PONSONBY PUBLIC SCHOOL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 5996, 4 February 1881, Page 6

PONSONBY PUBLIC SCHOOL.

The presentation of prizes, certificates of scholarships and proficiency to the successful pupils at the Ponsonby Public School took place at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon in the senior class-room. The following members -of the committee were present:—Messrs. Upton (Chairman of Committee), D. F. Evans (Secretary), and G. Cruickshank, W. J. Rees, and R. H. Stevenson. A large number of the parents of the children were also present, more especially ladies, to provide sitting accommodation, for whom taxed the ingenuity of Mr. Bailey, the Jiead- teacher. Mr. Upton prefaced the presentation by a brief address to the children and friends. He said they were met there to assist in a most agreeable ceremonial. When the boys who contested the scholarships commenced their labours they were not aware that such handsome prizes as those which Mr. Swanson had bestowed would be given to the successful competitors. The committee were very desirous that that gentleman should have been present on the occasion, but circumstances had prevented Ms coming. He would, however, read a letter, he had received from Mr. Swanson : — Auckland. 3rd February. 1881.—Dear Sir, —You will oblige me by assuring the Ponaonby committee, though out of my power to be present at the distribution of prizes, that they can raty on me to do all in my power to promote the efficiency o£ their school. Speaking for myself, I am more than pleased with the esults. If the scholars only go on as they have done they "will do. Here is what I mean. Ponsonby got one scholarship last and two this year. That means four next examination. Newton East got one this year, and of course two are expected there ; and I do not think it wrong to look for one in Newton West.. At this rate, seven will be accounted for, but you can tell the youngsters that, if they will make a special effort, and pull off the eight among them, there will be no impertinent inquiries as to how many were got by any particular school, so long as it is done in the district iurther, that, in addition to their own progress, and the gratification of their friends, they may rely on the teachers coming down handsomely in the matter of prizes.—Believe me to be, yours sincerely. Wμ. Swansgn—Mr. J. H, Upton. There - were 109 competitors for the eight scholarships (from all parts of this provincial .district), and Ponsonby school furnished ■eight. It had carried off fw o scholarships (narrowly escaped a tfcr five certificates ot proficiency, and is'ir Julius Vogel's prize. He was sure that Mr. Swanson to whose exertions they were so much indebted in connection with the erection of j the school must be gratified at such a result. It was more than the school was entitled to on the basisW the number of the pupils in attendance, and therefore all the more creditable to all concerned. Sir Julius Vogel, who notwithstanding his absence from New Zealand still took a lively interest iu its welfare, had prizes in each of the provinces of the colony—the condition being that it should -be awarded to the boy with the highest marks in his certificate of proficiency •who had missed a scholarship. In this case the prize fell to Master George Cruickshank, df Ponsonby" (739 marks), who lost the scholarship by only nine marks. The certificates of scholarship and proficiency were not only valuable for the pecuniary value they represented, but the valuable mental lessons which the contest must have impressed upon the minds of the competitors. Even those who had been unsuccessful had ' gained habits of self-reliance, honourable ambition, and energy through the struggle. The, lives of Bishops Patteson and Selwyn were instances of what men of lofty purpose, self-denial, and quiet, earnest determination could effect. The difference between one man and another' was very largely made by duty and work. He thought the result of the scholarship examinations, so far as Ponsonby was concerned, was one highly creditable to Mr. Bailey, the head-teacher, and he expected the children to give him three cheers when Mr. Swanson's lollies, stowed away in an adjoining apartment, were disposed of. Mr. Upton then presented the certificates of scholarship to Frank Goodacre and Albert Hough, together with two large piles of nandsomely bound books, the gift of Mr. Swanson; and Sir Julius Vogel's prize (4 vols. Waverley novels, elegantly bound, library edition), to George Cruickshank. Certificates of proficiency were also given to George Cruickshank, T. O. Jenkins, F. W. Sage, C. T. Edwards, and E. C. Blomfield Mr. Bailey took occasion, in a short speech, to express his gratification at seeing so many of the parents present, as it evidenced their interest hi the school and school work. He desired to offer a word both of caution and explanation. Thetaking of two or threa scholarships or certificates of proficiency in a school did not indicate the real standard of education in a primary school. It was comparatively, easy to, take half-a-dozen bright boys and by devoting special atteri- , tion to. them attain honours, but to bring up the rank and file, to a higher grade was a very different matter. The real test of the progress of education in the primary schools ■was the standards' examinations, and the percentage of children who passed in them. He hoped the pupils who had won scholar- : ships would prosecute their studies on to the University, but at the same time wear their tondars with humility, feeling that they had not completed their education, but only laid its foundation in.the truest and best sense. Mr. Bailey then presented certificates of merit from the Board for good attendance to Margaret plough, Evelyn McDermott, Mabel Harris, Emma Carter, and Henry Clough ; also 229 certificates to the children ■who had. passed the standard's examination. Mr. George Crotckshank: moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Upton for presiding, which •was carried by acclamation. The children were called to attention, and at the word of command marched out \in Indian file by classes into the corridors, -where each child, to its great delight, re- • ceived a package of confectionery from a .number of large tins of sweetmeats, sent up for distribution by Mr. Swanson. We append the Inspector's report on the examination for standards, which is of a Tery gratifying character :—" On roll at time of examination, 257 males and 199 females ; not presented, 119 males and 65 females. Standard I.: Presented, 45 males and 43 females; passed, 44 males and 41 females; absent, 1 male arid 2 females. Standard H.: Presented, 35 males and ■49 females ; passed, 29 males and 42 females; absent, 1 male and 1 female. Standard;lll.: Presented, 27 males and 26 females ; passed: 20 males arid 21 females. Standard IV. Presented, 20 males aud 12 females; passed, ■ 13' males and 5 females; absent, 4 males and 1 female. Standard V. : Presented,- • 8 males, 4 females ; passed, 7 males and 4 females. Standard VI. : Presented, 3males; passed, 3 males. Total in all standards : Presented, 138 males and 134 females; . passed, 116 males and 113-females; absent, 6 males and 4 females. Object lessons: Syllabus produced, good. Singing: Taught by_ Instructor of Singing. Elementary science: Not taught. . Laws of health: Taught to 4th, sth and 6th standards, -who acquitted themselves well. ■_ Drawing: 3rd ; standard taught free hand drawing, on -slates; other standards up to the require- ' ments, with the; exception ' of 'the sth, who ,-•'■" arc not practised-; in geometrical - drawing. '-Itecitation:- List of pieces produced';' the "■ . recitation was good throughout all- the standards. Needlework: The needlework of '- - the school is ; np 'to the requirements of the ; '; ■ standards: Discipline ariddrill: Good. —It. c »>J. ; O'Suxmvan, Inspector.'--* 1 - •:- : ':