THE TOWN SCHOOLS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXX, Issue 304, 24 December 1896, Page 4

THE TOWN SCHOOLS.

77; A, DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES. ,The Theatre was crowded on Tuesday • afternoon with school children, parents, and friends, when the prizes wero distributed according to tho lists published . . ■■ in last evening's Mail. ' Upon the stage were the Mayor (Mr F.S-aek), Rev J. H. MacKenssie (chair- , man), Rev J". P. Kempthorne, Messrs W. . .Jtont, T. Fathers; Grant, and Piper, , members of the Town Sohools Commtteo. ' •-; ■ The Mayor, in presenting the prizes, said he was exceedingly pleased to see so many present, and bo niany ohildren with bright smiling, faces. Mr Trask, referring to the Bible in Schools question, said he would' like to seethe Bible read by the State School scholars for at least twenty minutes daily, but not within Bchool hours. There was no telling, ho Bald, but that the boys and girls might . yet see him " somewhere about the House of Parliament," if the people of Nolson would elect him. (Applause). If not, he might try fields furtjier away, ■but at aU events he would say now that the present Education Aot of New Zea- . land was one of the best Acts that had ever been passed. (Applause). Having congratulated the children upon their happy and. healthy looks, he conipliment- •' ed the teachers on, the year of successful •* iri|rk. Mr.Trask thanked Messrs Ancell and Allan for, collecting prizes, and at his call three cheers, were heartily given for them. He hoped; the children would enjoy their holidays, always be kind to their parents, and return to sohool determined to do their best, and give thoir teachers as little tronble as possible. , . -The, prizes were then distributed, the winners being applauded aa they came .foivnadi .MrTiper as a. member of the Schools ' Committee expressed his pleasure at -seeing such a large gathering. It was -gratifying that so much good work had been done by the scholars during the year And he was pleased that the old system of prize-giving had been revived. Mr >' Piper noticed that '.Certificates had been given for good attendance and regretted that there were- uo prizes to go with , these as he regarded regular attendance . . as most important. He reminded the children that upon leaving eohool or college their education was not finished but had really begun' in earnest. Mr Piper agreed . with the Mayor and would like the Bible read in schools as.it would afford the best of literature, would teach morality and . Upon it was founded the civilisation of the nineteenth century. ■ (Applause). In concluding Mr Piper wished all a Merry Christmas and a . Happy .New Year. Voiced .- (Same to you). He hoped tbey would, return to their, lessons with renew- ,; ed vigour^ and conduct tnemselves so ".that "their country would be proud of them. (Applause). • ' 'Cheers were then given for subscribers ■ to the. prizes, for the obairman and members ;of -the , Committee, and for tho . teachers. ~" : Tbe Mayor roferred to the resignation of Miss Gascoigne, who, he said, would be greatly-missed, especially by the. girls of the Toi Toi Valley School. He said Miss , (jlascoigne,-had during a long and faithful ' service pioved herself to be one of the best . teachers in the province of Nelson, and she hid given Batistaotion' to tbe Committee, (io parents, and to the Education' Board. (Applause). Ho hoped that looking back ' ' upon her good .work would, give pleasure and encouragement to : Miss Gascoigne in { . all her fu'iure career. ' (Applause.) The Rev; J:H. MaoKchzie thanked Mr ' Trask for presiding, and having addressed ] a few encouraging words to those scholars who had not taken prizes this : time, Mr Mackenzie called for three cheers for Mr Trask and immediately there was a chorus „ of ahrdl " Hip, hip, hip-hoorays;" t •* , The National Anthem wnssung and thus the proceedings terminated.