SCHOOL VACATIONS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 10960, 28 December 1911, Page 2

SCHOOL VACATIONS.

KAKAXUI

Tho minimi school picnic, at which the distribution of prizes takes place, was hold in Mr Robert Elder's paddock on Boxing Day. The weather, which during tin' past week has been of a kind to frighten holiday-seekers, behaved in a most becoming manner. A gentle breeze from the nor'-ea.st, accompanied by a warm sun, soon made the ground sufficiently dry for comfortable enjoyment, and allowed an almost summer display of healthily-dressed. iads and lassies. An abundance of good tilings in the way of eatables was provided by the residents, and innumerable prizes for racing, jumping, etc., were evidence of the liberal contributions in the way of solid cash. After a day of sport and good eating, Mr George Bruce, the chairman of the 'School Committee, presented each child with a good book, and also presented prizes to the -duces of the standards. Before doing so Mr Bruce, on .behalf of the Committee, thanked the parents and teachers for the hearty support the Committee had received from each and all.

The following is the prize list: Dux of the school—Robert Elder (gold medal presented by Mr H. Gibson). Standard V—Theresa Leen. Standard IV —Rueben Almquist. Standard III —Vida Bruce and Mona Hedley (equal). Standard II —Violet Cornish. Standard I —Eva Boaden. Special (Botany and Gardening)— George Bruce. Shooting (two prizes, the gift of Mr George Bruce)—lst, Thos. W. Cleghorn; 2nd, Francis M'Gregor. Attendance First-class: Ronald Hedley, Reuben Almquist, Arthur Watts, Violet Cornish, Helen M'Kenzie, William Ny, Gustof Ny,- Edwin Grenfell, Laura Barnett, Kate Barnett. Best attendance of those living at least one and, a-half mile from the school—Selena Smith.' KIA ORA. On Christmas Day the Kia Ora School held their fifth annual picnic at the Kakanui riverbed. Considering the daybeing so wet and showery there was a fair attendance. Had the day been better there would have been a large attendance, but those present seemed to enjoy themselves. After the billy had been boiled and refreshments served the various races were competed' for by the children and young ladies and gentlemen, and' a game of rounders was played. Toys were awarded to the little ones and money to the older competitors. Following are the winners of events: Bovs' infant race—Jeffrey Thompson 1, Mervyn Milmine 2, Allan Duff 3, George Scott 4, Richard Burton 5. Bovs' junior race —George Taylor 1, John Dull 2, Gray Allan 3, Jas. Aitcheson 4, William Duff 5. Senior boys' race —James Duff 1, John Taylor 2. Ewen Duff 3. Boys' three-legged race —Jas. Duff and Jas. Taylor 1, John Taylor and Jas. Aitcheson 2. Girls' infant race—Eva Scott- 1, Gladys Milmine 2, Ruby Allan 3, Edna Chalmers 4, Mabel Milmine 5. Senior girls' race—Violet Thompson 1, Annie Thompson 2, Jessie Allan 3, Evelyn Johnson 4, May Johnson 5. Girls' three-legged race Annie Thompson and Evelyn Johnson 1, Violet Thompson and Jessie Allan 2. Young ladies' race —Ellen M'Gee 1, Mena Anderson 2, Kate M'Gee 3. Young linen's race —B. Milligau 1, C Taylor 2, A. Perry 3. After refreshments Mr Duff, chairman of the School Committee, gave out the school prizes. Prizes given ior aggregate marks on quarterly examinations: —Standard VI: Dux medal (presented by Mr Blyth, watchmaker)- —Jessie Taylor; James Taylor 2. Standard IV: Violet Thompson I, John Tavlor 2. Standard III: David Taylor 1, Ewen Duff 2, Jas. Duff 3. Standard II: Annie Thompson 1, Jessie Allan 2, Thomarina Johns 3. Standard I: George Taylor 1, AVilliam Duff 2, Gray Allan 3. Attendance prizes Scholars near school: William Duff (Mr Cowan's prize) and John Duff equal; distant from school: John Taylor (Mr Fraser's prize) and David Taylor equal. Sewing—Senior: Jessie Taylor 1, Violet Thompson (Miss Carmichael's prize and Miss Millar's prize) 2. Junior: Annie Thompson 1, Mabel Allan (Miss Millar's"prize) 2. Infants: Gladys and Edith Milmine (equal). Each scholar not having obtained a prize was presented with a book of lesser value. Special votes of thanks were accorded to Mr Blyth for the dux medal given by him, as it was the second occasion on which he had done so; also to Miss Carmichael and Miss Millar for sewing prizes, and to Mr Fraser for attendance prize, and to all who had' contributed to the prize and picnic fund, or helped in any way to make the picnic a success. WAITAKI. The annual distribution of prizes in connection with the Waitaki Bridge School took place on Wednesday, 20th inst., a large number.of parents and friends being present. The school-room was neatly decorated and on the w-alls there was a fine display of drawings and works: of art by the school children, from tho smallest tots to the Sixth Standard, which reflected great credit on the pupils and their teacher (Miss E. Marwick). The proceedings were enlivened by songs by the children and a recitation by Nellie Williams, which were much appreciated. Mr D. Williams (chairman of the School Committee) congratulated, the children and their teacher on the excellent results obtained on this their third year, arid mentioned that on each occasion they had been examined by a different inspector and always with the same excellent results. It was (he said) also pleasing to note that their conduct and manners had been reported excellent; and, further, that the pupil in Standard VI. had been successful in gaining her proficiency certificate, as on each occasion the pupils in the Sixth Standard had all been successful in

