HIGH SCHOOLS

Southland Times, Issue 22454, 14 December 1934, Page 4

HIGH SCHOOLS

BREAK-UP CEREMONIES PRESENTATION OF BOYS’ PRIZES MR HEWAT’S ADDRESS The annual break-up ceremony and presentation of prizes of the Southland Boys’ High School was held in the assembly hall at the school yesterday afternoon. There was a good attendance of parents, pupils and friends. The chairman of the High Schools’ Board of Governors, Mr R. M. Strang, occupied the chair. Associated with him were Mr B. W. Hewat, a past president of the Waitaki Old Boys’ Association, Mr T. R. Pryde, vice-president of the Southland High School Old Boys’ Association, Mr James Hargest, M.P., Dr G. H, Uttley (rector) and members of the staff. Mr W. J. A. McGregor, president of the Southland Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union, was also present, A number of boys were again about to be sent out into the world to seek employment and to make their mark, the chairman remarked. During the year the financesof the board had been quite sound. The main items of expenditure had been salaries £BOOO odd, repairs to buildings £lO3 and interest on building loan £Bl6. The board had had to be careful of its expenditure, but while it had been unable to give to Dr Uttley and the boys all that it could have wished, the school was a well equipped one. He went on to say that during the week three boys had addressed the Rotary Club in a manner which made him feel proud of the school. Their addresses showed that they were getting a broad general education. The president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, too, had said that what was required was a good general education. Mr Strang advised the boys that while they ought to take life seriously they should not take it too seriously. They should get a joy out of living and should keep the boyish spirit as long as possible. He concluded by thanking Dr Uttley and his staff for the efforts they had put forward on behalf of the board during the year, A Word of Advice. In commencing his address Mr Hewat said that his remarks would be directed more particularly at those who were looking forward to leaving the restraining influence of the school and becoming “their own bosses.” It had been said of the next half-century that they would be 50 of the most glorious or 50 of the most disastrous years in the world’s history. Great strides in mechanical invention had been made in the last 100 years or- so and now they were striving to put all this know- I ledge to the best use. Men with ideals, | men capable of showing a lead, were needed to help solve the problems which were troubling the world now. Problems were more easily solved by co-operation, for thereby they gained an idea of the other man’s viewpoint.

School life might be divided into two parts, Mr Hewat went on. There was first, of course, the work of the classroom, which developed the brain and helped them to think clearly. It was very necessary that they should remember much of what they learned in the class-room, for on that would rest their future vocational and intellectual standing. There was the other great side to school life, the law of the old English public schools: “To play the game.” If a boy learned to do that at school, however much of a failure he might be in the class-room, he had gained one of the greatest benefits of secondary school education. In a team he must learn to play as a member of that team and not as an individual. And so in the many and varied phases of school life it was very necessary that every boy should play the game. When they left school, Mr Hewat said, they should endeavour to live up to certain ideals. When they left no one could say where they were going, but they had their great school training and that alone should point to the way in which they should go. He recommended them to keep up their old school friendships. They should keep their minds fresh and receptive to new ideas. As individuals they all owed a duty to the nation, and he recommended them to keep always in mind the precepts of good living which they learnt while at school. Cup for McLauchlan. The presentation of prizes was then carried out by Mr Pryde. When a miniature cup was about to be presented to Paul McLauchlan, who won the mile race at the Empire secondary school sports at the Melbourne Centenary recently, Dr Uttley remarked that although all competitors in these events received a medal, no special trophies were given the winners. The school had accordingly decided to recognize McLauchlan’s splendid performance by presenting him with a cup, he said. As McLauchlan went forward to receive the cup he was accorded a rousing haka; the same recognition was also given Lindsay Rutherford Stewart, dux of the school.

A review of the happenings of the year was given by Dr Uttley. He remarked that a great deal of confusion existed regarding the leaving certificate, for many people had the idea that it was not of the same value as matriculation. While the matriculation examination was necessary for entering the university, the leaving certificate would be recognized by nearly all business houses as being just as high a qualification as matriculation. What was the use of boys dwelling too much on Latin and French if they were not going on to the university? he asked. If they intended entering business they would be better to study the more general subjects. The school would cater for the leaving cerificate next year, and parents would accordingly have to decide whether they wanted their pupils to go on to the university. Referring to the school, Dr Uttley said that the school library was growing and a book drive had brought forward 400 volumes. He asked the board if a grant to help the library might be made. The staff had done splendid work and the members had been called on to do a great deal of extra work. He spoke also of the work of the prefects. The school’s record of five Rhodes Scholars, he went on, was equal to that of any other secondary school in New Zealand. The chairman said that it was pleasing to see Mr J. McGrath, one of the masters, able to resume duty after his illness. To McLauchlan he extended the board’s congratulations on a feat which must of itself give him a standing amongst other boys. He added that the board would keep Dr Uttley’s request for a grant for the library steadily in view. During the function meritorious part songs were given by the school pupils.

