THE WETHERSTONES SCHOOL TREAT AND DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 101, 15 January 1870, Page 5

THE WETHERSTONES SCHOOL TREAT AND DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES.

On Thursday, the 6th inst., the children of the above school assembled in the school-room, bringing with them their little friends, numbering in all 114. There was provided large quantities of tea, confectionery, and various sorts of fruit, which the young folk seemed to appreciate, as was evinced by the disappearance of a considerable quantity ; still a large share remained. During the latter part of the repast Mr. Milburn played on the harmonium, and the sweet sounds added greatly to the enjoyment. The ladies and the Committee as usual left nothing undone which could add to the happiness and comfort of the children. On the tables were vases of flowers tastefully arranged, which, together with the piles of good things, the children's smiling faces, and the ladies kindly attending to their wants, formed a pleasing sight well worth seeing, seldom seen, and not easily forgotten. Mr. Mackney, with his accustomed kindness, erected a swing, which was well patronized. After the repast and play, the respected chairman, Mr. M'Swiney, before distributing the prizes, addressed the children. He said the examination was creditable to their teacher, and satisfactory to their parents, and the best way for them to show their gratitude .was to be diligent and attentive to their studies, which would, he was sure, please their teacher and improve themselves as well. He said he wished to impress them with the importance of truth, that young people in speaking

were sometime liable to exaggerate, and exaggeration was usually a stepping-stone to telling lies; that he earnestly hoped they would be careful in what they said, as no man or woman ever became truly great who did not strictly observe truth. After a great mai*^ other appropriate remarks, he gave to each deserving boy and girl their awarded prizes, while every other child attending the school was given a book as a present, so that no one might feel aggrieved. All seemed pleased, as the prizes had indeed a very elegant appearance. It would be a great omission on my part were I to pass over unobserved the untiring interest in the whole arrangements of the day displayed by the following ladies : — Miss M'Swiney, Miss Mooney, Mrs. Goldsmith, Mrs. Oarr, Mrs. Gascoigne, and Mrs. Kiddle. The room was then cleared for dancing, which was kept up with great spirit until a late hour. The following are the successful prize takers :—: — 6th Class. — W. Carr, arithmetic and grammar, Ist ; Helen Herd, arithmetic, 2nd, sewing, Ist ; Henry Carr, geography and marks, Ist ; Christopher Smith, reading, Ist, writing, 2nd ; Rebecca Hart, reading, 2nd ; Anna Eliza Cowie and James Malone were also awarded prizes. sth Class. — Elizabeth Long} reading, Ist, sewing, 2nd ; Bridget Nash, geography, Ist ; Catherine Scott, reading and marks, 2nd ; George Herd, spelling and writing, Ist ; George Scott, arithmetic, Ist. 4th Class. — David Herd, arithmetic, Ist ; Alfred Hart, reading, Ist ; Alfred Carr, marks, &c, Ist ; M. A. Callaghan, spelling, Ist, and W. Wright 2nd ; M. A. Geeves was also awarded a prize. The remaining 43 got prizes according to merit, the best of whom were — H. M. Covill, Anne Gragen, P. Curtain, James Lyons, and Tressa Hart.