THE SCHOOLS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2369, 29 December 1898, Page 2

THE SCHOOLS.

KINGSDOWN. A concert in'aid of the school funds was held in Kingsdown school on Thursday last, and in spite of the very heavy rain there was a good audience. The programme consisted of songs, dialogues, musical drill, and recitations by the pupils, and the manner in which the children carried out the programme was heartily appreciated by the. audience, and reflected credit on the careful .preparation by their teachers. Several novelties were introduced, such as a tableau representing David McKee Wright’s recent poem, “ The Christmas Stars.” Sarah Talbot made a very appropriate “Queen of the Christmas Night,” and recited the poem very nicely, the whole effect being very beautiful and fairy-like. The infants’ musical drill was done with precision, and in good time to the music, and their songs were also highly appreciated by the audience. Of the senior pupils’ songs, “ The Old Folks at Home ” was perhaps the most enjoyable. A dialogue by the senior .boys representing “a debating society ” was capitally done, and formed both a humorous and instructive item. The senior girls’ dialogue was also very well sustained in all the different parts. Mias Edith Wood accompanied ail the musical items in her usual good style. The chairman of the School Committee, Mr A. Cromie, who presided, proposed the usual votes of thanks, which were carried with acclamation, and the National Anthem closed a very successful concert.

The school treat and distribution of prizes took place on Friday, and was favoured with fine weather. The School Committee and teachers assisted by many friends worked hard to make everyone enjoy themselves. Various sports were indulged in, and a good collection of toys and other articles were distributed among the children. The school prizes were presented in the afternoon. Mr A. Oromie, in opening the proceedings, apologised for the absence of the Hon. W. Hall-.lones who had consented to distribute the prizes, but who had been detained in Wellington. Mr James Oraigie kindly consented to perform this function. Mr Craigie congratulated the school on the success of the concert, and made complimentary references to the state of the school generally. He then distributed the prizes to those who had gained them. Votes of thanks were heartily accorded to the donors of special prizes:—Hon. Hall-Jones, Mr Oromie, Mr John Urr, Mrs Stewart, Miss Alexander ; also to the ladies’ who gave sewing prizes, Mesdames I>. McLaren, G. Talbot, Dinnecombe, Brookland, Bee, Dale, and Miss Dynes ; also to Mr J. A. Johnson,*M.A., for judging the standard prizes, Rev K. Mackie for judging the gardens, and Mrs D. McLaren for judging the sewing. The following is the prize-list: General Proficiency prizes. Standard VII. Bertha Dale 1, R. Munro and Cecil Barker (equal) 2.' Standard Vl.—Annie Simmons l, David Hampton 2. Standard V.—Annie Baird. Standard IV.—Mary Bee 1, Henry Barker 2. Standard 111. Mabel Campbell 1, May Dinnecombe 2. Standard 11.- Linda Dale 1. Henry Campbell 2. The pupils of standard.!, and the infants each received a prize. Standard VII- each received a prize for passing Standard VI. at the inspector’s examination. The pupils of Standards 11. to VI. were examined in the work done since the inspector’s examination by Mr J. A. Johnson, M.A. The attendance prizes given by the School Committee were gained by James Burness, Cecil Averis, Edith Burness, Nellie Brookland, Rosy Brookland, Ettie Burness, Thomas Simmons, Willie Simmons. Lizzie Burness andlLeonard Dale received special prizes for attendance awarded by the Hon, W. Hall-Jones. Lizzie Burness has attended the school for five years without being absent once. Seven pupils gained first-class attendance certificates and nine gained second class ones, in addition to the names already mentioned, Maud Hampton, Jennie Hampton, David Hampton, Mabel Campbell, John Campbell, and Henry Campbell received second class attendance certificates. The garden plots were judged by the Rev. R. Mackie with the following results Senior boys, R. Munro, D. Hampton and Leonard Dale, equal; junior boys, Cecil Averis, and Frank Averis, equal; senior girls, Rachel Dynes; junior girls, Jeanie Hampton. In judging these marks were assigned for variety, arrangement, care taken, and growth. A special prize presented by Mr John Orr was awarded to Linda Dale and Agnes Talbot, Sarah Talbot gained a special prize for the prettiest show ©f flowers, presented by Mrs Stewart. Sewing.—JSaehel Dynes, Annie Averis, Laura Munro, Mary Bee, Mabel Campbell, May Dinnicombe, Edith Burness, Linda Dale, Jeanie Hampton, and Edna Dynes gained prizes. Special prizes for I the cleanest sewing (presented by Mrs Alexander) were awarded to Beattie Averis, Mary Bee, and Sadie Campbell.