High Schools Break-up

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7032, 16 December 1932, Page 7

High Schools Break-up

Presentation of Awards The 1932 school year for pupils of the Palmerston North Boys’ and Girls' High Schools concluded last evening with a combined breaking-up ceremony and presentation of awards. The chairman of the Board of Governors (Mr. W, L. Fitzherbert) presided. The speaker of tho evening was Mr. H, F. Johnston, K.C., of Wellington. Mr. Fitzherbeit extended a wcicume to Mr. Johnston and recalled, associations with him in his school days. After mentioning that tho two Palmerston North High Schools were concluding very successful years, Mr. Fitzherbert referred to the opportunity tho school offered in teaching agriculture and ho extended the board’s thanks to Massey College and the Department of Agriculture for assistance given. Tho speaker urged cheerfulness in these tunes of depression. In hard times jobs were very hard to obtain and wuun once secured should bo stuck to. That was his advice to tho boys and girls leaving. Mr. Johnston said it was a great privilege for him and a pleasure to como up from Wellington and present tho. prizes to two such important schools. It gave a real pleasure to como and see the very magnificent youth that tho schools of New Zealand could present. Ho was very glad to hear from the reports that the work of both schools had reached such high standards. It must give the separate staffs considerable pleasure to think that their efforts had been well rewarded and ho would offer his own personal congratulations. Mr. Johnston then delivered an inspiring address in which he urged a love of country and expressed, tbo hope that the boys and girls of to-day would rcaliso their wonderful heritage and meet with determination and courage tho problems that were facing them. Tho speaker referred to the changes that were taking placo and recalled that it was the work Of the senool to inculcate in pupils certain permanent lines of conduct and thought. Nevertheless, to get an intelligent interest, out of life problems siiould be tackled with original thought, original action and inquiry. Mr. Johnston urged that tho boys and girls of to-day should at all costs make it a part of their life to live in a country that had at heart law and order otherwise there would be a reign of cruelty and terror more horrid than one could possibly imagine. Now Zealanders knew what lovo of country was. When at Ottawa, Mr. Baldwin had spoken of love of country and Mr. Coates, on his return, had said that some people wero inclined to discount Mr. Baldwin’s words. However, when at Ottawa, Mr. Baldwin was given a banquet and in reply to a toast, had spoken of his home, his father and mother, of the country folk and the beliefs of the country people in England. At tho end of his speech, the emotion was so great that there was a rush to tho doors to get outside. An Indian delegate had said Mr. Baldwin left one with “a sob in tho throat.” He was a great Englishman. What was this love of country? asked Mr. Johnston. Tho soldiers in the Great War had fought for their country even when having no material interest in the country. New Zealanders had a glorious "heritage which was worth lighting for. The pioneers had prospered without the comforts and facilities enjoyed to-day. They might have had more money but they walked on dust-swept streets whereas tho people of to-day drove in cars on bitumen. In the lifetime of tho speaker tho British people had had two crises to face—the Great War and the South African War. New Zealand soldiers took a part in the defence of the Empire, all believing that they were tho greatest civilising force in the world and that it was quite impossible to go under. The new generation, however, would not have to face the same crises. They, no doubt, thought they were being handed a. heritage of debt but that was not tho case. Now Zealand was in a very high state of development and had amenities in excess of its population. Nevertheless, New Zealand had great possibilities but nothing was more certain than that this heritage, greater than tho older generation had received, could only bo maintained by courage and determination. A slack race could never maintain its placo in the nations be its country ever so productive. If a school did any good it would breed the habits that would help them to maintain the heritage, .although everyone in crises had their own private thoughts and prayer, lie hoped that their school training had fitted them to meet with courage and delight, the problems they had to face.

Mr. Johnston concluded with best wishes for a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year and then presented the awards.

The speaker for the Old Boys’ Association was Mr. A. W. Yortt, of Palmerston North, president of the association, who, speaking to the boys leaving school, advocated facing presentday difficulties with determination. The speaker paid a tribute to Mr. Murray rector, and declared that the staff was second to none in Now Zealand. Those boys leaving should remember that they were leaving a good school.

Mr. J. W. Rutherfurd moved a voto of thanks to the speakers w-kich was carried by acclamation. Tho chairman congratulated the boys’ first eleven on the result of their cricket match against Napier High School.

