COUNTRY SCHOOLS

Southland Times, Issue 20675, 22 December 1928, Page 4

COUNTRY SCHOOLS

BREAKING-UP CEREMONIES. FUNCTION AT EAST GORE. At the annual distribution of prizes in connection with the East Gore School held in the Princess Theatre on Thursday evening, Mr A. P. Newman presided, and he had with him Mr D. McDougall, M.P., Mayor of Gore, Mr J. Hunter, M.A., reetor of the Gore High School, the staff of the school and the School Committee. The chairman expressed pleasure at seeing so many present. The committee had not followed any very progressive programme during the year, but everything had gone along quite smoothly and well. Addressing the children, he urged them never to forget the school and never at any time to do anything that would bring disgrace upon it. The school had a grand record, and not a few of its ex-pupils were now holding very high positions throughout the Dominion and in other parts of the world. Mr Newman then read a letter from Mr Walter Gee apologizing for his absence and conveying greetings to the children. Proceeding, the speaker paid tribute to the staff at the school and referred to the fact that Miss Collins and Mr W. Burgess were leaving the school to go higher in their profession. In the examinations, particularly the proficiency, the school had well, as out of 24 pypils who sat 21 gained their certificate and one a competency. That was a record they might well be proud of, and for it thanks were due to the staff.—(Applause.) The pupils had also done fairly well in sport, and thanks were due to Misses Ross and Collins and Messrs Woodfield and Burgess for training the pupils. The dental clinic was a very fine thing, and East Gore’s proportion of the cost was £7 or £8 per year. He hoped to see a savings bank established at the school next year. During the year the committee had had a concrete cricket pitch laid and had provided matting for this, the whole costing about £2O. It was hoped to have the tennis courts at the school laid before next spring, as a combination of circumstances had held the work up for this year. Mr Newman went on to thank the parents and friends for their support, and he then presented the prizes to the various pupils who had been successful. Mr J. Hunter, M.A., presented the proficiency certificates to Standard VI., and urged those who were leaving to keep the good name of the school unsullied. In classwork the East Gore School stood high in New Zealand, and in character building it was also doing a great work. Mr J. Lenihan (headmaster) was then given two volumes by the pupils of Standard VI. as a mark of appreciation for the help he had given them. This year the school had two dux pupils, Catherine Calder and Phoebe Duncan, and in presenting the dux medals these girls Mr D. McDougall congratulated them on their success and also the teachers on the excellence of their work. The East Gore School had always been blest' with very fine teachers from Mr Forsyth to the present.—(Applause.)

