OAMARU CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

North Otago Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 793, 24 December 1872, Page 2

OAMARU CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

This Society, which has been established now jast about four years, has, carrying out fche programme which it proposed at its formation, viz., the encouragement of Scottish National sports, and the study of Scottish literature, already held three very successful gatherings, and last year and this has also offered prizes for competition by children under 15 years of age for proficiency in knowledge of Scottish history, and for readings from Scottish authors. This year the prizes offered were >■ follows :— (1). Scottish History, Alexander HI. to Bobtrt I., 1249-1329. (2). Life and Times of Eobert I. ; (3). Readings in the Scottish Language (competitor to choose hit own piece). (4). Readings in the Scottish language (piece to be choien bv the examiners). In each of these classes* the prizes were of the following rallies, respectively, viz. :— 1st. 25s. j 2nd, 16s. j 3rd, 10s. The prizes in olasses 1 and 2 were competed for by written examination ; papers containing ques- ! tions with regard to the periods of history comprised in those classes being given to each competitor, and the answers handed in numbered and sealed; the mod* adopted effectually preventing the possibility of the judge* knowing who were competing. We understand, that these papers have not yet been opened, and consequently the awards for classes 1 and 2 have not yet been made, but , probably will be to-day. For the prizes offered in Class 3 (Beading in the Scottish language, competitors choosing their own pieces) eight children competed, two of whom were girls, the names being as follows — Peter Gray, John Steel, George Simmers, Mary King, Alexander King, John Boss, Thomas Lawrence, and Agnes Gray. All read well, .but the judges selected without hesitation Thomas Lawrence for first place, requiring, however, a second competition between Mary King and Agnes Gray for 2nd and 3rd, respectively. The final award was as follows : — 1st prize, Thomas Lawrence; 2nd, Mary King ; 3rd, Agnes Gray. For the prizes offered in Clan 4 (Beading in the Scottish language — pieces to be chosen by the examiners) six competed; the piece chosen by the examiners being the interview between Sob Boy and Baillie Nicol Jarvie, in gaol (Bob Boy, chap, xxirr.) Agnes Gray \rw facile princeptybut, to award second place, the examiners required a new trial between Thomas Lawrence and Mary King, selecting as the teat a piece from Chiy Manuering (chap. XXZ7I.), viz., the interview between Dandie Dimmont and the lawyer Peydell. The result was in favor of Lawrence who took second prize, Mary King being awarded the third. Messrs John M'Lean (Redcastle), J. Bee, and T. Hay-Mackenzie acted as examiners. The prizes are, we understand, to be distributed on New Tear's Day in the Masonic Hall, at 11 a.m. Some of the competitors in the written examination being resident at Otepopo, we are requested to state that in the event of their being suooessful, and not being able to attend on the 1st January, their prizes will be sent ont to them.' A number of persons.