The Evening Mail WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE NEW ZEALAND AGRICULTURIST. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1878.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 833, 14 December 1878, Page 2

The Evening Mail WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE NEW ZEALAND AGRICULTURIST. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1878.

BiiTiAKixa up for the holidays has a peculiar charm for school children. As the

time for putting aside slates and books gives way to a period of rest from ment.il strain and a season of recreation, the effervescent natures of our boys and girls are brought fully into play. Visions of the good things which are borne on the wings of Christmas-tide haunt their minds by night and day. Much as they love their school teachers and their school occupations, they are glad of the prospect of a little relaxation ; and the more studious they are, the greater the necessity for rest for a season from their scholastic labors. One of the dearest old usages in connection with breaking up for the holidays is that of awarding prizes according to merit to the scholars, not so much on account of the intrinsic value of the prizes, but because of the pleasantness of the ceremony of presentation. The scholar who has worked well, and who is deserving that some laurels should crown his industry at the cud of the year, in the presence of parents proud on account of the attainments of their son or daughter and of an admiring audience of scholars and friends, is called forward to receive a well-earned reward. Those who, having reached the summit of the hill, are travelling down the other side, doubtless remember well the pleasurable excitement, the laudable pride, th;\.t took possession of them at such a moment, and the resolutions then formed to make themselves worthy of similar distinction when the next year should roll round. The new system of education does not admit of such prodigality as expending money in school prizes, unless the School Committes accept the entire responsibility, and make a call upon the public for funds to enable them to purchase the prizes. That the public approve of the old custom of awarding prizes is abundantly proved by their liberality in lately responding to the call of the teachers of the South School. The little boys of that school collected over Ll4 in two or three days, and could have obtained at least twice the amount. We hope that the South School will not be the only one at which the old custom will be observed this year. There is no reason why it should be. We are per- ■' suadod that, wei'e a proper canvass for ( subscriptions made, funds to enable the teachers of every school to award prizes * would be liberally and willingly given. . Breaking up for the holidays will be tame indeed if the ceremony of examining pupils and awarding prizes to scholars is allowed to grow into disuse. We hope that, if it is not now too late, efforts will ], be made to hold examinations and award t prizes as usual in each of the Oamaru c schools. 1