A vote of thanks was then accorded the staff, and Mr Lenihan in replying thanked the staff for the hard work done during the year. It was with deep regret that he viewed the impending departure of Mrs Anderson, the infant mistress, as she would be leaving early in the New Year. One of Mrs Anderson’s outstanding characteristics was that she had a marvellous fund of patience and sympathy with the little ones, and he could not record one instance in which, he had. seen her lose that patience. He was sorry the time was fast approaching when Mrs Anderson would sever her connection with the school and with the teaching profession. Miss Ross had given of her best in the classwork and she had also worked hard in training the girls in their athletic activities. To Miss Ross and Miss Collins his thanks were due, and also to Messrs Woodfield and Burgess for their work with the boys at cricket and football. He also would like to thank Dr McAra, Messrs W. D. Shelton, W. (fee, J. Hunter, Steel Bros., Miss McHutchison and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union for donations to the prize fund, as all of these were outside the school district. PRIZE LIST. The following is the prize list for 1928: Primer 1 - Reginald Shields 1, Hugh Radford 2, Margaret Scott 3. Primer 2 -Douglas White 1, Margaret Ramsay 2, Marjory Rhodes 3. Primer 3—Christina Macdonald 1, William Proudfoot 2, Hugh McLeod 3. Primer 4—Joseph Heslip 1, Janies Valentine 2, Bernard Lenihan 3. Progress: Mavis Heads, Hazel Latham, Margaret Kerr. Attendance: Gordon Tayles, John Ramsay, Hazel Teschner, Isabel Scott. Standard I. -Myrtle Benfell 1, Marie Valentine 2, Mary Kerr 3. Progress: Alister Macdonald, Joyce Knight, Jean Linklater, Isobel Burrows, Jocelyn Wallis. Drill ; Marie Valentine. Writing: Joan Martin. Handwork: Charles Calder. Diligence: Patty Hoffman, Jean Ross. Improvement: Greta Sarginson, William Burrows . Sewing: Made Valentine: Attendance: Aldo McNaughton, William Burrows, Alfred Tayles, Joan Stewart. Third in girls’ 50 yards (under 8) at Invercargill sports, Jocelyn Wallis. Standard ll.—Frederick Sinclair 1, Catherine. Proudfoot 2, Christian Lange 3. Progress: Hazel McLeod, George McMullen, Norman Burrows, Alexander Graham. Diligence: Eileen Latham. Reading and recitation: Joyce Butson. Helpfulness: Phyllis Lange. Sewing: Eileen Latham. Attendance: Janies Scott, Desmond Scott, Ruby Thomas. Standard Hl.—Gwen Stewart 1, Kathleen Lindley 2, Helen Black 3. Progress: Jean Taylor, Helen McLeod, Frederick Benfell, Watson Rhodes. Diligence: George Whitty, Dorothy Smith, Lucille Wallis. Sewing, Holly Mackley. Highest marks for three term exams., St. 3 to 6: Gwen Stewart (Mr W. Gee’s prize). Attendance certificates: George Whitty, Lucille Wallis, Dorothy Smith, Jean Taylor. Standard IV.—Valerie Valentine 1, Bruce Scott 2, Margaret Lange 3. Progress: Martha McDowall, Gertrude Hollands, Marjorie Shields, May Timpany. Diligence: Joyce, Latham. Handwork and improvement, Ernest Stark. Sewing, Rena Voice. Improvement, Glenda McNaughton, Rita Benfell. Attendance certificates: Martha McDowall, Isabel Taylor, Bruce Scott, Florence Pollock, lan Latham. Standard V. Phoebe Rhodes 1, Kathleen Barclay 2, Elizabeth Kirk 3. Progress: Albert Newman, Isabel Symons, Allan Kerr, lan Stewart. Improvement, Adam Campbell. Writing, Patricia Day. Sport, Richard Smythe. Sewing, Minnie Pollock. Temperance essay, Kathleen Barclay. Attendance certificates: Robert Bannerman, Minnie Pollock, Albert Newman, Dudley Tayles, Elizabeth Kirk. Second in boys’ 100 yards (under 13), 2nd in hurdles (under 13), 3rd in long jump (under 13) at Invercargill sports, A. Newman. Standard Vl.—Dux of school, Phoebe Duncan and Catherine Calder (equal); James Little and Ethna Golding (equal) 2; Marius Hobbs 3. Progress: Leslie Macdonald, Irene Whitty, Aline Harvey. Arithmetic, Catherine Calder. Agriculture, Clemens Herbert. Sewing, Peggy Campbell. Sport, Phyllis Heads, John Grainger. Home Science, Phoebe Duncan. Improvement, Ronald Graham, Dorothy Trebilcock. Temperance essay, Catherine Calder. Attendance certificates: 'James Little, Marius Hobbs., Clemens Herbert, Jack Cooper, Wilfred Christie, Irene Whitty, Eva Taylor, Dorothy Trebilcock, Joyce Robson, Leslie Macdonald, Ethna Golding, Phoebe Duncan Alice Abey. Most improvement in cricket, Jack Cooper. Southland half-mile championship, John Grainger.

WAIKAKA The annual break-up took place on Wednesday afternoon at the school. Mr Keating, chairman of the committee, presided. Before proceeding with the distribution of prizes, Mr Keating referred to the death of a late teacher/ Mr Milne, and asked those assembled to stand in silence as a mark of respect to his memory. The Rev. M. Gow then presented the prizes, after which he delivered a very fine address to the oarents and children.

