REWADS OF MERIT.

Northern Advocate, 19 December 1922, Page 6

REWADS OF MERIT.

PRIZE-GIVING OCCASION. WHANGAREI SCHOOL PUPILS. Tln>re was a large gathering in the Whangarei Town Hall last evening, on the occasion of the presentation of prize, s won for the past year's work to pupils of the Whangarei Public School, and a number of congratulatory and otherwise interesting addresses were made by various members of the circles of educational control locally. Mr. A. H. Curtis, chairman of the Whangarei Schools' Committee, explained that the occasion was one of continuation of what had .already been carried out during the afternoon, when prizes were given to pupils of the infant classes. Awards were made, he said, for progress and for regularity of attendance. There were also dux prizes, which lie hoped all would aim for. Some GOO pupils attended the .Whangarei School. It was a lot to

look after and Mr. Curtis paid tribute to the way in which Mr. Collins had taken charge, and the able manner in which he had carried on, despite overcrowding. He referred to the fact that some classes had been housed in the Parochial Hall, from which the Board had had notice to quit. However, tenders had been let for ttie building of the new school, which would take 150 of the children, but for the summer months there would be overcrowding at the Whangarei School. Mr. Curtis mentioned the fact that the committee was paid according to attendance; and therefore it was essential to get as many to the school as possible. The pupils' of Standard 11. then opened the musical programme by singing a very pTetty song of Coo-ee, which was well received. This item was followed by a combined recitation by seven boys,- pupils of Standard IV., and by a duet by Muriel and Winnie Ivemp, "Don't be unaisy, I'll teach you to waltz." j I The Mayor spoke and wished all, especially the children, a Merry Christmas and very happy holidays. Tribute was also paid by him to the qualities of the headmaster and staff. Judging from the vocal items given he believed that Whangarei would not go short of local talent in the future, but he warned the pupils that tliey would assist the teachers by leariring all theyvcould in the time of their s&hooldays. He hoped all children would go back to school refreshed by their holidays and would do even better next year than they had during the

past one. "The Dolly Song" by the pupils of Standard 11. was preceded by Miss Evelyn Fulljamcs acquitting herself well in the solo part, "That is what God made Mothers for." "The Dolly Song" was particularly good, and the audience which all along had been clamouring for an encore became insistent, and repetition of the song was equally well applauded.

Six girls of Sandard VI. recited in unison, "The Goblins will get you if you don't watch out" and they showed a thorough appreciation of the necessary expression to give the piece its full import.

Mr. J. D. McKenzie, member of the Auckland Education Board, explained that it: was, as far as he 'Could make out, shortage of money that was responsible for overcrowding in the schools. Last year over £3,000,000 had been spent on education in a country with only 1;T millions of population. It was a big hurdle, but he recognised that although local conditions were pressing, unless money was available then remedial measures could not immediately be undertaken. He hoped that before the next Parliamnt met the people would impress the conditions prevailing upon the new member of Parliament.

Miss Lila Cutforth sang a song that was roundly applauded, and it was followed by one of the best items of the evening, a fancy dance by Miss Vita Kelly, which was keenly encored. Miss Joyce Armstrong recitcd most ably what was a somewhat scathing reply to some of the "dads" of to-day.

Mr. C. East, president of the Parents and Teachers Association, said, referring to the lack of accommodation at the schools, that he was disappointed at Mr. Mclvenzie putting up a tale of the hard-upness of the Department as an excuse. But if the school with the good headmaster crnd staff it had was to do its best, then it would not be satisfactory to continue with the old tale of lack of funds. It was for the people to move to show the Minister that the Department could stretch its purse a bit yet. He moved that the meeting of parents and citizens of Whangare-i, having learnt with surprise and very deep regret of the delay of the Department in providing funds for an extra class-room at the Whangarei School, urge the Department to grant the . request at once. Mr. R. G. Hosking seconded the motion, which was declared carried unani-

mously. In reply, Mr. McKenzie said that it must be borne in mind that appropriations were made every year for educational matters, but that last year they had been insufficient to provide the class-room. The Education Board had depleted its funds so much that it was unable to satisfy the demands of'the district. Pupils of Standard IV. contributed a song of which the chorus in unison was particularly effective, "When we went to school together." The duet by the two girl pupils was also especially meritorious. A particularly effective part song, cleverly sung, followed, and was really very good.

