END OF SCHOOL YEAR.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 21 December 1928, Page 6

END OF SCHOOL YEAR.

WHAKAMABA CEREMONY. On© o£ the largest gatherings o£ settlers from every part of the Whakamara district ever seen, in the hall was present last night to see and hear the the programme of numbers, vocal, clo- 1 cutionary, dancing and dramatic, presented by the children of the primary school to celebrate the conclusion of l the year’s work. The reception given to the young people was most enthusiastic and in every way the concert was a great success, creditable alike to the pupils and to the headmaster, Mr G. Kibblewhite, and his assistant, Miss Hutchison. The school songs were very good. They sang four, “The Golden Vanity” by all the pupils; “Ukelele Dream Man” and “On the Road to Anywhere,” by the senior girls and “The Sandman,.” by the infants. All proved most popular. Winda Scott and Peggy Barkla sang a duet in nice style. The girls of the Standards 5 and 6 gave a combined recitation “Barbara Prietehie, ” and the infant boys one entitled “Prying Pan’s Theology,” while other elocutionary numbers of much merit were the dialogue given by Leo Caldwell and Jim Wrigley, and the recitation by Nancy Langley. Dancing was represented on the programme by the “Skipping Dance” .by the infant girls and the Highland Fling by Nora Loth cry. Both were creditably performed. ‘ The last and by no means the least attractive item was the drill by the senior boys. It was done with great precision. The entertainment concluded, -with a combined effort of an historical nature, a presentation in character of the playlet “Robin Hood.” The characters were suitably dressed, the stage setting combined to secure the atmosphere of -the stirring times of th e Plautagenets, when the great outlaw and his merry men kept court in (Sherwood Porest and dominated the neighbourhood. The young people entered fully into the spirit of . the play and made the story live again in the minds of the listeners and spectators.

The various characters were sustained by Erie Skivington (Robin Hood), Nancy Langley (Marian), Charles Jobson (Littlejohn), Leo Caldwell (Scarlett), D. Hamilton (Priar Tuck)., Jack Gulliver (Allan A’Dale), and Ted Candy (King Richard). They all acted and spoke their lines with appropriate manner and in fitting style, and were loudly applauded for (their performance.

The National Anthem concluded the programme. During the evening the chairman of the School Committee (Mr C. Dobson) in a brief address, congratulated the staff on their good work during the year, as reflected in the success of the pupils and the good reports of the inspectors. He said he regretted that there was a possibility of their losing Mr Kibblewhite, but expressed the hope, which all would share, that he would be allowed to return to Whakamara, there to continue his good. work. He thanked the settlers for their cotdial support to the committee and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He then presented prizes to. every pupil in the school, with special attendance prizes to A. Hamilton, Jas. Wrigley, B. Wills, L. Hamilton, Grace Gulliver, A. 'Skivington, J. Gulliver and C. Dobson.

Nancy Langley secured the honour of being dux for the year, and proficiency certificates were won by her and by Eric Skivington and Ada Skivington. A special prize went to Barabara Wills for the neatest exercise book in the school.

Miss E. Langley was presented with a box of chocolates for her assistance in playing at rehearsals, and bouquets were given to Mrs Kibblewhite and Miss Hutchison; a box of cigarettes to tho headmaster, all from the pupils.

The hall was then cleared and dancing was indulged in for an hour or two, concluding one of the most enjoyable evenings ever held in Wh'akamara.

MANAIA DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL. BREAK UP AND PRESENTATIONS. The end of the year’s work at Manaia District High School was marked by a gathering at the school yesterday afternoon when a resume of the work done was made and proficiency certificates presented to successful students. Amongst those present were Mr A. Lees (member of the Taranaki Education Board), Air T. A. Bridge and Rev. It. Aliller.

Tho headmaster (Mr J. Nairn) sketched the general progress on their good work during the year and wishing all a pleasant holiday. He cordially acknowledged the hearty co-operation ol' the committee and the parents. Air Sherson gave a resume of the work of the secondary department, stating that there had been a marked increase and that he expected this wonld continue. Mr Lees added. congratulations to the staff and pupils and said h© was very pleased to see how well they all worked together for the good of the school.