Mr L. Paterson proposed votes of thanks to the donors of special prizes and to the school staff. These were carried by acclamation. Mr Payne, headmaster, briefly replied. All assembled then adjourned to the playground, where a picnic programme was carried out. Afternoon tea was handed round by a willing band of parents and expupils. Fruit was provided for the children. Appended are the prize list and picnic results:— Standard Vl.—Dux of School (book and gold medal), Eric Gutschlag 1, (book and silver medal) Eileen Donaldson 2, Alice Hodgkinson 3. Standard V.—Frances Ballantyne 1, Ada Hodgkinson 2, Jessie Harper and Gladys Henderson (equal) 3. Standard IV.—Annie Kerse 1, Gladys Simpson 2, Ernest Keating 3. Standard III: Jean Turnbull 1, Willie Kerse 2, Ernest Gardyne 3. Standard ll.—Jean Favel 1, James Browning 2, gillie McEwan 3. Standard I.—Annie Keating 1, Ada Black and Olive Black 2, Alex. Gardyne 3. Primer Classes.—Melva Asher, Ruth Black, Jean Browning, Mary Byars, Fred Cosgrove, James Donaldson, Jas. McCarthy, Almo Thomson, Daphne Ballantyne, Hazel Hodgkinson, Ret a Ross, Ivan Browning, Cecilia Harper, Donald Henderson, Ethel Meechang, Margaret Paterson. Special Prizes.—Most progress in marks during the year (Mrs Turnbull’s prize), Prudence Favel. Most diligent boy, senior room (Mr Gardyne’s prize); Fred Browning. Most diligent girl, senior room (Mrs Gardyne’s prize), Vera Harper. Most diligent boy, junior room (Women’s Institute prize), George Black. Most diligent girl, junior room (Women’s Institute), Jean Favel. Writing prize, boys (Mrs Asher’s prize), James Cosgrove. Writing prize, girls (Mrs Asher’s prize), Mary Murray. Good work, Standard 111. (Mrs Green’s prize), Edna Black. Handwork, Primer classes (Mrs Green’s prize), Jean Browning. Second in sewing (Miss Green’s prize), Jessie Harper. Drawing in Standard VI. Mrs Matheson's prize), Harold Browning. Tidiest desk (Mrs Thomson’s-prize), Eileen Donaldson and Alice Hodgkinson. First in sewing (Mrs Payne’s prize), Veda Harper. Best agricultural notebook (Mr Payne’s prize), Phillip Turnbull. Tidiness, senior boys (Mrs Byar’s prize), Phillip Turnbull. Tidiness, senior girls (Mrs Byar’s prize), Cathy Browning. Proficiency Certificates: Harold Browning, Eileen Donaldson, Albert Gardyne, Joseph Green. Eric Gutschlag. William Henderson, Alice Hodgkinson, Sheila McEwan, Phillip Turnbull.

Good Attendance Certificates.—Alice Hodgkinson, Frances Ballantyne, Oliver Black, Cathy Browning, Fred Browning, Gladys Henderson, John Murray, Murray Asher, Ernest Keating, Mary Murray, John Thomson, Edna Black, Albian Browning, Ernest Gardyne, George Black, Olive Black, Ruth Black, Jean Browning, James Donaldson. Sports Gathering. Boys under 6.—J. Browning 1, Gordon Black 2, Rowland Payne 3. Girls under 6. —Ethel Meechang 1, Jean Byars 2, Gladys Browning 3. Boys under B.—Jim McCarthy 1, Jim Browning 2, Jim Donaldson 3. Girls under B.—Betty Kerse 1, Hazel Hodgkinson 2, Rosie Favel 3. Boys under 11.—Cyril Harper 1, Walter Matheson 2, Jim Ballantyne 3. Girls under 11.—Jean Turnbuull 1, Jean Favel 2, Phyllis Aitken 3. Boys under 13.—John Thomson 1, John Murray 2, Murray Asher 3. Girls under 13. —Jessie Harper 1, Doreen Matheson 2, Cathy Donaldson 3. Boys over 13.—Phil Turnbull 1, H, Browning 2, Joe Green 3. Girls under 13. —Eileen Donaldson 1, Alice Donaldson 2, Doris Gutschlag 3. Crocodile Race: C. Kerse’s team 1, A. Favel’s team 2. Crocodile Race.—E. Donaldson's team 1, A. Hodgkinson’s team 2. Wheelbarrow Race.—P. Turnbull and Jim Browning 1, Jim Cosgrove and J. Murray Boys’ Three-legged Race.—J. Thomson and G. Black 1, A. and R. Favel 2, C. Harper and F. Thomson 3. Girls’ Three-legged Race.—Jean Turnbull and Doreen Matheson 1, Annie Kerse and Jessie Harper 2, Veda Harper and E. Donaldson 3. Double-harness (juniors).—J. Ballantyne and Betty Kerse 1, G. Black, and A. Hodgkinson 2, A. Favel and R. Favel 3. Double-harness (seniors).—John Thomson and J. Harper 1, J. Murray and E. Donaldson 2, A. Aitken and D. Matheson 3. Boys’ Field Race.—P. Turnbull 1, J. Murray 2, W. Matheson 3. Girls’ Field Race.—E. Donaldson 1, J. Harper 2, Jean Turnbull 3. Boys’ Relay Race.—No. 1 team 1, No. 2 team 2, No. 4 team 3. Girls’ Relay Race.—No. 2 team 1, Nos. 1 and 3 teams (equal) 2. Young Ladies’ Race.—Misses Gardyne 1, Paterson 2, Asher 3. Young Men’s Race.—Messrs Curran 1, Asher 2, Gardyne 3. Married Ladies.—Mesdames Donaldson 1, Payne 2, Gutschlag 3.