Musical numbers were rendered by the girls’ choir under Mr. W. Waters and boys’ choir under Mr. J. Holmes Ruunicles. Other Awards. Scholastic awards and trophies vihn in the athletic field at the Girls’ High School Vfcfe presented at the school by Mrs. Aitcbison, of tho Board of Governors. In congratulating the principal, the staff and the scholars on their examination successes during the year, Mrs. Aitchison stated that the record was ono of which the school might well be proud. To those leaving the school the speaker expressed .the hope that

thoy would always remember theit alma mater and carry on the high, ideals which had been imparted by their teachers. To those returning to further their studies, the speaker hoped that thoy would como back in the new year filled with the will to do well, for it was only by serious and determined application that tho best was attained.

Cookery and sewing.—Junior sewing: P. Broad; senior cookery, (J. Fraser, J. Edwards; senior sewing, O. Stenbcrg; art needlework, S. Fannin.

Specials for drawing and design.— Junior drawing, R. Allen; junior design, J. Colquhouu; senior drawing, M. Billons; senior desigu, H. Reid. Form prizes.—Form IIIC: First aggregate, E. Prentice; second aggregate, M. Munro and M. Prcbble (equal); progress, J. Findlay. Form 1IIB: First aggregate, N. Bennett; second aggregate, J. Swinbourn; third aggregate, D. Gifford; progress, J. Klee. Form IHA: First aggregate, G. Moore and B. Stubbs (equal); second aggregate, M. Newman; progress, A. Luke, J. Tyack. Form IVB: Home course, first, R. Mencndez; second, N. Tregurtha and M. Red (equal). Commercial course, first, E. Greer; second, J. Oliver; progress, M. Stenbcrg. Form IVA: First, J. Ferguson; second, J. Reed and J. Smith (equal); third, B. Laley; progress, N. Pcllatt, L. Schwass. Form VL: First, I. Murray; second, K. Mutch; third, R. Walker; progress, M. Johansen. Form VA: First, F. Laley; second, B. Olliver; third, O. Stenberg; progress, D. Oxnam. Form VM: First, A. Christensen and B. Stevens (equal); second, A. Edwards; progress, L. McCall, P. Buttcrworth. Form VIB: First, U. Sheppard and A. Bristow (equal); second, M. Billons and J. Cruttenden (equal. .rorm VIA: First, L. Sheppard; second, J. Curry. Senior swimming championship (cup presented by Miss H. Park), P. Edwards; junior swimming shield (presented by Mr. M. Robinson), P. Hebdon; senior athletic championship (cup presented by Old Girls’ Association), J. Christie; Balsillie Roso Bowl (presented by the late Mr. J. Balsillie), P. Broad; physical culture championship (cup presented by Mr. W. F. Durward), B. Olliver; senior tennis championship (cup presented by Mr. E. do J. Clere), I. Graham; senior tennis championship (medal presented by Mr. T. R. Hodder), I. Graham; junior tennis championship (cup presented by Miss J. E. Mcßae), N. Oakley; general knowledge (cup presented by Mr. N. H. Nash), A. Bristow; house championship (cup presented by Mr. N. H. Nash), Purple House (captain, B. McDonald). Higher leaving certificate?.--K. Arlidge, D. Bagnall, M. Billens, A. Bristow, J. Curry, J. Cruttenden, J. Findlay, I. Graham, D. Hansmann, L. Hosking, B. McDonald, B. Macpherson, J. Pierard, M. Reid, M. Sheppard, L. Sheppard, E. Sinclair, M. Stewart. Dux of the school—L. Sheppard, M. Stewart.