RECTOR’S ANNUAL REPORT.

In the course of his annual report to the High Schools Board the rector stated that 355 boys had been enrolled during the year; of these 168 were senior free place pupils, 182 junior free place pupils and 5 paying pupils. Mr L. V. Bryant, M.A., had been on leave in England during the year and his place was taken by Mr W. A C. Smith, M.Sc., during the first two terms and by Mr R. C. Tuck, B.A. B.Sc., during the third term. Mr J. S. McGrath had been absent through illness for nearly two terms, and his place was temporarily filled by Mr J. P. Dakin. The school had been very successful in the various examinations. G. V Anderson, T. E. Dorman, D. G. Hudson, C. G. A. Lythgoe and G. Nevin passed the first section of the B.A. degree, and P. W. Anderson the second section of the B.A. degree. In the accountants’ professional examination conducted by the University of New Zealand the following boys passed in two or more subjects: G. D. Calder, A. Baird, D. Brass, C. Dryden, G. Fredric, R. Hicken, H. Norman. J. P. Brown passed the first section of the B Comm, degree. Fifty-one boys passed the University Entrance (matriculation) examination, easily a record for the school. Five boys qualified for a university national bursary, while three passed the University scholarship examination “with credit.” In ,the annual terms’ examination conducted by the Otago University, six boys kept terms in English, three in French, three in mathematics, one in Latin, one in education, five in history and qne in Greek history, art and literature. Thirty-six boys gained their higher leaving certificates, and 67 boys I gained their senior free places. The new school leaving certificate examination was conducted by the Education Department. The standard of the examination is the same as that of the University Entrance examination, but the choice of subjects is wider and a foreign language was not essential. It is hoped that this examination would ultimately replace the old matriculation examination for those boys who do not intend to enter the University, and that it would be recognized as a satisfactory preliminary examination for those who intended to take up commerce, ' business, banking, accountancy and so on, and did not wish to proceed to a University degree.

Six teams competed in the Southland Rugby Football Union competitions and eight teams in the school inter-house competitions. School teams won the fifth and sixth grade competitions. The first fifteen defeated the Waitaki Boys’ High School by fourteen points to twelve, but were defeated by Timaru by twelve points to eight. The second fifteen defeated the South Otago High School first fifteen by eleven points to nil, Gore High School first fifteen by nine points to three, and Waitaki High School second fifteen by eight points to nil. Messrs Deaker Braithwaite, Harrington, Robins, Dunlop and Allan gave much time to coaching the boys in football. Cricket Matches. The annual cricket match against Waitaki Boys’ High School played at Oamaru was drawn. The school eleven still continued to hold its own in the senior grade competition, and in the recent elimination round, held its place among the first four teams of the senior A grade. At it would not have been possible to field a team in the holidays and as the senior competition would consequently have been disorganized, the school offered to withdraw in favour of the Appleby Club, and the offer was accepted by the Southland Cricket Association. Thanks were extended tc the Cricket Association for allowing Mr W. R. Patrick to visit the school twice weekly for coaching purposes. Mr Patrick had made an excellent start and the-boys appreciated his coaching. Four teams played regularly in the Southland Cricket Association’s competitions. L. M. Uttley represented Southland against Otago during the 1933-34 season.

The Hockey Club ( under Mr Drees again had a successful season. Entering the junior competition, the first eleven went through the first round without a defeat and was awarded the Lewis Shield. The A team later entered the senior competition and performed creditably, the B team taking their place in the junior competition. P. W. Anderson of the A team represented Southland in interprovincial matches.

Two excellent asphalt tennis courts were now available on' the school grounds. In the Junior Lawn Tennis Association’s annual autumn tournament, the school won all the events, F Lee winning the senior singles and J. Pollok the junior singles. During the third term the school teams won the senior and the junior competitions. The annual school sports were held during the first term. In the intersecondary school sports held at Dunedin the school team tied with Waitaki High School for the Macassay Senior Shield, while P. McLaughlan won the medal for most points. At the Melbourne Centenary celebrations McLauchlan won the mile race in the Empire secondary school sports. He was the only New Zealander to get a first place. It was evident from the success of ’-resent boys and of boys who had recently left that the school was making a valuable contribution to Southland swimming. The president of the Southland Centre was an Old Boy; the Old Boys’ Club held seven provincial senior swimming championships, the diving championship and one of their members was second in the New Zealand diving championship. Present boys of the school held five intermediate championships. Mr Dunlop continued to take a keen interest in the swimming of the school, and much of the success of the boys had been due to Ins efforts.