Air T. A. Bridge and the Rev. Mr Miller also added congratulations and expressed, hope for continued good work.

It was announced that Betty Laursen had gained the distinction of being dux of the school.

Proficiency certificates were awarded Alice Bennett, Len Budd, Laurie Budd, Gwen Crossley, Beryl Hobday, Douglas Jones, Betty Laursen, "William Maddock, John Mercer, Ohven Parry,. Florence Silby, Eunice Smith. Myra Sutter, Alolly Vincent, Neil Walker, Mavis Wilson and Berriiss Yarrow.

Endorsed competency certificates were awarded Connie Edwards and Charlie Sproull. Competency certificates were awarded Nancy Bennett, Gordon McDonald and Flora Walker.: Good attendance certificates were also presented, several children having recorded full attendance and many others

not liaving missed more than fivo halfdays. . Trophies won for root-growing and calf-rearing respectively were presented to D. Dakers and B. Jones. At the conclusion afternoon tea was served by the ladies.

OLD STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

FORMED

At the school social on Wednesday :t was resolved to form an association for former students and the following were elected tho first officers: Mr M.. Burke, president; Miss E. Price, vicepresident; Mr D. Haytcr, secretary;! Miss Ena Nairn and Miss B. Young. I The matter of adopting a badge was left in the hands of the executive. The next general meeting to further, the work of the association will he held early next year. The hope was expressed that all would work together for the general good of the school and by haying frequent re-unions the school interests would he maintained among the members. . Games and competitions were held and it was altogether an enjoyable gathering.

THE ELTHAM SCHOOLS. In anticipation of the long summer vacation ahead of them, boys and girls, briight-eved and smiling, attended in force to take part jn the ‘‘breaking-up” ceremony at their respective schools at Eljtham yesterday. .At each school there was a gratifying attendance of parents, testifying to a continuance of interest in the (scholastic and athletic achievements of their children. A novel sports meeting held, sway at the Elitbam School during the morning, leaving the afternoon free for the. distribution of certificates of merit in various branches of the school's work. The presentation took place at the main entrance to the building, the children being seated in two immense semicircles upon the lawn, each in turn coming up at “the double” on call of their names to receive certificates from Sir Walter Oarncross. CERTIFICATES PRESENTED. in introducing Six - W alter Oarncross, the chairman or .the school committee (Air W. Ricketts) said the work of the school had been attended with very good results, and in tiiat connection he desire d to congratulate both the pupils and the teaching staff. It was worthy of note that of 316 pupils presented for scholastic examinations, 296 had passed Forty-five pupils had gained proficiency and three were to be awarded competency certificates —there were no failures. Attendances were also very (good, 77 pupils gaining good 1 attendance and 1 29 mil-time certificates. Lynctfte Goldsmith was worthy of special mention as having seemed a good attendance certificate for four years in (succession. In addition to being called upon to present the foregoing certificates, Sir Walter would he asked also to hand out eighty swimming certificates for the half-mile (27), 220 yards (16), 50 yards (37), and two Royal elementary life-saving certificates.

""During the year, (school pupils had attained distinction beyond the confines of Eltham,_ Rita Potts having won the chain pious Ixip at the Hawera Technical High School sports, the girls had carried off the prize for unison singing at Hawera competitions festival and the school team had won the i&even-a-:side Rugby cup at Manaia. Mr Ricketts regretted the unavoidable absence of Air E. Dixon (Hawera), who had intended to present the Dixon banner, which had been won for the third year in succession by the school representatives, a feat equalled only once before in the history of the banner, when the Hawera Main School had 1 succeeded in 1920, 1921, and 1922. Presentation of the banner would be deferred until after New Year. In conclusion, the chairman extended to the children his very best wishes for a happy New Year.

