MASTERTON TECHNICAL SCHOOL

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 21 November 1913, Page 6

MASTERTON TECHNICAL SCHOOL

EXHIBITION OF WORK, Tho exhibition of work in connection with tho Mastorton Technical. School, which was arranged by tlic director (Mr J. T. M. Hornsby) assisted by tho. managers and a strong committee of townspeople, was offi- { cially opened yesterday afternoon 'by His Worship tho Mayor (Mr J. M. Coradine), in tho presence of a largo attendance of the public. The Mayor spoke at some length upon the work of the school, and stated that the exhibition was being held in order to direct public attention to an institution which was of great importance to tho commercial and industrial welfare of the town. ; The exhibition having heen formally opened, those present made an inspection of the work, and were greatly impressed with the handiwork of the pupils, which wasi a credit to all concerned. The woodwork exhibit was specially meritorious, and showed that the instructor (Mr Gooding) is an expert in the business. The exhibits of plain and stained side-boards, cheffoniers, Duchess sets, hall stands, flower stands, ward-robes, book-cases, etc., all constructed by boys and youths, would have put the work of many an adult cabinetmaker to sham©. The carved trays, writing desk, piano stool, and other work were cleverly,executed, and elicited the highest'ecohiums from experts who inspected them. fJ The plumbing section was anotherthat attracted-a great deal of attention. Thif class is in charge of Mr D. C, McDonald. -The models of fountains, flower-pots, drain pipes, etc., in lead, were remarkable specimens of the plumbing art, considering that they were all executed by second-year pupils. The theoretical as well as the practical work showed evidence of careful tuition in every detail. A six-way joint pipe in lead constructed by a Masterton tradesman was also on exhibition, and was an exceedingly skilful piece of work. The dressmaking and art needlework department was a decided attraction, and was a splendid testimony to the skill of the instructress, Mrs Howell. Here there were to •be seen dresses and costumes of i every description, underwear, lacei work, cushions, drawn-thread work, crochet work, and many other specimens of art needlework produced by the young people. One dress, made throughout by a girl of fourteen, tor gether with an underskirt, was particularly commended. A costume made by a ywing lady of eighteen was also highly praised. There were some very fine old-fashioned samplers brought up-to-date, and for one of these Miss Mabel Budd wa g awarded a special prize. The embroidery, drawn-thread work, and Carrick-ma-cross lace were excellent samples. The art section, which had been prepared by'Mr E. P. Fentxm and his pupils, was attractive in every detail. The light and shade work, crayon, still life, black and white, and sepia were really creditable. A study in still life by Miss P. Frost was an excellent piece of work, as were also the-chalk studies by Misses Edna and A. W. Cave, E. H. Waddington, and the late Mr Masters, were very lifelike. The pen and ink sketches and design work on blackboard were artistically executed. The architectural and building designs by Mr D. Grant were favourably commented Three paintings in oils by Mr Fenton were also a feature of the display. In the shorthand and typewriting sections there were to be seen some I magnificent specimens of work. The Gregg shorthand pupils (instructed by Miss Munro) and the Pitman pupils (instructed by Miss Butement) appear to have made excellent progress. A number of essays were displayed on the walls, and these were, on the .whole, splendid exhibits. The penmanship, too, was v favourably commented upon. In the Civil Service and book-keep-ing, section, which is controlled by Mr R. G. Foss, there is evidence of close and effective study. The specimens of book-keeping were really good. The English and arithmetic classes, under Mr Hugh Miller, appear also to be making excellent progress, and the specimens in this connection were very creditable. During the afternoon, a committee of ladies -dispersed afternoon tea, which was very much appreciated. In the evening a programme of music (arranged bv Messrs Mountfart and Wallace) was rendered, Miss Winnie Jones presiding at the piano. :■"- "; Mr W. H. Jackson, chairman of. the Board of Managers, gave aii; address in which he traced the history of the school ahd described its work and advantage. Ho also than Bed those who ' had contributed to the success of the exhibition. The director (Mr Hornsby) deserves the utmost credit .for the complete** nesa of the arrangements. The thanks of the managers are also due to the. W.F.C.A. for a donation of sugar, to Messrs' Watson and Co. for tea to Messrs Graham and Co. «ind G. H. Perry and Co. fox biscuits, and to Messrs McLeod and Young for the use of the piano. j The exhibition will be open again on ! Saturday afternoon and evening, for the special benefit of country folk and/| of school children. j