Drill by a squad of masked boy pupils of Standard 111. was the most mirth-making item of the programme. The lads had grotesque facial masks on the back of their heads, and the ludicrous results when, back-on to the audience, they performed such calisthenic exercises as "On the hands, down." The audience was convulsed with laughter throughout and an encore . was vorciferously demanded. Mr. F. Murdoch, M.P., congratulated

the boys and girls upon the excellence of the programme they had submitted, which ho declared reflected credit on the staff as well as upon themselves. The innovation of an honours board was also favourably commented upon. Mr. Murdoch urged all to play up and play the game and they would find that the teachers were only there to help them to do that. It was to the youth - ".'that the country looked to do their best in the future, and it therefore behoved them to do so always. He hoped that the lack of accommodation at the school would rot last long. Credit was due to the teachers and committee for inaugurating the occasion, which had an educational value to the children and the public also.

The presentation of prizes was then proceeded with, the Mayoress, Mr?. McLean, handing out the largo stock of books,' assisted by Messrs. Collins, Blnkey and Curtis.

The following is the prize list. — STANDARD VI. Dux of the school —Girls: Annie Wilson; boys: Richard Hosking. Merit'.—Laurel R'eed, Grace Meek; Stanton Johnson, Alwyn Long. Progress: —Olive Meek, Marion Watson, A'iti Sunderland, Stanley Forth, Bruce Allan, Owen Bindon. Special prize, donated by Mr C. Solomon. awarded for school-work, ■ sport, character and popularity: —Richard

Hosking, Mu Collins' prize:—Willie Crawford. Rev. G. C. Cruickshank's prize:—Eric Collins. Attendance: —Marion Watson, Edna Wilkinson, Marjory De-nt, Dorothy Henderson, Cassie Ogle, Phemia Ogle, and Rena Tibbits. James Downs, Riichard Hosking, Alfred Lacey and Eastwood Palmer. Tennis championship: —It. was announced that after a good game in the finals Jessie Hemus had won the tennis championship, and she received the prize. STANDARD V. Merit: —Phyllis Stringer, Mary Down.s, Bert Campbell ancl AViili-e Crawford. Progress:—Joan Woolley, A ita Tve.'y. Myrtle Akast, Jack Cooper, Robin Hughes and Robert Reynolds. Attendance: —M. Downs, A. Dempster, N. Wilson, F. Manning, R. Robinson, R. Reynolds, G. Simpkins, W. Crawford, H. Cookson, N. Knowles, F. Swanberg and R. Davics.

STANDARD IV. Merit: —Joyce Symons, Dulcie Stirling, Croydon Woolley and Allan Purchase. Progress:—Gwen Owens, Myra Hosking, Margaret Monk, Trevor, Mallindine, Stuart McKinnon, and Bert Brooks. Composition: —Joyce Ekins, Helen Benwell, Lyle Murray, and Clifford Dennis. Attendance: —Athleen Lidgard, Jean Thompson, Bert Brooks, Aubrey Dickey, Barney Finch, Dave Hoey, Clarry Johns, Trevor Mallindine, Jack Watson, Jack Green, Gordon Thompson, and Brian Crawford.

STANDARD 111. Merit:—Betty McKenzie (special) ai}d Eonald Scott (special), Winnie Kemp, Muriel Ivemp, lan Fraser, Wyim Griffin. Progrtss: —Elva Simons, Joan Spcer, Jessie Hill, John Marshall, Arnold Dent, and Leslie Pollock. Attendance: — Jessie Hill, * Gwen Lovatt, Daphne' Waring, William Waring, Eonald Moroy, Cyril Dempster, Wynn Griffin, Allen Humphrey, Charles Stewart, Andrew Swanberg, and John Marshall. ■STANDARD 11. Merit: —Flora Campbell, Sadie Boag, Ma vis Christie, Angus Campbell, Horace, Cunis, Clarence Middleton. Progress: — Jean Cooksey, Stella Cook, Mary Patterson, Gwen StreetcT, Lewis Moore, Edward Mann, Gordon Stirling, Gordon .Smith and Desmond Black (special).