University Examinations. The names of the following pupils and ex-pupils of the Girls’ High School appear in tho first list of .passes in connection with the degree examinations of the Hew Zealand University:— English, stage I.—First 8.A.: K. Arlidge, J. Findlay, D. Hansmaun, B. McDonald, M. Stewart. Second 8.A.: F. M. Louisson. French, stage I.—First 8.A.: M. Stewart. Psychology. —First 8.A.: B. Cahill. Second 8.A.: N. Bagnall. Education, stage I.—First 8.A.: M. McColl. The opportunity was taken by the pupils prior to tho awarding of the prizes to hand to their teachers bouquets or some little gift as an expression of their gratitude. The gifts were accompanied with the best wishes for the festive season. Girls’ High School Mrs. At. Rhodes, M.A., principal oi the Girls’ High School, a total enrolment of 209, while last year the highest number reached was 261. This was made up of 163 pupils returned to the school and 100 new pupils. Tho highest number on the roll at any one time "was 261. Tne average attendance for tho year is estimated at 219.7. At the end of 1931 64 pupils gained their scrior free place by recommendation, one gained senior free place by examination, 15 were awarded an extension of junior free place, five passed the Public Service entrance examination, 19 passed matriculation, three pas'sed tho Training College entrance examination, while five ootainod partial passes; 14 obtained higher leaving certificates, and our one candidate for University entrance scholarship was placed on the credit list; two girls passed the Government short-hand-typists’ examination and our one candidate passed the Chamber of Commerce examination in book-keeping. During this year tho scholastic standard had been well maintained. AH candidates for the term’s examination for Ist section B.A. and Ist section B.Com. were successful. This said a great deal" for the quality of tho teaching they received, as it meant that a wide range of subjects were taken to a very high standard. The work for B.Com. had not. previously been undertaken by the school, as girls had not required it. But with the blocking of tho teaching profession, ablo and ambitious girls had turned their attention to other fields, and the staff was well able to cope with the work. ‘‘At the same time, wo are extending the usefulness of the commercial course by preparing girls for Government shorthand-typists’ examinations, and for various examinations held under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce,” added Mrs. Rhodes. ‘‘The school docs not by any means limit itself to a narrow scholastic curriculum, and various courses are arranged to suit the varying needs of the girls. It is, however, very generally recognised now that a sound general education is required before intensive specialised work is undertaken, if the pupil is to attain any high standard of excellence in her special subject, and this is provided by the school whatever course tho pupil andertakes, whether professional, general,

commercial, or domestic. Parents may rely on most careful preparation for their daughters, whatever their future career is to be. Special attention is paid at tho school to tho general physical development of the pupils. In addition to the work done by tho teacher of physical culture, various mistresses devote a great deal of time outside school hours to tho training of the girls in various branches of sport, notably swimming, tennis, basketball, hockey, and the school is most fortunate in having not only unequalled facilities for physical development, but also skilled enthusiasts to assist the girls.” Mrs. Rhodes then enumerated the successes which the school teams had met with. The Parents’ Association continued to give great assistance to the school. In common with other boarding departments, School House had suffered from tho prevailing depression. Boarders wero drawn from rural districts, where the results of the depression had been most severely felt.

Mrs. Rhodes thanked the staff for its wholehearted co-operation and expressed deep appreciation of courtesies extended by the board. Boys’ High School

Mr. J. Murray, M.A., rector of the Boys’ High School, reported an average attendance of 312 and tho roll on March 1 as 372. Eighty-four took the professional course, 107 tho commercial, 117 the general, six the short general, and 58 the agricultural. The number of boarders at College House averaged 12. The personnel of tho staff numbered 15 full-time and five part-time members. The honours list for the various examinations of 1931 comprised the following:—Higher leaving certificates 19, University entrance scholarship pass with credit 2, B.A. degree section pass 1, accountancy professional section pass 3, Training College entranco (full) 5, partial 3; matriculation 58, engineering preliminary 1, accountant’s preliminary (full) 10, partial 12; Public Service entrance 20, senior free places 103. The Education Department inspectors visited the school in June. Their report stated that the standard of work was distinctly good and that the organisation, tone and discipline were very good indeed. Prevailing economic conditions accounted for the return to the school at the beginning of the year of the sixth form in numbers much larger than usual. From this form alone during the year 13 boys obtained quite promising and satisfactory situations. 'Where at all possible the policy of returning to school for further preparation until positions arc available is one cf tho expediency of which can be commended by the experience of the past two years. Mr-Murray reported on the successes in the, sporting field and conveyed the school’s thanks to all who had assisted it in work and play. The sustained interest of the Parents’ Association and old boys was acknowledged with gratitude. Mr. Murray conveyed his personal thanks to the staff and Board of Governors for helpful co-operation during the year.