HIGH STREET.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11401, 19 April 1899, Page 2

HIGH STREET.

Tlio report of the committee is a3 foi-

lows: — The teaching staff has undergone a change owing to the resignation of Mr James Robertson, whose position as fourth assistant has not yet been filled. Miss __o'Connell and-Master H. Urquhart, both of whom have done good work for 'the school, completed their apprenticeship.at the end of the year. The average number on the roll' for the past year was: Boys 339, girls' 310; total, G-19. Avorage attendance: Boys 314, girls 279; total, 693. The inspectors' examination, of Standards I and II fully, justified the examination of these classes by the headmaster. Standard X passed n.i VC!ly ?at' 3filcto'y examination in. all subjects, the school, as a whole, approached within a point or two of " very good," and the attention, order, and discipline of the pupils were excellent. Only one of the competitors (James Oliver) proved successful in the scholarship examinations, and ho .received free education at the High School. There were four competltyls from Class X for civil service examinations, and they all passed well up in the list. Their names are—John Beck, George Wilson, Percy Watson, and Fannie Naphtali. Bella Prentice and- Edward Lomas qualified for a pupil teacher's position, and Edward Lomas was appointed at the Arthur street School. Penny Bank.—j.ne children continue to take an interest in the bank, but they might easily be induced by their parents to become more enthusiastic, and, support more heartily an institution, the' object of which is to encourage tlirift. At present there is the sum of .£222 12s 2d lying to the credit of the bank.

Classes have been arranged for systematic instruction in gyninastios, and are carried on by teachers-who are qualified for'the work. Mr Hanna visits once in three weeks, and reports very favourably on tho progress and conduct of his pupils. . Cadets.—ln August last GO naval uniforms were obtained, and the Cadet Company, thus fuiiy equipped, present a bright and smart appearance. They gol'iip for their own benefit an aSsauit-at-arms, which proved a great success, and resulted in Minding over the sum of i'l-Mo the committee.' They also'paid a visit to H.M.S. Mildura during her -stay at Port Cnahners, and were greatly interested'and delighted by their outing. Cricket, Fives, etc.—Great interest is taken in these games, and a healthy spirit of rivalry is encouraged by the numerous matches played. In cricket the school team come next to the premiers for the season, while in fives and rouuderf our boys and girls more than hold their own.

A trench class is hold by Mrs F. Roberts, and might be much better attended, a3 the results of the Work done are of a very satisfactory nature. Music classes aro still conducted by Miss Henry, and are . well attended. Bible classes are conducted by Mr Duncan Wright, assisted by Miss Croft, and have proved successful. The Latin classes are well attended, and their only object is to assist those who might be able to sit' for senior scholarship examinations.

The sum of £13 16s 9d waa collected for prizes at the end of the year, and together with the special prizes handed in, more, than sufficed. Thanks are due to tho parents and friends who so generously contributed.

Gymnasium.—The committee desire to thank those who so kindly assisted, both by donations and otherwise, to swell tho funds for the erection of this niost useful and commodious building, which in being utilised daily for the very necessary training of ihe scholars. The gymnasium is , still short of necessary gymnastic appliances, and the committee will be most happy to receive donations towards this end. Tho Education Board erected in the school giounds a very necessary filter for drinking purposes, and a supply of pure water is available at all times for the use of the children, and, needless to say, is much appreciated. The committee havo made" monthly visits to the school throughout .the year, and desire to state that they fully consider that the school has maintained its high reputation of excellence, for which great credit: is due to the neadmaster and his admirable staff of assistants.

.lie balance sheet shows a credit, as at March 31 of £2-5 123, .but out of this payments amounting to £9 12s Gd were authorised, thus reducing the balance to £15 9s Gd.