WAIKAKA VALLEY The following is the prize-list for the Waikaka Valley School:— Standard Vl.—Joyce Smith 1, Margaret Gregory 2. Standard V. —Raymond White 1, Sydney McPhail 2, Tom Gregory 3, Gordon Reid 4, Dorothy Reid 5. Standard IV. —William Smith 1, Leslie Burnby 2, Betty White 3. Standard ll.—David Smith 1. Standard I.—Jessie Johnston 1. P. 4. Ruth Chittock 1, John Smith 2, David Chittock 3. P. 3.—Bruce Johnston 1, Keith McPhail 2, Hazel Dove 3, Mary Dove 4. Y P. 2.—Gordon Chittock 1. P. 1. —Thomas Dove 1. Special Prizes.—Sewing: Senior (Mrs R. Chittock’s prize), Margaret Gregory 1, Joyce Smith 2. Gardening (Mr R. L. Reid’s prize), Thomas Gregory and Gordon Reid I, Leslie Burnby and William Smith (equal) 2. Attendance (Mr S. White’s prize): Dorothy Reid (five years without absence), Gordon Reid (five years), Margaret Gregory (three years). Attendance certificates.—M. Gregory, I. Gregory, D. Reid, G. Reid, J. Johnston, B. Johnston and R.. Chittock. Proficiency.—Margaret Gregory and Joyce Smith. i Dux of School.—Joyce Smith. The sports results were as follow: Senior Boys.—T. Gregory 1, D. Smith 2, G. Reid 3. Senior Girls.—D. Reid 1, M. Gregory 2, J. Smith 3. Intermediate Boys.—S. Burnby 1, R. White 2, S. McPhail 3, W. Smith 4. Junior Boys.—B. Johnston, K. McPhail and D. Chittock (equal) 1, T. Dove 4. Junior Girls.—M. Dove, H. Dove and M. Johnston (equal) 1. Junior Girls.—R. Chittock 1, J. Johnston 2, J. Smith 3. Three-legged Races.—Senior Boys: T. Gregory and G. Reid 1, S. McPhail and R.. White 2. Girls: M. Gregory and J. Smith I. J. Smith and R. Chittock 2, D. Reid and J. Johnston ,3. Dog Races. —Senior Boys: T. Gregory 1, S. McPhail 2, R. White 3. Junior Boys: K. McPhail 1, D. Chittock 2, B. Johnston 3, G. Reid 4. Potato Race.—Senior Boys: T. Gregory 1, G. Reid 2, R. White 3.’ Senior Girls: D. Reid 1, M. Gregory 2, J. Johnston 3. Junior Boys: K. McPhail 1, D. Chittock 2, G. Chittock 3. Junior Girls: R. Chittock 1, M. Johnston 2, J. Smith 3, M. Dove 4. Jumping.—T. Gregory (scr) and R. White (rec. 2in) equal 1, L. Burnby (rec. 3in.) and G. Reid (rec. 4in.) equal 2. LUMSDEN (From Our Correspondent.) The annual break-up ceremony of the Lumsden School was held on Wednesday. In the afternoon a function was held in Crawford’s Hall for the infant section and a large number of parents and friends assembled to witness the ceremony of dis- I

tributing the gifts from the well-laden Christmas tree. In the evening the presentation of prizes to the senior pupils was made in the hall. Prior to the distribution of prizes a concert was given by the pupils. The items were listened to by a large and appreciative audience, the quality of the entertainment reflecting great credit on the headmaster and staff of the school. The proceedings were presided over by Mr H. Graham, who apologized for the unavoidable absence of the chairman of the committee, Mr James Campbell. The prizes were handed to the scholars by the members of the committee, every pupil in the school receiving a gift book. At the conclusion of the prize-giving the chairman called on Mr G. F. Johnson, a member of the. Southland Education Board, to address the gathering. The speaker, in the course of his remarks, congratulated Mr McKenzie and his staff on the results of the year’s work. Twenty-one candidates had been presented for the proficiency examination and of these 19 had been successful and one had gained a competency. He thought

that this was a record for the Lumsden School, and he assured those present that the present staff was held in high esteem by the inspectors and members of the board. He congratulated the committee on the improvement which had been carried out to the school building. He concluded by wishing the staff and pupils of the school a pleasant holiday. Mr L. McKenzie thanked the speaker and members of the committee for their assistance at the function. He also thanked the parents for their hearty co-operation during the year. He wished to specially thank those residents who had donated special prizes. The special prizes were awarded as follows : Standard VI. —Rona Isaacs (best all ) round pupil), Howard Botting (consistent | good work), Allan Campbell (consistent | good work), Heather Clouston (consistent j good work), Mary Sherriff (consistent good I work), Albert Irvine (most improved boy), ! Helen Allison (most improved girl), Freda I Shuttleworth (sewing), Helen Allison (unI broken attendance).

