PALMERSTON NORTH HIGH SCHOOLS

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 6485, 17 December 1927, Page 10

PALMERSTON NORTH HIGH SCHOOLS

Breaking-up Ceremony In Opera House

ANNUAL REPORTS

. Tlic annual prize-giving ceremony of the Palmerston North Boys' andoGiris’ High Schoods took place .last evening in the Opera House before a very large gathering of parents, pupils and friends The members of the Board of Governors v.-cro upon the stage as ■well as the teaching staffs of both schools flanked by an imposing array of-trophies. * The prizes were presented by Colonel C. G. Bowles, C.M.G., D. 5.0., A.D.C., who has been connected with the School for a number of years. .! The chairman of tho Board of Gov-

ernors, Mr. J. A. Nash, M.P., extended ' a welcome to tho parents of the pupils. It gave them very great pleasure to sec such a largo gathering at their animal prize-giving. Two years ago it had been suggested that the Boys ’ and Girls High Schools should hold a combined prize-giving. Tho innovation had proved a distinct success and they had do bided to carry out the same programme this year. Sport was an essential in any school, and both institutions this year, had had a very fair measure of success in this direction. Both in work and play, tho icurriculums of the schools were designed to prepare tho pupils for the business of life—to give them a good all round training. One often heard it said nowadays that parents should bo very careful in choosing occupations for their children and that there was a surplus for which 'tho world had no use. Ho did not bojicvc a word of this; there was always jroom at the top. There were wonderful opportunities open to both girls and boys at the present time, and it only heeded hard work for thorn to get there, j High Praise. ■ e 1 "We have in the staffs of both schools,'' concluded Mr. Nash, “ a body of men and women who have tho interests of the boys and girlts absolutely at heart, and are the equal of any in New Zealand.” (Applause). Presentation of Prizes. Tho presentation of prizes and tho reading of tho reports next took place. ’Mr,. A. M. Ongley, President of the Manawatu Rugby Union, presented the football trophies won during the. year while Colonel Powles ofiSciated with the rest of the ceremony. Colonel Powles’ Address, After he had presented tho prizes, Colonel Powles briefly addressed the gathering. In looking, through the prizes that he had presented that evening, said Col. Powles, he had been very pleased to see that among-the girls' certificates were a number for cooking, hygiene and home-nursing. He was sure that parents would agree with him when ho said that the greatest blessing possible was that of a happy homo. But did they all do all they could to give their children that happy home ? At any rate c thorough knowledge of tho practical duties of the home went a long way towards making it happy. Be A Gentleman! Colonel Powles proceeded to illustrate his remarks with a number of most interesting anecdotes from his war-timo experiences. Ho had found, in his experience, that boys who had gone to tho same school together always had a fellow feeling and a more sympathetic understanding of each other. “It is a very splendid thing to have your friends think well of you ” was a very great saying which had a very deep meaning. Seymour Hicks had said that the finest thing that could be said about a man was that he lived like a gentleman—this also was a little saying well worth remembering. It had been a very great pleasure for him to speak to them that evening, concluded Colonel Powles. It was a splendid thing to see so many present. The strength of a school did not lie alone in its roll number but in the; number of old boys and parents whoj supported it. He knew that as far! as the two Palmerston North High j Schools were concerned the support of I their old boys and old girls was grow-1 ing every yean. 1 Mr. Maurice Hodden. j The last speaker of tho evening was! Mr. Maurice lloddcr representing tho! Old Boys' Association. After express-) ing his pleasure at being permitted to speak at the prize-giving, Mr. Hoddcr staled that it was not so very long sinco the football and cricket fields and the classroom had also constituted his world. He wondered, looking at all the boys and girls before him, how many of them hod learned to use their minds. How many of them who were leaving 1 school, were leaving with a desire to learn more and how many looked upon it merely as a release from tiresome study. In the past three or four ccn- . times the world had made great strides in scientific achievement, but in the study of social problems, in an understanding of humanity, he did not think that they had progressed very far Aristotle had written books on science which had long ago gone by the board because they had been superseded. Bet he had also written books on cithics

which were still taught and revered in all the universities. This was only another proof that in some matters we had stood still. Loam To Think.

At school they learnt a lot of things and a smattering of a lot of things but, unless they realised that such subjects as algebra; geometry, etc., were only means to an cud —tho betterment of themselves —their, education had failed. A great number of the people in the world were merely puppets and slaves of convention. Tho result of this great lack of thought could largely be seen in the strife in the world to-day. Unless they could learn to think —to think in terms of humanity—their, education was no good. Socrates, Christ, Galileo, Bacon, had all perished because they had j resumed to think, but it -was men such as these that brought about progress.

Mr. Nash then moved a very hearty vote of thanks to the speakers which was carried by acclamation and the gathering broke up with the singing of the National Anthem. THE REPORTS. BOYS’ SCHOOL.

