THE VACATION AT THE THAMES SCHOOL.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 65, 21 December 1871, Page 3

THE VACATION AT THE THAMES SCHOOL.

A very interesting event took place today at the above institution, namely, the il breaking up,” a term which in our boyish days was the acme of our ambition. The Thames School has now existed three years, and from the interest which was manifested to-day in the welfare of'the school we predict many more years of the same success which has accompanied it hitherto. AVe believe it is the largest school of boys on the Thames, and also it •has the largest attendance. Air Lloyd took the chair, and in his opening remarks lie said :—He had much pleasure in presiding on the occasion. This was the third anniversary of the Thames School ; and lie was very pleased indeed to see that there had not been any diminution in the number of pupils. This was no doubt mainly attributable to the energetic manner and the great attention which iir Robertson had paid

to the interest and welfare of the school. On occasions like this lie (Mr Lloyd) always felt that if behoves us to support these institutes, if not by our pockets, we might do so with our presence. Mrs T. L. Murray then proceeded to distribute the prizes to the successful competitors, accompanying each prize with a few encouraging remarks. Each boy was required to show a specimen of his proficiency and ability in his respective class—this they did with great credit. Some of the native boys, considering the short period, they had attended the school, shewed considerable efficiency. One boy, Wiremu Ilcnare, obtained the prize for the greatest number of attendances, and the unanimous vote of his fellow scholars for his general good conduct during the term. Mr Robertson explained the method which was adopted in deciding who were the best boys in their respective classes. This was effected by obtaining the highest average position which each boy had maintained throughout the year. He thought this was preferable to deciding immediately on the spot. The chief prize was for the essay in English—the judge in this case being M. Hannaford, Esq. The successful competitor was John Phillips. The following letter contains Mr Ilannaford’s decision : Grahamstown, December 19,1871. To C. A. Robertson, Esq., Grahamstown School. Dear Sir, —At your request I have carefully examined the following essays by your pupils, namely, on “Unwritten History, and how to read it,” by John Phillips, and on “The American War.” by R. London. That by John Phillips, I think, deserves the greater commendation, as it shows considerable power of thought on a very difficult subject. Master Lundon’s essay, however, approaches it very nearly, and it is evident that much care and attention has been exerted in compiling the article. I am, dear sir, Yours faithfully, Michael II annaf or d . P.S.—Of the five other essays submitted I consider that for youths of the ages you mention, they show considerable merit. I should class the three best in the following order : 1. On “ Australia,” by R. L. Skeen 2. On “Nelson,” by J. Mackay 3. On “ Europe,” by J. A. Philip. M. 11.

A new feature was also introduced in the school for the past quarter, namely, singing. The idea of a singing class was adopted, more with a view to change to some extent the ordinary routine of tho school than to impart any sound and classic instruction in vocal music. The effect of this lias been very beneficial, and much of the success of the scheme is due to Miss Ilawkcs, who rendered valuable assistance to Mr Robertson in this task.

Mr Skene proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Robertson and Miss Ilawkcs for the careful and judicious manner in which all the departments of the school had been conducted. 11c also stated that his children had attended the school over two years, and ho was pleased to find that they had made most satisfactory progress. Mr Robertson, on returning (banks for Miss Ilawkcs, tho children, and himself, made some statements regal ding the history of tho school since its establishment, three years ago, and he was glad to stale that so far he might say without any self-praise that the school had been a success. The average attendance during the period of three years had been about 75 boys. The original intention in the establishment of the Thames school was that it should be under the control of a general committee. The school, as they all knew, was conducted as a secular school. Shortly after the opening oE the school, from causes over which there was no control, such as the departure of several of the committee, &c. The entire management and conduct of the affairs of the school had devolved upon himself, and it was for them to judge how this duty had been carried out. He was not desirous however, of continuing in that responsible position. In his opinion lie considered, that such a school as the Thames School, should be a public school in the fullest sense of the word, and further, that the time had now arrived for the establishment of a public school over which a committee selected by public vote should have control. It was not for him to move actively in this matter, inasmuch, as it might be very justly said that it was for his own interest he was working ; but lie did not consider tliat lie would be doing less than his duty did he not toll parents and others that it was their duty to discharge the sacred trust which had devolved upon them, viz., that of making careful provision for the education of the rising generation, so that they might be able to perform their part in the future with a fair chance of success in the battle of life. Circumstances might arise, such as illhealth, &c., which would compel him to withdraw from his duty as teacher, and there being no body as committee, the school would be closed. lie simply put this as a possibility, and not, as he sincerely hoped, a probability. Three cheers were given for Mrs T. L. Murray, and for the Chairman ; also for Mr Robertson and Miss Ilawkes. The children and those present then sang God Save the Queen, and the proceedings terminated. Prize List, Session 1871. READING. ENGLISH GRAMMAR, ETC. Ist Class, John Phillips, Bunyan’s. 2nd Class : Ist prize, Robert Skeen, Bunyan’s ; 2nd prize, John Handel Grigg, Lite of Blake. 3rd Class : Ist prize, John Muir; 2nd prize, Wilson Skeen. 4th Class : Ist prize, Frederick S. Burke ; 2nd prize, Alexander Smith. sth Class: Ist prize, John I-lawkes; 2nd prize, Samuel Barchard. 6th Class : Ist prize, Rewi Mokena ; 2nd prize, Taramana. WRITING. 2nd Class : Ist prize. John Cook ; 2nd prize, Robert Skeen. 3rd Class : Ist prize, Ellis Rich ; 2nd price, AVara Hone. 4th Class : Ist prize, Fred. Burke ; 2nd prize, Parata AYaraka. sth Class: Ist prize, Robert Clarke ; 2nd prize, AA'ataua Eo2i>itiiii. GEOGRAPHY. Ist Class : Ist prize, John Phillips. 2nd Class : Ist prize, Robert Skeen ; 2nd prize, John H. Grigg. HISTORY. Ist Class : Ist prize, Robert London. 2nd Class : Ist prize, Robert Skoeu ; 2nd prize, James Philp. ARITHMETIC. Ist Class : Ist prize, John Phillips. 2nd Class ; Ist prize, Edward R. Ward. 3rd Class : Ist prize, John Muir ; 2nd prize, Patrick Dooley. 4th Class : Ist prize, John Cook ; 2nd prize, Richard Ellis. sth Class: Ist prize, George Ellis : 2nd prize, Alexander Smith. ARITHMETIC. oth Class : Ist prize, Francis Harliug ; 2nd prize, Rcwi Mokena. ALGEBRA. Ist prize, John Phillips ; 2nd prize, Robert Lundou.

EUCLID. Ist prize, Joliu Phillips; 2nd prize, Robert Lundou. LATIN. John Phillips. ESSAYS. Ist Class : Ist prize,“-John Phillips; 2nd prize, Robert Lundou. 2nd Class: Ist prize, Robert Skeen ; 2nd prize, Joseph Mackay ; 3rd prize, J. A. Philp. RECITATION. Ist prize, Henry AVilcox; 2nd prize, George Carlisle.