Standard V.- Jeannie Braid (English and arithmetici, Bella Smith (sewing). Standard IV.—Wm. McCutcheon (best al] round pupil). Standard lll.— Edna Earl (writing), Isobel Staite (writing). PAPATOTARA (From Our Correspondent.) There was an exceptionally large number of parents of the .school children and residents of the district at the Papatotara Hall on Tuesday, when the distribution of prizes took place. A concert programme by the school children was very well received, and the teachers and pupils alike earned congratulation on the high standard of the various items. Mr R. C. McKenzie, chairman of the School Committee, made a small presentation from the public to Miss Latta and to Mr Hellier as a mark of appreciation.

BIMU On Wednesday evening last a very successful concert was held in the Rimu Hall, Mr J. Shand presiding. The programme, a varied one, was supplied chiefly by the children assisted by several adult performers. Appreciative applause was accorded each item, the singing being a particularly bright feature of the work of the children. Mr Shand in his opening remarks, congratulated the teachers on the fine work done during the year particularly in regard to the proficiency results. He regretted that owing to indisposition Miss McGiven the assistant was unable to be present, her place being taken, however, by Miss I. Morgan, of Invercargill. The following programme was submitted:—Pianoforte duet, Misses Clark; chorus and recitation, senior children; song, Mr D. F. Leckie; sketch, junior girls; song, Miss G. Peterson; part singing, senior children ; song, Mr Chapman; humorous sketch, boys; song, Miss Schmidt; action songs, junior girls; duet, Miss Butler and Mrs Chapman; action songs, girls; song, Miss Jean Thomas; action song, junior girls; song, Miss Butler; humorous sketch, Standard 6 girls; part singing, senior children. God Save the King. Mrs Hargest and Misses M. Clark and R. Clark officiated as accompanistes. At the conclusion of this concert programme, Mr Shand chairman School Committee, distributed the following prizes:— Dux of school, Alice Cournane. Captain of school, Lily Emerson. Agricultural prize, John Sellars. Drill prize, Jean Thomas., Flower plots, Lesley Shand and Jean Grieve equal. Neatest work book, James Burke. Best writing in junior work, Gordon Shand. Special progress prizes, senior, Jean Grieve; junior. John Smaill. Sewing prizes (Mrs E. Hargest’s prize), Lesley Shand and Lily Emerson. Class prizes, Standard 6 —Alice Cournane 1, Elspeth Grieve 2, Lily Emerson 3. General work, Jean Grieve, Flora O’Brien. Standard s.—Charles Emerson 1; Neil Cameron 2; Lesley Shand 3. General work —James Burke, William Bennett, Hugh Stewart, John Sellars, William Peterson. Standard 4. —Pat Cournane 1; Lorna Agnew 2; Arphie Sellars 3. General work, Jean Thomas, Freda Watt, M»ry O’Brien, Ellen O'Brien, George Wilson, Donald Bull, Mary Phillips, Myrtle Phillips. Standard 3: Evilys Hargest 1; Nancy McStay 2; Wilbert Grieve 3. General work —John Shand, Chrissie Peterson. Standard 2.—lrene Emerson 1; Doreen Stewart 2, Molly Agnew 3. General work —Patricia Welsh, John Smaill. Standard I.—Special prize, Eileeu Sellars. Gordon Shand 1, Gracie Stevens 2, Oliver Henderson 3. General work, Charles Phillips, Joseph Phillips, Mavis Henderson, Edwyna Hargest. Primer 4. —Olive Davidson 1, Nita Anderson 2, Morrell Hewart 3. General work —James Agnew, Norman Shand. Primer Classes. —Ackers Shand, Ora Phillips, Kathleen Phillips, Steven Grieve, Ethel Hargest, Willie Burke, Doris Phillips. Attendance certificates. —John Sellars, Hugh Stewart, Olive Davidson, Freda Watt, Jean Thomas, Trixie Stewart, Nancy McStay.

