THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL, BLENHEIM.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 150, 26 December 1868, Page 5

THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL, BLENHEIM.

Wednesday last was appointed for the usnal distribution of prizes to the scholars prior to their breaking up for the Christmas holidays, and in common with a goodly number of parents and friends, we attended to witness the interesting ceremony. The prizes consisted of a number of handsome and entertaining books, provided by Mr. Morley and Miss McHutcheson, aided by a few" Contributions from friends.

S. L. Muller, Esq., R.M., presided, and prior to commencing the distribution, addressed the children. He remarked that we were on the close of another year, and expressed the pleasure he felt at again having the gratification of tendering to them rewards for dilligence and attention to their studies. He very feelingly x-emarked on the absence of some [nine, we believe] to whom he had the pleasure of giving prizes last yeai’, who, he was sorry to say, had passed from time to eternity. He regretted their absence, but still trusted that many of those present to whom he had given prizes on the last summer vacation, who would be more eligible on the present occasion. He remarked that many of the boys had joined the Cadet Corps, in doing which he had no doubt they had a noble ambition of defending their country and homes when they were men ; nevertheless there was yet a battle to be fought at school, in which all should be engaged, from the smallest to the greatest, by enlisting in the ranks to do battle with those giants— Ignorance, Idleness, &c. He illustrated how derogatory it was for any to become a dunce at school. He concluded by urging upon them the necessity and advisability of improving the present time and opportunities ; for without education, whatever else they may possess, they literally had nothing. He trusted he should find that improvement since last year which he anticipated.

Dr. Muller then proceeded to distribute the prizes to the scholars,' named below, accompanying each gift with a few kindly and affectionate words in season : Girls. Class I.—For reading and good conduct : 4tb Division. Mary Botham, 1 ; Jane Russell, 2. 3rd Division : Elizabeth Howard, 1; Mary Jeffries, 2. 2nd Division : Jane Thompson, 1; Mary Craig, 2. For reading and spelling : Minnie Craig, 1; Martha Howard and Eleanor Botham (both equal), 2. Class ll.—For reading and spelling : Henrietta Craig, 1 ; Mary Moran, 2 Class lll.—For reading and spelling : Cecilia Eyles, 1 ; Theresa S. Carroll, 2. Class IV.—For reading, grammar, spelling, geography, and arithmetic : Bithiah Chuck, 1 ; Jane Craig, 2. Class V.— For reading, &c. : Janet Thompson. For elocution : Janet Thompson, 1 ; Elizabeth M‘Donald, 2. For good conduct : Jane Dalziel. Bovs. Class I.—For reading and good conduct : 4th Division. William Kitchen, I; James Emerson, 2. 3rd Division : John M'Kinley, 1 ; William J. Gorrie, 2. 2nd Division : Francis S. Hutcheson, 1; Walter Rae, 2. For reading and spelling : G. Maxted, 1; William Dalziel, 2. Class ll.—For reading and spelling : William Parmar, 1 ; Arthur Clarke, 2. Class lll.—For reading, spelling, grammar, geography, and arithmetic : William Hutcheson, and Arthur E. G. Rae, both equal. Class IV.—For reading, &c., English history, and arithmetic ; Alfred Clarke.

Class V.—For reading, &c., with general history, and arithmetic : Ist Division. John Hutcheson. 2nd Division: Roderick MTvdr, 1; Benjamin S. Penny, 2. For elocution : Benjamin S. Penny, 1 ; John Hutcheson, 2. Separate prizes were given for good conduct as follows :—Benjamin Simpson Penny, John Hutcheson, Alfred Clarke, and William Hutcheson. Pieces were recited in the course of the presentation as follows :

“The Miller and the King,” by W. Hutcheson ; “ The Humming Bird,” by A. E. G. Rae; “ The Summer Morning Song,” by A, Clarke ; “Love of Country,” and “Young Lochinvar,” by John Hutcheson; “Excelsior,” by R. MTver ; and “ The Arab’s Farewell to his Steed,” by B. S. Penny. The last named gained, and deserved the prize.

After distributing the prizes Dr. Muller again addressed the children briefly, and

said there was a marked improvement upon the last year. He called upon them to give three cheers for their master and mistress, and to come back after the holidays with fresh determination to work as hard as they could.

When the cheers had subsided Mr. J. M. Hutcheson called for a repetition for Dr. Muller, who had again kindly come here to address them with kindly words of encouragement; and one more for his lady. Vigorous cheering ensued, after which Dr.

Muller returned thanks, stating that he felt more pleasure in presiding over them than in presiding at the Court House, where he hoped never to see any of them.

The scholars were then dismissed un Monday, January 25.