The hector of the Boys’ High School (Mr. .1. Murray) reported that the nominal roll reached 313 the average being 304 and the average attendance 280. The numbers taking the five courses of the curriculum were: Professional (15, commercial 99, general 92, short general 21, and agricultural 27. In the various public examinations for 1920, the results were as follows: University Schol. Pass with Credit, 1; Senior National Scholarships, 3; Junior National Scholarships, 3; Matriculation, (including Solicitors’s General Knowledge, Medical and Engineering Prelim, and Completed, 33; Accountancy Prelim., Partial and Completed, 15; Professional Accountants Section Pass, 3; Public' Service Entrance, 21 (2 with Credit); Senior Free Places, 74; Higher Leaving Certificates, 11; Tochers, D. Cert. Group passes, 7; Proficiency Certificates, 2. Girls’ School. In her arfnual report the Principal (Miss Hodges) stated that the total enrolment had been 212, made up of 100 pupils who returned to school, and 112 new pupils. During the year 32 pupils had withdrawn, leaving a present roll of ISO. The average attendance for the year had been 175. The successes gained by the school in the various public examinations in 1926 were as fellow; Senior Free Place, 45; Public Service Entrance, 5; Junior National Scholarship, 1; Senior National Scholarship 2; Matriculation pass, 17; Accountants Preliminary, 1 full pass, 2 partial passes; Higher Leaving Certiflctes, 6; University Entrance Scholarship, 2. At the teachers’ examination in August of this year, two pupils gained Partial “ D.’’ High School. The following is the list of pupils of the Palmerston North Boy's High School who received special prizes at th e breaking-up function last evening:—• Form Hie. —Ist aggregate, M. Driver; 2nd aggregate, . Middlebrook; 3rd aggregate, I, Simpson; Ist French, H. Patterson; Ist bookkeeping, M. Driver. Form Illb.—lst aggregate, C. Taylor; 2nd aggregate, B. Bambery; 3rd aggregate, It. Elliott; Ist French, E Martin.’ Form Ilia. —Ist aggregate, J. MeErven'; 2nd aggregate, C. Clinton; 3rd aggregate, E. Cooper: Latin, J. McEtven; bookkeeping and drawing, J. Nalrnc. Form IVc.—,lst aggregate, P. McMahon; 2nd aggregate, IC. Oliver. Form IVb.—lst aggregate, G. Wilson; 2nd aggregate, A. Tillich; 3rd aggregate, L. Campbell; French, R. Smart. Form iVa.—lst aggregate, N. Duckcr; 2nd aggregate, H. Rosen; 3rd aggregate, A. Ncwlands; French, D. Perrin; Latin, H. Eoseti; drawing, M. McKenzie; bookkeping, A. Newlands. Form Vc.—lst aggregate, E. Rockell; 2nd aggregate, L. Evans; 3rd aggregate, D. Harris. Form Vb.—lst aggregate, C. Rosen; 2nd aggregate, J. McCuilock; 3rd aggregate, B. Siegrief-Leydon; French, E. Rockcll; geography, R. Weston. Form Va.—lst aggregate: J. Webster; 2nd aggregate, D. Harris; 3rd aggregate, A, Puklowskl; drawing, J. Webster; French, J. Webster; Latin, B. McCorkindale: economics. R. Weston; geography. F. McKenzie; bookkeeping, C. Duncan. Form Vlb.—lst aggregate, W. Cowley and A. do Vunticr, equal; economics, B Trow: bookkeeping, B. Trow. Form Via.—lst aggregate. I. Campbell; 2nd aggregate, K. Cunninghame; French, I. Campbell; Latin, X. Campbell. Dux. —lan Campbell. Special Prizes. Sports—Senior champion (Board of Governors Cup), L. Seymour; junior champion (Hornblow Cup), H. Dixon: Glcndinning Cup, (100yds, 220yds championship), L. Seymour and A,'Puklowskl; Empire Cup (SSO yds championship), L. Seymour; Tucker Bros. Cup (high jump championship), E. Fletcher: Saunders Bros Cup (100yds. junior championship), R. Bahout; Wlialk-y Cup (road race). K Fletcher; Louisson Cup (club championships). Albion (1.. Sey- ! mom-); WinroU (hip (junior mile), K. Elliot. Swimming sports.—Old Boys Cup (senior championship), E. Fletcher;

Clere Cup (junior championship), W. A. Penman.

Memorial prizes.—Vernon Memorial Prize, W. Cowley: BalsiUie Memorial Scholarship, J. Webster, E. Rockcl; Collingwood Memorial Prize Bursary: C. Rosen; Basil Hoddcr Memorial Prize (mil e championship), L. Seymour; Richard Waldegravc Memorial (club championship), Albion (L. Seymour).

Dux Ludorum( presented by Mr. A, Hannay): L, Seymour. Dux. —1. Campbell. .

Debating-.—Senior Cup (presented by Mr. S R. Lancaster), M. Walker; Junior Cup (presented by Miss Park), C. Powles.

Physical excrciscs v —Monrad Cup: Albion, C.S.M. J. Rose. Football. —A Grade Banner, Albion; Rugby Union Fifth Grade Cup, Albion; Rugby Union Sixth Grade Cup, Albion.