gaining proficiency certificates, which entitled them to the privilege of two years' free education at the high school. Appreciation of the school's good work was shown by the large number of beautiful prizes which had been provided. He announced that arrangements had

been made to take the children for an excursion, trip to the Point Bush, Waimate, on the following day, and urged all those who had not gained first prizes not to be discouraged, but to make greater efforts during the coming year. He hoped they would all do their best to maintain the high standard of efficiency to which their school had attained, and then.called on Mrs D. Brosnan to present the prizes. After the prizes were distributed the Chairman, on behalf of-the Committee, expressed sincere thanks to all who had so kindly donated prizes, to Mrs Bros-' nan for presenting the prizes and judging the sewing, and also to Miss Marwick,- who supplied afternoon tea, also cakes and lollies for the children. The proceedings were brought to a close with hearty cheers for "the teacher and the School Committee. The school will reopen on February sth. Following is the prize' list: P. I—lndustry: J. Kelly, S. Martin, j

P. ll—Marks: Samuel Bennett 1, Nellie Williams 2. Arithmetic, writing, and drawing: S. Bennett 1, N. Williams 2. Spelling and- reading: N.' Williams 1, S. Bennett 2. Standard I (preparatory)— Marks: James Clark 1, Gladys Kelly 2, Clarence Tomlinson 3. Arithmetic: James Clark I, C. Tomlinson 2, G. Kelly and D. JSrosnaii (equal) 3. Reading: G. Kelly 1, J. Clark 2, W. Hampstead 3. Spelling: C. Tomlinson 1, G. Kellv 2, J. Clark 3. Writing: W. Hampstead 1, J. Clark 2, D. Brosnan 3. Drawing: W. Hampstead and J. Clark (equal) 1, G. Kelly 2. Standard I —Attendance: H. Jackson I, D. Williams 2, L. Boko 3. Marks: L>. Williams 1. L. Boko 2. H. Jnck.son 3. Reading: D. Williams 1. L. Boko 2, 11. Jackson 3. Spelling: 1). Williams 1. L. B..k<» 2. IF. Jackson 3. Writing: H. Jackson and L. Boko (equal) 1, .J. Weslev ■_'. Arithmetic: I). Williams 1, L. Boko -J. 11. Jackson 3. Drawing: H. Jackson and L. Boko (equal) 1, J. We.<-k>v 2. Recitation: 1). Williams 1. L. Boko 2. H. Jackson 3. Standard II —Attendance : A. Kellv LP. Wesley 2. Marks (spelling and arithmetic): A. Kelly 1. Drawing and recitation : P. Wesley 2. Reading and writing: P. Weslev 1. A. Kelly 2. Standard III —Attendance: L. Kellv 1. E. Williams 2. R. Bennett o. Marks': E. Williams 1. R. Bennett 2, A. Clark | 3, Reading: 13, Williams }, L, Kelly