Attendance: —Mavis Christie, Jean Stewart, Elsie Lillcy, Claude Dickey, Lewi* Moore. George Sketchier, Fraser Munro, Noel Crawford, and Basil Hollows. STANDARD I. Merit: — Joyce •Armstrong, Mona Lilley, Herbert Windust, and Eric Mann. Progress;—Alva Sherman, Margaret Jack, Patricia Thorley, Geoffrey East, Carl Provan, and Garnet Keene. Attendance: —Laurel George, Helen Fraser, John Sketch ley, and Ro c s.

At the conclusion of the prize-giving ill*. Curtis called for an expression of thanks to the Mayoress, which was carried by acclamation. He added that it was tlie aiiyi of the Schools Committee to get parents to take an interest in their children's school, and the attendance showed that they did so. Mr. Collins was given a rousing welcome, in which the children joined lustily, and which lie declared had put him in a good humour. The occasion, he explained, was a web to catch the parents. He urged that parents should assist the committee by discountenancing irregular attendance for anything other than absolute sickness. Last year had been bad in that respect. ]t was of somo importance- to make sure that children should get their foundation work completed thoroughly. The headmaster also parents to aid the staff by insisting upon night preparation for next day's work. That was an essential, and if the parents helped in that direction they would find that great results would be achieved by the end of the year. Mr. Collins had been asked on occasions to put children in higher classes, but he impressed upon his hearers that the staff gave the matter of individual promotion full consideration and asked that it be left to them fo make sure that the children got a proper grounding before being put into higher classes.- In wishing his pupils a Merry Christmas and enjoyable holi-> days he urged that the keynote to get them was to ✓do something. "With the aid of the pupils, the parents, and the teachcrs, in that order,' concludcd Mr. Collins, "we are going to have a j fine school in Wliangarei.

A DEPARTING TEACHER. The Rev. G. C. Cruiclcshank announced the impending departure of Miss Hardwick, who has resigned from her position in charge of the infant school •after 13 years' service. Tn her modest \vav she had requested that no special occasion be arranged in connection

with her leaving, but he asked those present to stand and give her thre-3 hearty British cheers, which was done lustily. CONCLUSION. With the real Scotch accent, 'Miss Mary. Calder sang Auld Lang Sync, and her meritorious rendering was certainly one of the most pleasing items of the evening, the audience joining in the chorus.

The-Mayor apologised for the absence of Mr. R. Lupton, principal of the Whangarci High School, and ,then called for cheers for the donors of special prizes, the headmaster and sta«ff, and those who had arranged the evening. These were given, and an evening that gave great pleasure to pupils and teachers alike was concluded by the singing of the National Anthem.

THE AFTEIiNOON GATHERING. The floor of the hall was well filled in the afternoon, when the pupils of the primer classes and the first standard had their ceremony. Mr A. 11. Curtis presided, and had with him on the stage Mr Fred. Murdoch, M.P., the Mayor and Mayoress of Whangarei (Mr and Mrs D. A. McLean) and the headmaster (Mr C. F. Collins). Brief addresses were given by the chairman, Mr McLean and Mr Murdoch, and at the close Mr Collins also spoke to the children. The Mayoress presented the prizes to the first standard children, and then handed gift boohs to every child in the four primer classes and in the 'first standard. The children ga\'C an excellent programme of songs and recitations. The first standard girls began with a pretty song, and another from second and third primer boys was very well done. Joyce Armstrong's reeitation was a remarkably fine achievement for so small a .-'ink;, and Mona Lilley's Highland dance \va« another exceptionally clever item. A recitation by Allan Havris and | Alfred Eusli revealed two very capable children. The girls and boys of the second and third primers sang ac- | tion songs, the girls the first primj er. very tiny lit trio tots, gave a l'ecita- [ tion, and the closing item was a "good-

nig-'n" song in appropriate costume by the girls and boys of the first standard. All the items reflected the greatest credit upon both children and teachers, even the smallest children showing that they possessed excellent memories, both for words and for actions. Hearty clieers were given for the headmaster and staff, on Mr Murdoch's call, and a similar compliment w r as paid to the Mayoress and the speakers. A collection, in aid of the prize fund, was taken up during the afternoon, producing well over £u, and those who attended in the evening also gave generously, their contributions bringing the total up to nearly £18.