EDUCATIONAL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1200, 1 March 1895, Page 32

EDUCATIONAL.

The following took prizes in classes D. E. at the recent teachers' examination for elementary experimental science and drawing : Elementary experimental science—John M. Allan (Otago), .£5; Charles W. Field (Auckland), .£3; Adolphus NT. Scotter (Hawke's B&y), .£l. Drawing—Harry T. Gibson (Auckland), £5; Robert Taylor Wood (South Canterbury), .£3 ; Jessie W. Evans (Auckland), At a meeting at Auckland last week, it was resolved to establish technical- classes in the city. The tender of D. Moir at £33 10s has been accepted by the Education Board for fencing the Mitchelltown School.

SGHOOL EXCURSIONS.

Another school excursion to Wellington took place on Friday, when the children from the State schools at Carterton, Featherston, Belvedei-e, Matarawa, Cross' Creek, Kaiwaiwai and Dalefield came in by a special train, consisting of 12 carriages, arriving here at 10.25 a~m. It was computed that there were about 800 excursionists altogether, including the parents and friends of the children and their ' teachers. The strongest contingent came from Carterton, the train leaving there at about a quarter to 6. On this occasion the children were in most cases under the direct control of the teachers 5 those from Carterton being in charge of the headmaster (Mr F. Bennett), Messrs Smith and Foss, Miss Broadbent and Mrs Jones; Messrs James and Joseph Stevens (members of the School. Committee) also accompanying them. A number of the younger children left by a later train in charge of some of the teachers for a picnic at Pigeon Bush. The Featherston children were under the care of the Rev Mr Porritt (headmaster), Mr Williamson and Misses King and Riddick, the School Committee being represented by Messrs J. G. Cox (chairman), Johnson and Spackman (secretary). The train, composed of eight carriages, was nearly filled when leaving Carterton, in fact, if all those who ®were anxious to take advantage of the trip were allowed to do so, the full complement of passengers would be got there, but it was decided, in view of the want of accommodation, to allow only those adults to take part in the excursion who were directly interested in the children. At Featherston four carriages, which had been filled with children, were coupled on, and another contingent was taken on at Cross' Creek, from which place to the Summit three Fell engines hauled up the train, consisting of 12 carriages and two brake-vans. A stop of a quarter of an hour for refreshments * was made at Kaitoke. The arrangements in connection with the excursion were carried out under the direct supervision of Mr Donne, District Traffic Manager, who went out to Carterton on the previous day. > " The train arrived punctually at 10.25, and among those on the platform were Sir Patrick Buckley, and Messrs J. R. Blair (chairman), J. Young and A. Dorset (secretary), representing the Education Board. At the invitation of Mr R. Parker the majority of the excursionists- immediately proceeded to St. Paul's, where Mr Parker played a couple of selections on the organ, at the conclusion of which he was thanked by the Rev Mr Porritt for the musical treat afforded to the children. They then adjourned to the Railway Wharf, where the Mana was lying waiting • to take them on a trip round the harbour. Those who could not then be accommodated were . taken in the afternoon. Numbers inspected the Parliament and Government Buildings, Telegraph Office, Telephone Exchange and other places of interest during the day. The teachers spoke in the highest terms of praise of the conduct of the children during the trip, and amusing anecdotes were related of the wonder expressed by the youngsters on their beholding the sea after passing the Lower Hutt, it being the first time that the majority of them had looked upon the briny element. The train left on the return journey about 5.25 p.m. The children attending the Willis street and Mitchelltown schools had their annual treat on Friday, being taken in the Mana and Duco to Lowry Bay, where a very pleasant time was spent. The funds obtained from the sale of work recently held in the Willis street school were utilised for the purpose, and a plentiful supply of refreshments and a variety of amusements were provided for the children. Messrs Biggs, Jupp, Geary, Richards and Petherick, members of the Willis street School Committee, and all the teachers, were present and rendered valuable aid.