and A, Clark (equal) 2. Spelling: E. •Williams 1, A. Clark 2. L. Kelly 3. Composition: E. Williams 1. R. Bennett 2. A. Clark 3. Writing: E.' Williams 1, R. Bennett 2. L. Kellv 3. Arithmetic: K. Bennett 1, E. Williams 2, A. Clark 3. Drawing: R. Bennett 1, X. Winchester and E. Williams (equal) 2. Recitation: E. Williams 1, A. Clark 2 f L; Kelly 3. Standard IV—Proficiency in reading, spelling, writing, composition, drawing, and recitation —L. Tomlinson. Standard V —Attendance: \V. Williams 1, X. Smith 2, M. Clark 3. Marks: N. Smith 1, W. Williams 2, M. Clark 3. Reading: X. Smith 1, M. Clark 2, W. Williams 3. Writing: N. Smith and W. Williams (equal) 1, M. Clark 2. Composition: M. Clark 1, W. Williams 2, X. Smith 3. Arithmetic;. M. Clark 1, X. Smith 2, W. Williams 3. Geography: W. Williams 1, M.,Clark % N. Smith 3. Drawing: W. Williams X, N. Smith 2, M. Clark 3. Recitation: N. Smith 1, M. Clark % W. Williams 3. Standard VI —Mr Young's medal : Isabel Clark (proficiency certificate). Sewing—Standard I, :L. Boko; 11, P. Wesley (Mrs. Brosnan's.prize); 111, A. Wilson, L. JKelly (knitting, special); IV and V, M. Clark. Special prizes Physical exercises (Mrs Addison's), E. Williams; mental arithmetic (Mr' Williams'), M. Clark; composition (Mr Brown's), M. Clark and Lucy Boko; most 'popular boy and girl (Mr Winchester's), R. Bennett and N. Smith; highest percentage of marks (Miss Marwick's), E. Williams; history and geography (Mrs H. Marwick's), W. Williams. AWAMOKO. The Awamoko annual picnic was held in JVIr Don's paddock, oil the banks of the Awamoko River. .The day turned out fine, although the weather has Deep, very unsettled.:for ; some time,' and it seems as if we are in for a certain amount of rain-every, day for some time to'come. At : about -half-past one the races, commenced, and' the various events .were well contested. The handicapping was performed-by Messrs J. Friddi and P. M'Kone, and seemed to give entire satisfaction to all interested. The judging was in the hands of Messrs E. Hedges and W r m. Lauder, and-their decision was'never once called in question. Mr M. M'Phee was again the secretary, and was one of the hard workers at the picnic, performing his duties most creditably. There was a good attendance of visitors and friends from the immediate districts. The most interesting event of the day was the tug-of-war between the married and single men of the district. /The pull was a long pull, but the married men had to give in to the single men. Rather an unfortunate accident happened in this event to Mr Wilson; schoolmaster. During the first pull he slipped in some way not accounted for and dislocated his knee-cap and strained the muscles. Medical aid had to be sent for. The patient is now doing as well as possible, but must be confined to bed for some time. The committee wish, to convey their thanks to all those who so ably assisted to make the picnic such a success, and also to the donors of all the trophies and good things, and to Mr Don for the use of his paddock. Following were the winners of the principal events: — Boys' Race, 12 to 14 years —George Geddes 1, George Johnston 2, A. Elstone 3. Girls' Race, 12 to 14—M. Geddes 1, Ethel Shadwell 2, Maud Elstoue and Emily Fyall 3. Boys' Race, over 10 years—D. Fyall 1, D. Brennan 2, Stanley Brcmner 3. Girls' Race, under 10 years—Gertrude M'Kone 1, Elsie Johnston 2, Lily Dromgoole and Isabella Gilkison 3. Boys under 10 years—Jos. Willets 1, E. Irwin and Robin Smillie 2, Willie Heavy 3.

Girls' Consolation—Maud Whitham 1, Martha. M'Kone 2, Clara Gray and Lena King 3. Young Ladies' Race—Agnes Fvall 1, E. Fricker 2, Janet Fyall 3.

Married Ladies' Race —Mrs R. Johnston 1, -Mrs Irwin 2, Mrs Harneiss 3. Boys' Three-legged Race —A. Elstone and George Johnston 1, George Geddes and Dan Sweeney 2, Willie Gilkison and D. Bremner 3.

Girls' Three-legged Race—M. Geddess and E. Shadwell 1. Maud Whitham and Emilv Fvall 2. Bella Fvall and Ethel Goulding 3. Married Men's Race.—J. Irwin 1, J. Whithnm 2, E. Hedges 3. Sack Race—Douglas Smillio 1, A. Elstone 2, Willie Gilkison 3. Young Men's Race—M. M'Phee 1, J. Fridd 2, M. Coughlin 3. Girls over 10 years—Gertrude M'Kone 1, Ethel Shadwell 2, Maud. Whitham 3. GEORGETOWN. The picnic hold on Boxing Day on Mr. T. Fricker's Clearview Farm, Georgetown, by the Georgetown branch of the Salvation Army proved a most enjoyable time in spite of the weather. The attendance was good, and everything passed off most satisfactorily. Amusements for the children and. the giving of the Sunday School prizes proved attractive to the young people, the following receiving prizes:— First Class Boys: George Shadwell 1. George Geddes 2, David Bremner, Allan Bremner. Stanley Bremner, Willie Gilkison. Girls: Ethel Shadwell 1, Muriel Geddes 2, Minnie Gullen, Olive Geddes, Elsie M'Kenzie, Barbara M'Kenzie, Mary Gilkinson, Isabel Gilkiuson. Second Class.—Girls: Lottie Geddes 1, Olive Bremner 2, Mabel Fricker, Lena Jones, Maud Geddes, Beatrice Barney, Ev-y Barney, Gracie Mead. Boys: John Gullen 1, Eddie Mead 2, James Hope, Allan Leddingham, Allen Pri.ngle, Joe Gilkinson, Jame Gilkinson. The Army are holding their annual young people's picnic at Livingstone on .New- Year's Day, when everybody, is heartily welcome. Hot water will be provided for allcomers and, given a fine day, the gathering should be well attended- ••"..