The boxing class under Mr Allan was conducted during the middle term. Forty-five boys were in attendance, and in the annual tournament 30 boys competed. Thanks are due to the Southland Boxing Association for providing the equipment and for conducting the tournament so successfully. Cadet Corps. The cadet corps under Captain Deaker went into “barracks” for four days during the first term. Regular drill was carried out during the first and second terms. An inter-platoon competition was held and won by No. 1 Platoon. The company was inspected in August by Colonel Nicholls, Officer Commanding the Southland Command. On December 10 a field day was held at Otatara.

Mr W. Ferguson had again acted as honorary conductor, and he had willingly given time to the orchestra. At the annual school concert the orchestra provided the overtures and the incidental music. It was hoped that the orchestra next year would be able to carry out a series of short programmes at the school. Mr Robins and Mr Slater had again given much of their time to the orchestral work.

The school debating team this year visited Oamaru to compete against a team from Waitaki High School. After a keen and interesting competition Waitaki won by a small margin. Three of the senior boys addressed the In-

vercargill Rotary Club on a recent occasion. > During the year approximately 400 : new books have been placed on the I shelves of the library as the result of > purchase or contributions by the boys ■ themselves. Additional shelving was pro - vided but this was already insufficient. i A card index system for the whole . library had been completed. A pleasing feature had been the increasing , attention given by many of the boys to better class literature. Next year it was hoped to increase the reference department of the library. Mr Cameron . had devoted much time to the difficult task of library supervision and organization. Interest in the Natural Philosophy Club continued to be well maintained. During the year adresses on various subjects had been given by speakers from outside the school, and visits had been paid to places of interest. The astronomical section is making steady progress and the current literature of the New Zealand Astronomical Society was now available to the school library. Mr R. D. Thomson had taken a very practical interest in the club’s work throughout the year. The annual concert was held on one night only this year during the second term. It was a great success and this was due to the excellent work of Mr Kennedy Black, Mr A. R. Dunlop and Mr J. Page. During the year visits had been paid by the accountancy students to several meetings of the Chamber of Commerce. The boys obtained a valuable insight into the methods of conducting a meeting, as well as a realization of the wide interests and activities of the! chamber. The Accountant’s Student Society extended an invitation to one ] of their meetings during the year; and a very instructive programme dealing with various aspects of commercial life was thoroughly enjoyed by the boys. Mr Cordery at the Customs Office and at the railway goods sheds traced the procedure in importing goods from London to the Dominion, explaining bills of exchange, insurance, and so on. The manager of the Bank of New Zealand gave an interesting talk to the boys at the bank on bills of exchange and cheques. The boys were shown over the bank building, being much interested in the adding machines and the strong-room. Mr Wyatt had given the boys an instructive day. A visit was paid to the R.M.S. RUahine at the Bluff, where the boys were entertained by the third officer, Mr Wilson. Mr Spencer, manager of the local branch of the Union Steam Ship Company, arranged this visit for the accountancy students. The Agricultural class had paid two visits to the Winton Experimental Farm for observation of grass experiments. Mr Hunt’s piggery at Wallacetown proved interesting to the boys. On several occasions the class attended stock sales. Practical work has : been carried out on the school grounds. Several plots were established. They wished to thank Mr W. R. Harris for gifts of superphosphate, sulphate of ammonia and sulphate of potash, and Mr Stuart, Department of I Agriculture, for supplying manures and seeds for experimental work. Aviation Scholarships.

The house competition for 1934 was won by Mataura House. The aviation scholarships awarded by the Sports Trust were won by L. M. Uttley and M. K. Carswell. Both these boys had qualified as A pilots. Three aviation scholarships were open to the secondary schools of Southland this year and had all been awarded to boys of the school: J. Matheson, J. Gilbert and R. Watson.

The size and form of the magazine had been changed and improved. It was now the official organ of the Old Boys’ Association. It continued to record the history of the school and the doings of the old boys. The Old Boys’ Association continued to take a generous and active interest in the school. They had this year decided to award annually two prizes for public speaking as well as the dux medal. The Old Boys’ Football Club won the local Rugby Union’s senior competition, and were runners-up in the senior cricket competition, while the Ex-pupils Swimming Club was doing very valuable work for swimming in Invercargill. Among the many distinctions achieved by Old Boys of the school might be mentioned particularly the appointment of Professor F. Miles, a former Rhodes Scholar to the Chair of Mathematics at Victoria College, Wellington, the selection of Mr Haslam as one of the two Rhodes Scholars for 1934, and what was particularly interesting at the present time the appointment of Mr L. J. Wild to the distinguished position of President of the Royal Agriculture Society. To the staff the rector was very grateful for the loyal support they have given him during the year. The thanks of the school were due tc Messrs Kennedy Black and Ritchie Fraser for the presentation of singing prizes and to Mrs Smith who had again donated the prize for the best cadet to Mr J. J. W. Pollard for judging the singing competition, to Mr M. Macdonald for judging the senior public speaking and to Mr J. C. Prain for acting as judge of the junior speaking. He wished to thank those parents and friends who had given hospitality to the boys of other secondary schools when the inter-school games had been held in Invercargill. To the Board of Governors and the chairman (Mr R. M. Strang) he was grateful for the ungrudging assistance they had given in forwarding the interests of the school.