MOTU-RIMU Oh Wednesday evening a very enjoyable social gathering was held in the Mot-u Rimu School on the occasion of the annual prizegiving and break-up. The first half of the entertainment composed items by the school children followed by a minstrel troupe both of which were much appreciated by the large audiDuring the dance which followed supper, a song which was encored was given by Mr G. Lilley. Music was supplied by local talent. The prizes were presented by the commissioner, Mr H. Craig, who in the course of his remarks referred to the satisfactory work done in the school during the year. The prize list is as follows: PRIZE LIST. Dux of school: William Patterson. Standard VI: William Patterson, Dorothea Perkins, George Murdoch. Domestic prize, Dorothea Perkins. Standard V: Leslie Helm, Gordon Ferguson. Gardening prize, Leslie Helm. Standard IV: James Marshall. Gardening, James Marshall. Standard III: Clair Sutherland, Gladys McGaw. Standard II: Frank Craig, Ernie Craig, Eiie Preston. Primer IV: Hughie Preston. Primer II: Margaret Dustin, Jean Lilley. Primer 1: Cissie Dustin, Angus Craig. Attendance: Margaret Dustin, Frank Craig. Prizes were also presented to the wee tots of the district. GLENHAM The annual break-up was held in the school grounds under favourable weather conditions. A very pleasant afternoon was spent in children’s races, etc. Au adjournment was later made to the schoolroom. The chairman thanked those who had donated several of the special prizes, which were a great help to the funds of the committee. The following special prizes jwere awarded: — Progress: Esmont MbOurdy 1, Molly Smythe 2, Alex. McKay 3. Writing: Bella Smythe. Science: John White. Essay: Bert Rabbidge. Neatness Home-work Book: Jas. McKay. Drill: Muriel Templeton 1, Pearl White 2. Sewing (Standards IV., V. and VI.) : Agnes Bain 1, Bella Smythe 2, Esmond McCurdy 3. Sewing (Standards 1., 11. and III.) : Muriel Templeton 1, Joyce Rabbidge 2. Attendance certificates (first class) : R. Davidson; second class, Stewart Templeton, Muriel Templeton, Jas. McKay, John McKay, Esmond McCurdy, William Diack.

FIVE RIVERS Following is the prize list of the Five Rivers School: Standard VI. —James Muir (dux). Joseph Drummond 2. Standard V. —Gladys Burdon 1, Alma Dorricott and Donald Muir (equal) 2, Dulcima Selbie 3. Standard IV. —Archibald Drummond 1, Joan Drummond 2, Garth Selbie 3. Peter Bryant, special prize; Christina McLeod, prize. Standard lll.—Stewart Muir 1, Milton Gibson 2, Eunice Pannett 3, Gordon Curtis, prize. Standard II. —Frederick Muir 1, Desmond Soper 2. Standard I.—Thomas Gibson 1, Paul Drummond 2, Avis Pannett 3, Freda Soper, Pijmer.—Meryl Curtin, Thelma Soper, Stuart Gibson, Huntley Curtis, Allan Muir, Edwin Pannett. Good Conduct.—Gladys Burdon, Joseph Drummond. Sewing Prize—Alma Dorricott, senior girls; Joan Drummond, junior girls. Boys’ Sewing Prize —Desmond Soper, Avis Pannett, Paul Drummond. Attendance. —James Muir, Donald Muir, Stewart Muir, Frederick Muir, Allan Muir. BROWNS The annual concert of the Brown’s Public School was held ip the Brown’s Hall on Wednesday, when the pupils of the school presented a musical playette entitled “Old Friends With New Faces.” The theme of this little play was a children’s party for the enjoyment of which the participants repeatedly urged all comers to “gather round.” Their invitation was accepted by a number of nursery rhyme celebrities who introduced themselves in song and then took their places in the gathering. At one stage in the procedings a band of soldiers entertained the company with a display of marching while the hostess amply provided for the enjoyment of her guests with a swing and sk.pping rope. After nearly two houjs of such merriment the

whole company expressed its admiration of gaiety in the chorus “Sport and Play” and with this the party came to an end. The role of hostess was admirably filled by Miss Hazel Hinkley, other prominent performers being Rona Hamilton as Mistress Mary; Leslie Irwin as Humpty Dumpty; Ivan and Peggy Rumler as Jack and Jill; Vera Harvey as Old Mother Hubbard; Keith Rumler as Boy Blue; Leslie Hinkley as Jack Horner; Coral Paton ae Red Riding Hood and Esme Hamilton as Bo Peep. The children acquitted themselves well both in solo and in chorus work and well pleased the large number of parents and friends who were present. After the play the chairman of the School Committee, Mr John McCallum, presented the gold medal which he himself had donated to the dux of the school, John Lapthorne. In congratulating this scholar on his success, Mr McCallum said that school prizes acquired greater value in later life, and he hoped that many years later John would be able to look back with pride on his present honour. At this stage Mr McCallum thanked the public of Browns for their support, and asked for a vote of thanks to the performers, their teachers and the accompanist, Miss McMaster. The concert was concluded with the singing of the National Anthem and the serving of supper, after which the hall was cleared for dancing.