In addressing, uie entiaren, preparatory to the presentation of certificates, Sir Walter Larncroi&s apologised for the absence of An- C. A. Yv ilfcmsoii, Ai.P., wfioi bad been mainly responsible for the establishment of the ■ school on its present expansive, healthy site, and be wished them to always remember that they bad to tliank All* Wilkinson, for their beautiful grounds. He hoped they would all enjoy'itlieir holidays, and to those who would spend them’m the co mi try he made a istrong appeal on behalf or the native birds, which he regretted! veto becoming lessened in. numbers wiith the in area of tune ami civilisation. thought it wise, also, to sound a note of warning in the use of firearms. If any ox his hearers Intended shooting gam© during the holidays they should remember the ,safest course was to pass the gun through first and lay it on the. ground.

He wished them all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New A:ear. Certificate's., were presented as follow : Proficiency.—Boys: Athol! and James Bridget*, John and Peter Campbell, Colin Oalcott, Russell Carson, -'Sidney Cross, Reginald Hannan, Archer and l Stuart Jenkins, Stanley Jennings, Finlay Maslin, Ernest AicKee, Haydn Aluirray, Charles Robertson, Allan R,ybuirii, Clarence Sadler, Charles Walker, Jeffrie Ward. Girls: Agnes Cooker, Veeti Carncross, Lulu. Cullen, Alarie Gibson, Nest a Hirst, Gwen Johnston, Alison Alorton, Una Alitehell, Dorothy Over, Hazel Phillips, Mary Pilkington, Grace Pinny, Rita Potts, Ngiaira Prince, Marjorie Rowe, May Russell, Isoibell Sorenson, Josephine Taylor, Florence Thomas, Betty Urry, Netta Whiting, Alargaret Young. Competency.—Robert Gooding, Lassel Holland, Norma. Crazier.

Attendance (not being absent from school more than five half-days during the year).—Margery Gooding, Charles Wylds, Vernon Towers, . Alfred Rye, Albert Patou, Allan Kyle, Chloris Urry, Aladigc Townsend, Lc.ita Jenkins, Norma Glentworth, Ronald Edgecombe, Ellen Walker, Patricia Fountaine, Maisie Anderson, Colin Calcott, Haydn Alarray, Robert Gooding, Josephine Taylor, Ngaiira Prince, Rita Poitts, Bruce Thomas, Royce Crazier, Jaimes Betty Needham, Alev Bridger, Afaisie Glentworth. Femie Ricketts, Thomas Kyle, Keith Her recks, Bona Ward,

Hasting*), \V. Ware, Gifford 1 Go<ldt;imiith, Andrew V\ iiliamson, Reginald Gientwor til, John Needham, Olive •Commerer, Jack Heppereil, 13nice Ryburn, Garfiedu Lewis, Pearl Bosley, Gordon Rabone, William McKay, Herbert McKay, Lester Jennings, Alfred Huddart, Gordon Hastings, Alfred. Broadliey, Leslie Be van.

Lull attendance. James Voight, Hazel! Williams, lna Scown, ' Harold Taylor, Stanley Smith, Charles Rye, Cm ford Kdgecumbe, Dorothy Johnston, Joan Glentworth, Eva Gockroft, Phyllis Obinery, Jack Smith, Lent Myhil I', lionalil Seown, Ivan Williams, Joan Ward, Samuel Scown, Thelma Taylor, Edith Needham, Henry Taylor, John Hunger, Olive Jones, Gladys Hastings, Mavis Williams, Lynette Goldsmith, Allan liyburu, Lnia. Mitchell, Gwenneth Johnston, Leslie Ware.

ST. JOSEPH’S CONVENT SCHOOL

The end of the school year was signalised by a large attendance to witness the presentation of certificates and a series of footraces under the supervision of Rev. Father Hegarty and a willing committee composed of parents of the pupils. Proficiency certificates were awarded to Olive Marchant, Norali White, Fred Fitzsimmions, Kathleen Fake, Edward O 1 ’Hagan and a competency certificate to John Slieehy. Following are the results of 75 yards races: —

Standards 5 and 6. —(Boys), F. Steiner 1, Maurice Sheehy 2, F. Cowell 3; (girls) S. Mullally 1, P: Renai 2, I. Cowell 3. Standards 3 and 4.—(Boys) P_ rake 1, T. Novak 2, B. Cowell 3; (girls) G. Uhlenburg 1, M. Gower 2, M. Steiner 3.

