SOUTHBRIDGE SCHOOL FESTIVAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 5008, 8 March 1877, Page 3

SOUTHBRIDGE SCHOOL FESTIVAL.

A festival in connection with the opening of the now school took place on Friday last, March 2. and was attended by a large gatherinit of those interested in school affairs. The number comprised several of the Chairmen of School Committees, and masters of country schools: whilst the guests from Christchurch were ably represented by the Chairman of the Board of Education and Mr Duncan, besides several head masters of the various schools of Christchurch. In regard to the additions to this school, which is now ready for use. it may be necessary to give a slight description of the building as it now stands, as it is undoubtedly a first-class, substantial, and welldes.gned building, and n il ots considerable credit both on the architect, Mr Onno, and on the builder, Mr Early, tho latter of whom has, in many instances during the construction put m heavier timber than that specified m the contract I'he old building, T shaped, with a em 34 feet by 17 feet and top 24 feet by 17 feet, has undergone a slight alteration by division into two partitions, class rooms 17 feet hv 24 feet, with a lobby as boys entrance f j Vin feet by 17 feet. The new nluood under tho shoulder of the n J dfdin? S fiO feet by 21 feet in the clear, £ SB: ***** fj-s plastered light > ov jj e d for rfAiSrt ventilator, and air Shafts The plan is also arranged to prevent from lVS»» S i snared no trouble in tho arrange. Committee spa d oppeßred thoroughly ments, and their e * |he ohildren and successful- At4 H afc down to an excellent p "S‘.d h V a .u

held in tho evening, at which the guests were entertained by tho Committee. About 60 sat down to a first-class dinner provided by Messrs Mitchell and Spring. Mr 0. Bourn took the chair, supported on his right by Messrs Inglis and Merton, and on bis left by the Rev W. Harper ana Mr A. Dunoon, the vioe-ohairs being occupied by Messrs W. Graham and Winter,

At the conclusion of the dinner an adjournment was made to the new eohoolroom, where varied entertainments, consisting of speeches from Messrs Inglis, Danosn, and Howard were attentively listened to by a numerous audience. Mr Inglis, the Chairman of tho Board, in a few words, referred to the oouree pursued by the Board under the present rlgime , and whioh wa*, he considered, only right to carry out os far as posaible the educational policy and wishes of the late Minuter for Education in regard to tho present eohool additions, which were authorised by the Minister and sanctioned and carried ont hy the Board. He had great pleasure in being present on the occasion, and If at any future time further addition* were required, he wo* sure that the Board of Education would favourably consider any application. Mr 0. Bourn made a few remarks suitable to the occasion. The prizes gained by scholars during the post half-year were then distributed by Mr Inglis, with appropriate remarks to each scholar. He also highly complimented Edgar Andrews, the dux of tho eohool, and drew attention to the foot that he had succeeded in passing the examination for pupil teachers at the end of the second year. He then presented him with a silver medal, ae the most honourable prize bo could bestow. A capital selection of songs was given during the evening by Messrs Oomerford, Merton, senr., and Harman, each of whom were on several occasions encored. Several of the pupils recited from various authors during the evening, and the services of the Southbridge Brass Band also considerably enlivened the proceedings, whioh were brought to a close about II o’clock. Tho benches were then removed, and a dance was inaugurated, which continued for several hours, when all retired.