LAWRENCE GRAMMAR SCHOOL EXAMINATION.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 151, 29 December 1870, Page 3

LAWRENCE GRAMMAR SCHOOL EXAMINATION.

The examination of the above school commenced on Tuesday, the 20th inst., and terminated on Friday, the 24th. On the latter day there were present many of the parents, and ladies and gentlemen interested in the success of the school.

Mr. Stenhouse, head master, was assisted in the examination by Messrs. Jamison, Hayes, Harrop, and Campbell, members of school committee, Rev. J. Menzies, llr. Copland, solicitor, Mr. "Warden Simpson, and Mr. Bastings, president.

In several branches of their studies, the advanced scholars evinced more than usual progress, owing partly, no doubt, to the fact of Mr. Stenhouse having had moi-e time to devote to the senior classes since the school was raised to the position of a grammar school. As usual, the specimens of writing, especially those of the girls, were excellent. Indeed, we question if the High School of Dnnedin could display a larger number of excellent copies and beautiful specimens of caligraphy.

The plan adopted by the committee for the conducting of the, examination on this occasion was one admirably fitted to test the efficiency of the pupils in their course of study for some months past. Series of questions on each of the higher branches taught at the school were selected by Mr. Jamison and printed, and each pupil supplied with a copy, and allowed a limited time to work out the questions on paper in the presence of the head master and the gentlemen who were watching the examination. These papers were then collected, and carefully worked out by the examiners.

The scholars under Mr. Menzies, the assistant master's supervision, went through their examination very creditably, as did also those under Mrs. Dale's tuition. A very pleasing feature in the specimens exhibited in Mrs. Dale's school v/as the Hue display of plain sewing. There was a fair show of fancy work, but we were glad to see that the useful in the needle art has more attention in the Lawrence school than the ornamental. One of the specimens was a baby's short dress, a perfect picture, and the work of Annie Anderson, every stich of which was executed in the schoolroom.

The number of scholars present who underwent examination was close upon 180.

The following is a list of those who contributed prizes: — M>s. Jamison (ladies' companion), Mrs. Bastings (writing desk), Lawrence Corporation (gold medal, valued £5, for boys, and writing desk, £3 for the girls), Messrs. -Herbert & Co. (7 books), Abel (5), Simpson (5), J. Copland (4), Stenho.we (3), M'Coy (2), Jamison (2), Jeffery (2), Dr. Stewart (2), Adams (2), and Keen (1), Wootton (lozenges).

Before the prizes were distributed, Mr- Bastings, President of the School

Com s nil tee, expressed the pleasure he had ia brting present at the examination. That w.is Lii 3 fourth year he had occupied the poslfc'on of President of the school, an 'l lv w.-ss gl ul to bear testimony to the steady piv^reis which he had observed the scholars make from year to year under the guidance of Mr. Stenhouse. He tho'ight the children ought to feel grateful when they beheld such a large array of prize 3 providedS by the School Committee, and many V other friends of the school, and hoped tlvit those who wore unsuccessful this year would not be discouraged, but do their utmost to have the satisfaction of carrying otT the first prizes next year. £)n an occasion like this, when several gentlemen were present, including their worthy Warden, Mr. Simpson, all of whom were well qualified to address the children, it was unnecessary for him to detain them further.

Mr. Simpson, addressing the children, said it was the first time he had attended the school examination. Ho

had no idea there were so many, scholars, nor that they had attained such proficiency. He considered gre.it credit was clue to their teacher for the state of advancement they .showed. The Rev. J. Menzies also addressed the children. He was much pleased with the way in which they had conducted tlienisel\'c-s, sviij reminded them that they were now laying the foundation of that intelligence which would make them useful members of society.

Mr. Bastings said he had now to state, for the information of tho boys, that the gentlemen who conducted the examination had decided that Master James Campbell had deservedly won the fjold medal, the jjift of the council, as the best genei'nl scholar in the school. Campbell and Menzies were equal as regards efficiency, both having obtained four firsts ; but when the general advancement throughout trie year was taken into account, it was decided that Campbell justly deserved the medal.

Mr.. Jamison said, before presenting the medal, he wished, on behalf of the children, to say that they hoped to be aide to show they deserved the kindness of the Town Council, and had done .something to merit such a valuable prize i'roin their lianils. The Council's prize would be a great incenive to the prosecution of their studies next year ; and they hoped to show they Avonld really appreciate their kindness.

Mr. Bastiugs said when lie first mooted it in the Council, tho matter had the general concurrence of all the councillors, and h was agreed to give two prizes, one to the boys, and one to the girls.. Mr. Bastings then pinned the medal to Master Campbell's coat, and said he hoped he would live to see the day when some of the boys of the Lawrence Grammar School would occupy his place as, president of the School Committee" and represent the Corporation of Lawrence as he did on that occasion.

The successful competitor in the girls first class for the Corporation prize of a work box, valued at £3, was Jessie Pope, who carried away a prize for nearly every branch of education in which she bad studied during the year. The rewards, numbering about seventy, wore then distributed by Mr. Bastings according to the following LIST OF PRIZES. SENIOR DIVISION.— Ist Class. ENGLISH HISTOIIY. Boys — 1 R Menzies ; 2. J Titohener. Girls — 1. J Pope ; 2. A. Anderson. BIBLE HISTORY. Eo7, T s — 1. R Menzies ; 2. J Tichener. Girls— l. J Pope ;2. M A Andrews. GEOGttAT?KY. Boys — 1. J Campbell ; 2. R Menzies. Girls — 1. J Pope ; 2. A Anderson. ATUTHMETrC. Boys — 1. Jas. Campbell ; 2. 11. Bastings. Girls — 1. Jessie Pope ; 2. A Anderson. MENTAL ARITHMETIC. Boys — 1. H Bastings and J Downie. Girls — 1. J. Pope. COMPETITION DO. Girls— l. J. Pope. ESSAY. 1. Jas. Campbell. 1. Jessie Pope. EUCLTD. 1. R Menzies FRENCH. Girls —1. A Anderaon ; 2. J. Pope L.VTIX. 1. J. Titchener WEiTixa. Boys — 1. II Bastings ; 2. J. Downie Girls— l. M A Andrews ; 2. J Popo and A Anderson ORNAMENTAL WRITING^ Boys— l. R Menzies ;2. C Campbell PLAIN SEWING. 1. Jessie Pope ; 2. M Campbell ; 3. A Anderson ; 4. S. Bennett FANCY WOKK. 1. Jessie Popo ; 2. Lilly Hay ; 3. A Anderson; 4. Isa M'Alillan ENGLISH GRAMMAR. 'Boys —1. James Campbell; 2. John Titchener. Girls— l. Jessie Pope ;2. A Ander3on ENGLISH HISTORY. 2SD CLASS. Boys— l. J Anderson; 2 W Menziss Girla— l. S Bennett ; 2. II H=.-d BIBLE HISTORY. Boys 1. J Andean; 2. J Galbraith Girls— l. S Bennett ; 2. J liobortsoa g::o3rapiiy. Boys-1. H Titchener ; 2. WMenziea Girls -1. H Herd ; 2.,S Bennott^^