, Sarah Bowkett, Maggie Finlayson. Standard V. Robert Scroggie (certificate 1), Henry Berry (certificate 2), Andrew Rennie (certificate 2). Standard Vl.—William Fyfe (certificate 1), Jane Fyfe (certificate 2). Standard VII.— James Riordan. sewing prizes'. Standard I.—Norah Burke 1, Margaret Joe 2. Standard 11. —Emily Fenn 1, Lena Scroggie 2. Standard lll.—Kate Burke 1, Maggie McLeodand Annie Willoughby (equal) 2. Standard IV. Veronica Albert 1, Sarah Bowkett 2. Standard V.—Bridget Burke 1. Standard VI. Jane Fyfe 1, Jessie Rennie 2. (JOMI'OSITION prizes. Standard V.—John Riordan. Standard V I.—Harriet MeKibbin. Standard Vll.—Frank Shiers. attendance certificates. First Class Stanley Willoughby, Robert Scroggie, Wm. Fyfe, Rose Gore, Elizabeth Sugrue. Second Class—Elizabeth Berry, Victor Baughen, John Boughton, Alfred Willoughby, Henry Berry, Andrew Rennie, Thomas Bowkett, Jane Fyfe. SPECIAL PRIZES. MrFarnie's prizeß for compositionHenrietta McKibben, J. Riordan, Frank Bhiera, and Patrick Burke. 1 Mr Fisher's prize for infant class — Linda Dean. . Mrs Dunlop's prize for sewing—Annie Hammond (Standard III.). Miss Pearson's prize for sewing—Anna Scroggie (Standard II.). Special prizeß were also given to Elsie Sherratt and Clement Lawson (Standard I.) for proficiency. The Rev. W. Woollass, after tho distribution of the prizes spoke, a few words to the children. He thought they would be very much pleased with the prizes they had gained. He was glad to see that the school had passed such a good examination, with such a small percentage of failures, and he was sure it spoke well for Mr Farnie, his staff of teachers, and Miss Pearson. They had many difficulties to contend with this year in the form of sickness and influenza, but they hoped that next year the attendance would be very much better, He was glad to see that the dullest scholar could get a prize—if they could not get one for good scholarship and cleverness they could get one by being regular in attendance. He advised the children to learn all they could whilo they had the opportunity, to fit themselves for the battle of life. They were wanted to do their best for themselves, their country, and their God. He was vejy much surprised at the remarkably good singing by the children. He moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Farnie, Miss Pearson, and the school teaching staff for their work during the past year. He was sure that they must have worked extremely hard. The children then gave a round of hearty clapping for the teachers, and Mr Walton intimated that the school would be closed for six weeks, till January 23rd, and he hoped they would a]i he present on that day, The proceedings then terminated.