TAPANUI.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 151, 29 December 1870, Page 4

TAPANUI.

SCHOOL EXAMINATION.

This interesting event took place on Thursday, the 15fch December, previous to the breaking up of the school for the animal vacation. It- must have been very gratifying to all those who have the welfare of the school at heart to witness the amount of public interest which was taken in the examination. Although the day was cold and showery, all the available space for the accommodation of visitors was fully occupied by the parents of the children and others. The school committee also mustered largely, no fewer than six members putting in au appearance — rather an unusual occurrence with district school committees. The attendance of scholars has increased very considerably during the past year, the roll showing a total of forty-seven ; but on Thursday only forty-one were present — a number of the bigger boys having taken advantage of the sheep shearing season. In course of the examination, frequent opportunity was afforded of noticing the veiy substantial progress which had been made in every department of the school ; this was particularly noticeable in Bible knowledge and geography, the pupils showing an acquaintance with these branches of education which surprised | us, and evidenced, on the part of the master, a system of careful and painstaking tuition. A number of specimens of plain and ornamental penman- | ship was exhibited, while the walls were adorned with a collection of maps and chalk illuminations very creditably got up. The specimens of cyphering were also very good. The examination was chiefly conducted by Mr. Neish (the teacher), but the Rev. Mr. Uric and Dr. M'Lauchlan also assisted. The proceedings were pleasantly interspersed with songs by the children, and in this branch of education we observed a decided improvement upon previous years. After the awarding (in the order below) of a most choice selection of books as prizes, Dr. M'Lauchlan, on behalf of the committee, thanked those present for their attendance, and addressed a few words of encoimigement to the children, praising them for past diligence, and admonishing them to continue, and even excel for the time to come. The Rev. Mr. Uric thought, after what they had seen and heard, there was much cause fpr thankfulness, It was very evident the teacher had faithfully discharged his responsible duties, and it was no less apparent that the scholars had been very busy and attentive. He hoped they would enjoy their holidays heartily and happily, and return to school after the recess ful} of fresh vigor,

The following is a list of donors to the prize fund : — Messrs. Roberts, G-o*', Robbie, Dickison, Vallance, and Gavin, and Mrs. Thos. Edwards. PRIZE LIST. Bible Class. — Ist prize, Wm. M'Farlane ; 2nd, James Eskdale ; 3rd, John Drew Atkin. Testament Class. — Ist prize, James Crawford ; 2nd, Gertrude C. Atkin ; 3rd, Mary Malcolm. History (senior). — Ist prize, Wm. M'Farlane ; 2nd, James Eskdale ; 3rd, John Drew Atkin. History (junior). — Ist prize, James Keir ; 2nd, Julia Edwards ; 3rd, Elizabeth Keir. Geography (senior). — Ist prize, Wm. M'Farlane ; 2nd, James Eskdale ; 3rd, John D. Atkin. Geography (junior). — Ist prize, i Christopher Atkin; 2nd, Cecilia M'Coll', 3rd, Wm. Whyte.

English Grammar (senior). — Ist prize, Wm. M'Farlane; 2nd, Catherine M'Farlane ; 3rd, James Eskdale.

English Grammar (junior). — Ist prize, Cecilia M'Coll; 2nd, Mary M'Coll ; 3rd, C. Atkin.

Writing (senior). — Ist prize, Wm. M'Farkne ; 2nd, Catherine M'Farlane ; 3rd, John D. Atkin.

Writing (junior) — Ist prize, Mary M'Coll; 2nd, Elizabeth Keir; 3rd, James Crawford.

Arithmetic (senior). — Ist prize, Catherine M'Farlane; 2nd, James Keir; 3rd, Wm. Smith. Arithmetic- (junior). — Ist prize, Cecilia M'Coll ; 2nd, Duncan Robertson ; 3rd, Julia Edwards ; 4th, Mary Malcolm. Mental Arithmetic. — Ist prize, Daniel Robertson ; 2nd, Wm. M'Farlane. Sixth Class : Ist prize, James Scott ; 2nd. Henry Jackson ; 3rd, Duncan Robertson. Fifth Class : Ist prize, Catherine Howat ; 2nd, Margaret M'Queen ; 3rd, Elizabeth Aitken. Fourth Class : Ist prize, John Robertson ; 2nd, John Smith ; 3rd, Anna Jane Edwards ; 4th, H. Phillips.

Catechism. — Ist prize, Wm. M'Fai'lane ; 2nd, Cecilia M'Coll ; 3rd, Mary M'Coll.

Recitation (senior). — Ist prize, J. D. Atkin ; 2nd, John Smith ; 3rd, James Eskdale.

Recitation (junior). — Ist prize, Julia Edwards ; 2nd, C. M'Coll ; 3rd, Win. Whyfce.

Singing. — Ist prize, James Keir ; 2nd, Margaret M 'Queen.

Mipping. — Ist prize, Wm. M Tarlane ; 2nd, James Eskdale.

Latin. — Ist prize, Win. M'Farlane ; 2nd, Alex. White.

EXTRA PRIZES. Best Collection of fossils (boys). — James Eskdale.

Best collection of ferns (girls) — prize, a ladies' work box. — Catherine M'Furlane.