TUATAPERE \ (From Our Correspondent.) The Tuatapere school closed for the year on Wednesday and in the afternoon the distribution of prizes took place in Fitzgerald’s Hall. Mr A. A. C. Lion, secretary of the School Committee, and Mr G. E. Higgins, headmaster, briefly addressed the parents and children, after which the prizes were presented by Mr Macdonald, one of the early settlers of the district, who has performed this duty for many years. Each child in the school received a prize and the following special prizes were awarded: — P 4: Mervyn McKerchar 1, Noel Te Au 2, Nancy Benneworth 3; progress, Alan Lion; reading, Frances Mangan and Mavis Coughlan; good conduct, Christina Spain (prize donated by Mrs Chamberlain); neat work, Eileen Payne and Kitty Baldwin. Primer 3: Joyce McCartney 1, Mavis Densley 2, Alma Stuck 3; progress, Mary Broomhall. Primer 2: lan Lion 1, James Muldrew 2, Esme Donaldson 3; progress Marie Te Au; reading, Frances Charlton (prize donated by Mrs Mangan). Primer 1: Vivienne Henderson 1, Peter Baldwin 2, George Barnett 3; progress, Neil Prentice, Joan Windleburn, William Graham; neatness. Mabel Norman. Standard 1: May Winter 1, Nancy Phillips 2, James Stuck 3; Frank Williams (arithmetic) ; Jean Campbell (spelling) ; Daphne Weavers (progress); Edna Austin (writing). Standard 2: Elsie Barnett 1, Jean Baker 2, Cecilia Templeton 3, Dorothy Higgins (arithmetic) ; Isabel McKercher (spelling) ; Cora Catto (progress); Myrtle Stuck (writing) ; Olive Sims (sewing). Standard 3: Rhoda McLeod 1, Ethel Barnett 2, William Lamb 3, Gladys Williams (writing), Frank Scott (arithmetic); Nancy Charlton (spelling) ; Hilda Norman (progress) ; Gwen Chamberlain (sewing). Standard 4: Jessie Campbell 1, Marjory % Marshall 2, Rita Muldrew 3; Janet Hobbs (writing); Eric Ludke (arithmetic); John Baker (spelling); Roy Campbell (progress). Standard 5: Verdun Phillips 1, Moira Alcock 2, William Baldwin 3, Cyril Chamberlain (progress) ; Eva Donaldson (writing) ; Olive Sheriff (progress). Sewing: Eva Donaldson 1, (prize donated by Mrs Mazengarb) ; Olive Sheriff 2. Standard 6: Herbert Norman 1, Rex Cassey 2, Gordon McLeod 3, Kelly Beaton (drawing) ; John Lobb (agriculture) ; George Lamb (progress); domestic science, Ruby Muldrew 1, (prize donated by Mrs Lion) ; Agnes Muldrew 2 (prize donated by Mrs Mangan). The prize donated by Mrs Mazengarb to be presented to the most gentlemanly boy in the school was awarded to Gordon McLeod. The gold medal donated by Mr. H. B. M. Brookes for the dux of the school was won by Herbert Norman. Thirty-seven attendance certificates were distributed, four of which were won by pupils in the primers.

PLKEMAORI Standard V I.—Proficiency—Lenore Simms (dux), David Burns, Thomas Brown. Com-petency-Robin Carr. Sports Prize—David Burns. Agriculture—Thomas Browne. Standard V.—Faith Carr 1, Robin Sim 2, Eva Marshall 3. Handwork—Hazel King. Progress and Conduct—Margaret Whyte. Sports Prize—Hazel King. Drill—Eva Marshall. Composition—Faith Carr. Standard IV.- Flora Browne 1, Margaret Cavanagh 2, Helen Whyte 3. Progress— Vera Brown, William Brown. Geography— Cecil Burns. Sewing—Peggy Bradley. Writing and Drawing—lsla King. History —Margaret Cavanagh. Writing—Helen Whyte, Peggy Bradley. Standard lll.—Margaret Sim 1, Hazel Marshall 2, Arthur King 3. Arithmetic— Archie Browne. Progress—W’illiam Bradley, Maurice Bradley, James Marshall. Special for work in school grounds—Maurice Bradley. Standard ll.—Agnes Cavanagh 1, Martin Todd 2, Wallace Carr 3. Progress—Gladys Froude, Alison Whyte, Jean Todd. Special for Writing—Agnes Cavanagh. Drawing— Gladys Froude. Sewing—Jean Todd. Sports —Martin Todd. Special for Steady Work— Alison Whyte. Standard I.—Jean Gorrie, Peter Sim 2. Progress—Hughie Burns. Drill—Peter Sim. Writing—Jean Gorrie. Infants—James King, Mavis Todd, Nancy Whyte, Jean Froude, Christie Johnston, Ronald Bradley, Allan Bradley, Erie Lindsay, Edna Gorrie, Ella King, Allan Todd, Peter Whyte. Attendance Certificates.—Lenore Simms, Hazel Marshall, Alison Whyte, Eva Marshall, Cecil Burns, Harold Raymond, Martin Todd, Hughie Burns, Peter Sim, Gladys Froude, Allan Todd, Ella King, Jean Froude, Christie Johnstone.

