WALTHAM SCHOOL.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14546, 24 December 1912, Page 6

WALTHAM SCHOOL.

Tho ceremonies incidental to tho "breaking up" of tno Waltham School for the Christmas and New Year holidays took place on Thursday last, when there was a large gathering of pupils and their parents in attendance. Owing to thc boisterous nature of the weather the usual outside display of exorcises, etc., hod to be dispensed with on this occasion. In the unavoidable absence of the chairman of tho committee, the prizes were presented by the Rev. H. Cocks, who also gave * very appropriate address to the children. By the kindness of Miss King, headmistress of the infant department, the committee were able to provide a Christmas tree for the littlo ones, each of whom received a present. The Dux Medal for the beet scholar was again given by Mr T. Hughes, of Giraldine, formerly the headmaster of thc school, and tho recipient was Miss Elsie Thompson. A. display of work by the pupils elicited a gieat deal of praise from tho visitors, and reflected great credit on the scholars. Advantage was taken of the occasion to say good-bye to Mr T. Douds, assistant master, who has been promoted to the position of headmaster of the Kaiapoi School. The pupils of Mr Doud'e class presented him with a very fine travelling-bag, the cadett* with a palm bowl, and the pupils of the senior class with a pretty fretwork bracket made by -one of themselves. In addition to these presents tho school staff presented —r Douds with a silver entree dish. In makinsr tbe presentations the Rev. Mr Cocks stated that the boys of Standard VI. were sorry to part with their teacher, aa he was held in very high esteem by all under his charge. Mr J. J. Adams, headmaster of the school, also expressed his regret at losing the services ot Mr Douds, aa he had carried out I his duties to the satisfaction of nil concerned, and they all wished him every suc--1 cesw in his new sphere of labour at the Kaiapoi School. Mr Douds suitably responded.