CHILDREN'S CONCERT AT CAMBRIDGE WEST.

Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1745, 11 September 1883, Page 2

CHILD RE N'S CONCERT A T CAMBRIDGE WEST.

A very entertaining concert was given' by the children of the Cambridge West schol to their parents and friends in the local school-house on Friday evening last. The concert was given by way of celebrating in a fitting manner the distribution of the certificates to the successful pupils of the recent annual examination, and judging by the assembly on Friday evening, and the general success of the cntcitainment, a more encouraging means of distributing school honours could not well be decided upon. There was a large attendance of the children and their parents, and the chair 'was occupied by Mr Chas. Tuck. The chairman, in opening the procedings, delivered a somewhat lengthy and impressive address, dwelling at length on the rapid progress of education, and the rewards which attended the efforts of those who embraced it in their youth. If children respected their parents, they could not show it in a more marked way than by being dutiful and obedient, and by manifesting an inclination to get on in the world. To do this they must endeavour to learn, and search for knowledge, for knowledge and learning combined was the true fountain of mortal happiness and success. Among scholars there was nothing like' emulation, they must exert themselves to surpass each other, and by bearing this in mind they must in the long run be successful. They had met together that evening to bestow on those who had laboured hard and earnestly a suitable recognition for their efforts in the bhape of certificates. -They could not all expect to be getting certificates, but it was to be hoped those who were behind this year would be the successful candidates for honours next year, and this could only be achieved by earnest emulation. The percentage that had succeeded in passing the standards was indeed very satisfactory. He would urge upon the parents the necessity of regular attendance of the children at school, the average attendance of their children not being so good this year as might have been expected. The committee, he would say, had seriously considered the ad\ isability of enforcing the compulsory clauses of the act, but they had come to the conclusion that it was inexpedient to do so at present, believing that if the parents' attention was drawn to the mattee that would suffice. The following programme of music and recitations was then gone through in 'a very creditable manner :—: — Pianoforte duet, " Diabellis in D," Mis and Mte-> Hyatt Anthem, " Rule Britannia," children Recitation, "Gelert," Master J. J. Bridgeman Chorus, "Come Lot us all be Merry," children Chorus, " Never Give Up," children Recitation, " The Gladiator/ Master T. A. Hicks Pianoforte solo, "WeeLYLiy the Keel Row," Miss L. Tuck Solo, "Come, Birdie, Come," Master J. Howie Choru-j, " Now Pray we for our Country," children Pianoforte solo, " By the Sad Sea Waves, Mibs E. Howie Recitation, " Little Jim," Mr H. Giles Hymn, " Star of Peace," children Recitation, " Lochinvar," Master Philip Ham Chorus, "The Skaters," children Solo, " The Graves of a Household," Miss Sarah J. Johns Song, "The Fairies," girls Pianofoite solo, "March of the Cameron Men," Miss Howie Dialogue, " Reading of the Will," boys Chorus, " Farewell to Study," children Reading, "The Parish Clerk," H. R. Hyatt "God Save the Queen." The solo of Miss Sarah Johns elicited a most deserving encore, to which she responded. Tins little girl has a very superior voice, and one well worth cultivating. The piano solo of Miss Tuck is also worthy of note, and Mr Hyatt's reading was very entertaining and well read. , 'During, the evening the certificates were presented to the pupils by Mr Tuck, who "congratulated them" individually on their efforts. The following report was read by Mr Hyatt, itie head teacher :— Cambkidgb West School : Teacher's Report.—lßß3. It is now two years and ten months since this school was opened in October, 1880. I am sorry to say tnat the school ib not quite so large as it was last year at this time, two or three families having left the district. The average attendance last year was 50. At? present ifc is a little over 4G. - The school has been examined *in standards three times, and in each the percentage of passes has been above the general average for the colony. In the first examination, 7oper cent, passed, after a preparation of 10 months ; in the second, 80 per cent, passed, after only 8 months preparation ; and this year the percentage has reached 84, which— although I expected higher— is very good considering that it follows high percentages in the two previous years. If we only count those children who have been prepared for the standards at this school, that -is to say our own scholars for- the past year, we then find that 87 per cent, passed ' of those who were presented. Indeed, I think this is the only fair way of reckoning it. Ih< conclusion, I would like to say that^it is very .disheartening to the, teachers; and very detrimental to' the progress of thewhole school, 1 that children should be kept away upon such trival excuses as the^often are. . Some of those presented for '«j?amina- : tknvhad made' very few^ittore than the minimum number of attendances to qualify;^ them for sitting. , Hqweyer,fl am glad to notice an improvement in the attendance, since.the ( examination, and I sincerely hope it? will continue. \ The proceeds, of the^ntertainment w,ere in aid of the school' library.

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