Standards 1 and 2. —(Boys\ J. Hatpin 1, Jack Emmett 2, 0. Novak 3; (girls) M. Walsh 1, D. llenai 2, M. Machalick 3.

Consolation Races. —(Boys). J. Halpin 1, J. Grenfell 2, W. Peebles 3; (girls)’ R. Marcliant 1, P. Evanoff 2, V. White 3; M. Peebles 1, C. Percival 2, J. Shepherd 3. Numerous races for the younger pupils were included in the programme, and as each little tot received a prize in addition to a liberal allowance of sweets, it was sale to say that all were thoroughly satisfied.

SALVATION ARMY BOYS’ HOME Among those present at the presentation of prizes to the inmates of the Salvation Army Boys’ Home were the mayor of Eltham. (Mr. I. J. Bridger), Adjutant and Mr. Hogan (in charge of the home). Lieutenant Hight, Commandant Caloott, Rev. J. A. It. Preston and Airs. Preston (Opunake), Airs H. Gubb, Miss Sybil Gubb. Air. R. E. Thomas (headmaster, Eltham school) and his assistant, Air. G. H. Percy The Atayor expressed his pleasure in being again asked to present the prizes. He always felt “at home” at the home, liis only regret on this occasion being the absence of Envoy Jenkins, on whose behalf he tendered an apology, it was the first “break-up” ceremony the envoy had missed sinco the home was established.

AH. Bridger referred to the increased scholastic benefits derived by the boys from their daily attendance at the public school, and the continued support of the home by Eltham residents, making special mention, of Air. E. Crabtree’s efforts to provide the home with a wireless set, AH. H. G. Carman’s annual present of the whole ol the prize volumes given to the boys, and the gold and silver medals presented by Air. W. AVaters (town clerk) and Aiiss Sybil Gubb respectively for the dux of the school and his runner-up. Prior to the presentation of a book to each of the boys, they submitted a pleasing programme of varied items, which, to that section of the audience who had witnessed previous exhibitions at the home, spoke volumes for the time and care bestowed on the boys’ training and welfare by Adjutant and Airs Bogan. The programme consisted of the following numbers: “Threepart round song, “The Streets that are made of Gold”; recitation, “The Twins,” Cyril Tapp; class song, “Smile, Smile, Smile” ; class recitation, “Sugar-toothed Dick”; pyramid drill. Prizes were then presented to the following pupils : Gold medal, Ernest AlcKee (dux of the school). Silver medal, Charles Robertson (second in order of merit). Books.—Norman Sizemore, Stanley Jennings, Sidney AlcMillan, Clarence Sadler, Clarence AlcMillan, Lister Jennings, Leslie Bevan, Claud Broadley, Herbert AlcKay, Ernest AlcKee, Clive Slierrin Monty Loveridge, Dowell Reed, Harold Watson, William Liddicoat, Nathan Young, Reginald Hannan, Ernest Slierrin. Win Reed, Charles Robertson, Charles Reed, Gordon Rabone, William AlcKay, Maurice Slierrin, Ray Sanson, Cyril Tapp, Frank McMillan, Alfred Huddart, Eddie Scott. Walter Davidson, George Young, Owen Sanson, Fred Hart, ( Neville Liddicoat, Trevor Jane.

Adjutant llogan, in thanking the Mayor and visitors for tlieir attendance and interest, paid a tribute to the generosity of the townspeople Generally, without which it would he a difficult matter to carry on the home. He had five years’ experience in the care and training of ooys in similar homes in Queensland, and felt that such work constituted the most useful and adaptable sphere of Ins labours. Though the home could accommodate 56 hoys, there were only 33 now in residence, and there was no immediate indication that the places of the bovs who were due to shortly leave the" institution would be filled. This was a good sign, as it pointed to a diminution of distress and helplessness. He trusted that a much-improved programme would be presented by the boys at the next annual break-up. Proceedings concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.