OUR MINES.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4361, 22 December 1882, Page 2

OUR MINES.

THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

Thames High School

A special meeting of the Governors of the above school was held at the Borough Chambers this morning, the principal object being to receive from the Examiner a report of the late scholarship examines tion. The report on being read stated that 22 candidates had been examined* four being pupils of the High School and 18. pupils of the other public schools of the town. The first four on the list were Jas. Wilson with 217 marks, S. ■A. Hetherington with 211, E. Patterson i with 191, and George 15. Buckland with 186. The first-named^ two are therefore entitled to</ree tuition at the school for a period ot three years, an^Piftteison and Buckland for one |||gp each. The number of marks oWßped by the unsuccessful candidates was as follows : — J«s. Kimlin, 181; Thos. Whitaker, 157 ; Mary Blakely, 156; W. G. Reid, 153; W. Johnston, 146; B. H. Patterson, 135; Eliza Nahi, 130; Coney Harold, 129; Annie Lamb, 124 ; Mary McQuade, 124; Eliza Bridson, 121; Margaret Wingate, 117; J. H. Moorcraft, 115; Alfred Snowling, 109 ; E. Waite, 108 ; E. Balcke, 107; Eva Nodder, 104 ; and W. Waddel, 81. The Governors, considering the high place obtained by the lad Kimlin (only^ftg marks behind one of the winners), decidetlj ;o place him on an equality with the fourth prize taker, and give him a one year's scholarship. Jas. Wilson and S. ; A. Hetheriugton are pupils at the High School, E. Patterson and Jas. Kimlin at the Waiotahf Creek School, and G. E. Buckland at the Kauaeranga Boys' School. The breaking up of the school for the Christmas holidays took place this after noon, but the lateness of the hour prevents us from giving any report of the proceedings. Kauaeranga Girls' School.

The scholars and visitors assembled at 1.30 p.m., Mr Benshaw, Chairman of the School Committee, presiding. A programme of recitations, singing, &c, by the scholars was (hen gone through, and they dispersed for the holidays. The room waa very prettily decorated with ferns, nikau leaves, and flowers. On the wall behind the platform, " A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year," was worked on white calico in box-leaves and flowers, and on the opposite wall the word " Welcome" was conspicuous. Xauaeraaga Boys' School-

The proceedings in connection with the breaking up of this school commenced at 3 p tn. The infants' room was first visited, and while the visitors were there the scholars sang several pieces under tha leadership of Mr Grigg, and were put through extension exercise. Recitations were also given by J. Tuck, A. Paltridge, H. Harris, and J. Grant. An adjournment was then made to the senior school room, and Mr Renshaw took the chair. An overture was played by Mias Balcke, the scholars then singing a song, led by Mr Grigg, after which Miss Savage gave a song, and Miss Fleming rendered a piece of music on the piano. The Chairman next gave anaddres, Mr H. Phillips (head master) following with a short report on the work of the school during the past twelve months. He referred to the outbreak of measles about 6 months ago, and said it had such an effect on the attendance that at the standard examina* tion in Junehh o was only able to present 120. scholars, instead of 300, as was expected. As to the work done and the progress made, he would simply ask them to look around for themselves, and see if there was any improvement. A number of the older scholars were leaving this Christmas, so when school was re»opened he would have room for some new ones. He then presented Miss Greenville, a teacher, who is leaving the school, with a handsome silver bracelet on behalf of the scholars who have been under Miss Greenville/ That young lady had won the good opin« ion of teachers and scholars alike, and they were sorry to loose her services. He concluded by wishing all present the: compliments of the season. A charade/ " Newspaper," was acted by the scholars, and the proceedings were brought to a close by the singing of " £od. ; save the Queen." The school- rooms were neatly decorated, | and a very creditable lot of drawings, maps, needlework, &c , was exhibited In the first«mentioned class, three large pictures by Master J. Pearce undoubtedly carry off first honors. Second in merit comes W, Buckland, who exhibits two drawings and a well finished map of England and Wales. Miss Annie Milroy deserves great credit for a picture of a^stag, and' F. Murphy, L. Kitching, and H. Airey also deserve praise for their proficiency, la the needlework, Misses A. Savage, A. Balcke, A. Phillips, L. May, A. Floyd, M. Lamb, and JB. Morgan deserve special mention. The sewing was all done by hand, though it might easily be taken for machine work. Miss Savage also exhibits a well drawn map of the United States. All round a great improvement is noticeable in the work shown upon that of last year, especially in the drawing. It is also worthy of note that all the work exhibited.was done in school hours, aqd that too during the past six months.

At the break-up of the WaioEaraka school this afternoon, Miss Jessie W. Paterson was presented with a handsome writing desk and work-box by the headmaster on behalf of the staff of the school. Mr O'Donoghue, in presenting it, passed a high eulogium upon Miss 'Paterson's qualities as a teacher; and said that the memento be had the pleasure to present to har did but rery inadequately represent the estimation and regard entertained towards her by b,er fellow teachers, who, while regretting her departure, wished her from their hearts erery happiness,

Miss Paterson, having completed the full term of pupil teachership—three years — is to enter the Teachers' Training College, Auckland, after Christmas, in which she will remain for two years.

The examination of the Catholic Boys' School took place yesterday, but as no Press invitation was sent to this office, we are unable to state anything about the school, further than that, from inquiries, we are satisfied its progress is exceedingly creditable to the master, considering the limited means at command and lack of assistance. Father O'Eeilly was highly gratified with the result.

The breaking up ceremony for the Christmas holidays in connection with-Mr Schofield's Grammar School took place yesterday. The Rev. S. J. Neill distributed the prizes. He complimented Mr Schofield on the proficiency of the scholars as exhibited in the maps, drawings, ami samples of book-keeping which had been submitted to the inspection of visitors, and said it spoke well for the estimation in which Mr Schofield's abilities as a teacher were held by the parents of the children when they were thus willing to tax themselves in order to put the children under him in plase of sending them to the regular school. He trusted the scholars fully appreciated the care evinced by them in this respect. Master Denby presented Mr Schofield, on behalf of himself and fellow pupils, with an elegant inkstand and penholder.