TE WAE WAE (From Our Correspondent.) A very pleasant afternoon was spent in Te Wae Wae School on Wednesday, the occasion being the annual break-up of the school. In the absence of the chairman, Mr J. Griffin, Mrs Griffin distributed the prizes. Each child succeeded in obtaining a prize, those for first and second in class being awarded as follows: Standard VI: Dorothy Horrell dux, first; Mary Griffin 2. Standard V: Norman Horrell 1, Eileen Erskine 2. Standard IV: John Corkery 1, Pat Knowler 2. Standard III: Hilary O’Brien 1, Eileen Griffin 2. Standard II: Mary Corkery 1, Peggy Graham 2. Standard I: Frank Hodgetts 1, Cecily Griffin 2. Dorothy Horrell and Mary Griffin were awarded proficiency certificates. Attendance priezs were gained by Isobel Knowler, Pat Knowler, Raymond Corkery, Pat Corkery, Mary Corkery, Norman Horrell, Mary Griffin, Hilary O’Brien, Cecil Erskine, Thelma Erskine, Eileen Erskine. Miss Hogg, who is resigning her position as teacher was presented by Dorothy Horrell on behalf of the children with a pair of handsome bronze vases as a token of their gratitude for all she bad done for them in her capacity as teacher. The ladies of the district also took the opportunity to make a presentation to Miss Hogg as an appreciation of the esteem in which she was held by the residents of the district. Mrs Griffin occupied the chair and Mrs Knowler in a few well chosen words asked Miss Hog? to accept a dainty afternoon tea set on a handsome oak trav. Miss Hogg feelingly responded after which a most enjoyable afternoon tea was dispensed and a pleasant time was concluded by the singing of Auld Lang Syne and “For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” GIMMIES BUSH The annual break-up and distribution of prizes was held in the Gummies Bush School last Wednesday afternoon before a large attendance of parents and friends. A short programme, which was very much appreciated, was submitted. Mr Carmichael, chairman of the commit tee, presided, and before digtiibjiting the

prizes referred to the splendid results of the year’s work, and the success achieved by the pupils at the proficiency examinations, which reflected great credit on the efforts of the former teacher, Mr A. E. Farrant, and the relieving teacher, Miss M. Burdon. The following is the prize list: Attendance Certificates. —Margaret Hopcroft, Phyllis Hamlin, Daphne Hamlin, Florence Barron, Dorothy McMillan, Esther Hamlin, Gordon Sandrey, Eric Brown, Trevor Sandrey. Standard Vl.—Margaret Hopcroft (dux ot the school), Dorothy Brown, Leonard Saudrey. Standard V.—Margaret Playfair (dux), Winifred Cormack, Gordon Sandrey. Standard IV.—May McKenzie (dux), Robert Barron, William Brown. Standard 111. —John Crow (dux), Eric ■Brown, Daphne Hamlin, Phyllis Hamlin. Standard ll.—John Barron (dux), Moira Carmichael, John Playfair, Trevor Sandrey. Standard I. —Dorothy McMillan (dux), Lily Crow, Basil Brown, Stuart Barron, Florence Barron, George Hamlin, Norma Carmichael. Primer ll.—May Cormack, Esther Hamlin, Valmai Pankhurst, Reginald Brown, Arthur Hill, David McKenzie. Primer I.—Mary Hamlin, Kathleen Livegey, Robert Clark, Alexander McMillan, Norman Barron, Nolan Carmichael. Mr Carmichael, on behalf of the committee, presented Miss Mabel Burdon with a box of beautifully embroidered handkerchiefs.