Shooting—H.B. Cup, Lawric Inglis; Lady Godlcy Cup, Colin Martin; Goldlngham Cup, School; medals, (teams match), M. O’Keefe, A. Hopcroft, R. Field, E. Fletcher, C. Martin, W. Bryden; Toxward Cup and medal (junior area championship). J. Gabitcs.

Cricket.—Butler Cup (club championship), Albion; Batting Cup (presented by Mr. W. P. Anderson). C. Birch; Bowling Cup (presented by Mr W. P. Anderson), A. Tillick; Lee! Bros. Cup (best all-round cricketer), M. O’Keefe; Cricket Association, third grade, Albion and Phoenix. Tennis.—Senior championship (Mr. Hodder’s medal), W. Bryden. General excellence in scholarship and athletics.—Senior school (Hoddcr Bros. Cup), J. Rose; junior school (Hornblow Bros. Cup), N. Duckcr,

END OF SCHOOL YEA&

TERRACE END,

The- school ycoi at Terraco End was br,ought to a close yesterday morning with the presentation of proficiency certificates to the senior pupils. Among those present were Messrs, W. B. Cameron, MaePherson. tmith, Coker,- and the Rev. J. 11. Bt.odin (committee bars), Mr. A. W. Thompson (headmaster) and various members of the staff. Prior to this ceremony Mr. Thompson spoke a few words to the assembled staff, thanking them for their loyal support and co-operation during tho year and expressing regret that some of them would not be returning the next year. Mr. Campbell and Mr. Blomliold suitably replied. Mr. Cameron, chairman of the committee, told the children that he was delighted with the year’s results, and went on to sny that at school they were not only trained in tho various branches of learning, but were also taught how to live. Ho reminded them that it was among them that the world would look for its future leaders and if they kept before them a vision of the good things in life, they would surely lead the world. In concluding, Mr. Cameron led the scholars in giving three hearty cheers to Mr, Thompson and the staff. Mr. Bredin 1 also congratulated the scholars, tendering them further splendid advice. The presentation of proficiency ccr,tificatcs followed, the dux boy being Erie Wilson and the dux girl Dorothy Simms. A wire received from Mr. Fairbrothcr a former headmaster, wished tho school and scholars the best of luck. Miss Chapman’s sewing prizes were won by Gwen Berry, Joan Ware and Maisio Leash. The cricket medal, on Mr. Campbell’s recommendation, went to Master Berryman. Special thanks wcr.c due to Mr. Campbell (first assistant), Mr. Morinc, and Miss Chapman for their work with the Std. VI class, which achieved a remarkable success at tho proficiency examinations. Earlier in the day several presentations wore made to the various teachers. Tho ceremony concluded with hearty chocring for, the committee and staff by the pupils. West End. Before tho presentation of the prizes at West. End. school yesterday afternoon, Mr. F. N. Moore, the headmaster, tendered thanks to the staff. Ho said it had been a hard year, for all owing to sickness. The average roll number for tho year had been 394, and the average attendance 347. During the last quarter alone 190 children had been away through sickness. He also wished to thank the committee and ladies’ committee) for, the excellent work they Had. accomplished. He stated that tho school was gradually developing tradition and this was particularly clear in the work of the sixth standard girls who had set a splendid example. Mr. C. H. Whitehead (chairman of the committee) then spoke a few words, reminding the scholars that nothing conies to those who do not work, and wishing them the best of luck for the future. Prize List. Mrs. Whitehead then presented the following prizes: Dux boy, Colin Bamberry; dux girl, Connie Pulling. Proficiency prizes: Std. 5, George Shaw; Std 4: Joan Scott; Std.' S: Ruth Pulling; Std. 2: Stafford Unbone; Std. ,1: George Trevor. Progress prizes: Std. (i, .Tuck Saiulle; Std. 5, lan Finn; Std. ■I, Ray Wilkinson; Std 3, Albert Bat son: Std. 2, ’Moya Roberts; Std. 1, Bill Collins. Special prizes: Mr. Hamilton’s, Dona, Huusman; Mr. Puklowskl'a, Colin Prime lough and Marjory Dalgieish; Mr. Swallow’s, Enid Kirby and! Bernard Tremaine; Miss Ruth Chris-liansou’-S, Oorilia Christian and Jim

Thompson; Mr. and Mrs. Whtehcad’s, Dora Hausman and Gilbert Road; Mrs. Puklowski ; s, Connie Pulling: Mr. Tremaine’s, Enid Christian and lan Thomson; Mrs. Christian’s, How'ard Rowlands and Lor.na Perrin; Mr. Black bouruc’s, Ethel Ogier and Harrj Palmer; sports cups and Mr. Ncwth’s prizes, lan Thomson and Rita Middle ton; Mr. Hands’, Jim Thompson; Mrs Lync’s, Marion Trollope; Mr,. Lyno’s George Shaw and Nola Davidson, Swimming certificates, lan Thomson and Ron Hands. In addition each infant in the infants’ department received a gift book from (h« - com mil too and sweets from Mr IVnketh.

Tin' proficiency and competency cm tifieatos were presented and the recipients congratulated by the chairman.