PRIZE LIST. 111. C.— C. W. Campbell, Ist English; I. H. Ferguson, Ist History; M. Potts, Ist French; E. L. Fallow, Ist mathematics, Ist science, Ist 111. agriculture; D. G. Coster, Ist 111. A. commercial. 111. B.—A. J. Melhop, Ist equal English; M. K. Campbell, Ist equal English; Ist History; E. J. von Tunzleman, Ist French, Ist Latin; J. C. Fallow, Ist equal mathematics; A. T. Raines, Ist science; G. R. Russell, Ist equal mathematics.

111. A.—R. P. Hewat, Ist equal English, Ist equal mathematics; R. J. Wilson, Ist equal English; J. M. Dickson, Ist history, Ist science; W. R. Mayhew, Ist French, Ist equal mathematics, Ist Latin; R. W. McCall, Ist 111. B. commercial.

IV. C.—A. A. Beer, Ist English, Ist French, Ist mathematics; I. B. McCurdy, Ist equal History; K. E. McKenzie, Ist equal History, Ist science. IV. B.—J. M. Elliotte, Ist English, Ist French, Ist Latin; A. L. Cameron, Ist History; S. A. Sharp, Ist mathematics; K. D. Adams, Ist science; E. J. Anderson, Ist IH andlV Geography; A. J. Macgregor, general proficiency. IV. A.—H. W. Thomson, Ist equal English, Ist French, Ist mathematics, Ist IV. commercial, Ist science; D. W. Crowley, Ist equal English; E. Allison, Ist History; L. M. Cornwell, Ist Latin; K. W. Davies, Ist IV. agriculture. V. B.—T. S. Campbell, Ist English; J. Hunter, Ist History and general proficiency; A. Adamson, Ist French; J. F. Randall, Ist mathematics, Ist science; W. S. Jenkins, Ist V. agriculture. V. A.—D. E. Campbell, Ist English, Ist French, Ist science (2); J. A. Pollok, Ist History; J. W. McChesney, Ist mathematics; A. S. Alsweiler, Ist V. B.

Latin; J. S. Thomson, general proficiency. V. R.—l. P. Foley, Ist English, Ist History, Ist French, Ist V.A. Latin, Ist science (3); D. E. McQueen, Ist mathematics. V. U.—S. Taylor, Ist English; E. D. Spriggs, Ist History, Ist equal science; W. F. Thompson, Ist French, Ist mathematics, Ist equal science (2); F. S. Lee, Ist V. commercial; K. S. Edginton, Ist V. geography. VI. Com. —L. Jones, Ist English, Ist History, Ist French; E. J. Callaghan, Ist equal mathematics; J. M. Gilbert, Ist equal mathematics; D. A. Stevens, Ist company law, Ist mercantile law; A. M. Swale, Ist book-keeping; A. J. Parker, Ist accountancy economics. V.I. Schol.—L. R. Stewart, Ist English, Ist equal French, Ist mathematics. Ist science; G. M. Thomson, Ist equal French, Ist Latin; W. S. Wood, Ist equal French; M. R. Head, Ist junior mathematics. Sports Prizes. Swimming.—Junior Championship Cup: A. C. Millar. Wilson Cup (Senior Champion): A. Brown. Athletics.—Melbourne Centenary Empire Secondary School Games: Ist mile, P. G. McLauchlan; Sutherland Cup (Half-mile Senior Championship): P. G. McLauchlan; Todd Medal (most points short distances), J. J. Taylor; Bews Cup (most points middle and long distances), E. Jackson; Len Hanan Memorial Cup and Sports Trust Miniature (senior champion), P. G. McLauchlan; runner-up senior championship, D. G. Hudson; junior championship cup, M. Feam; Christophers MemI orial Shield (relay race—Old Boys v. i School), Old Boys (D. Chisholm, W Atley, G. Witt, C. Milne). Boxing.—Old Boys Cup (senior champion), T. Potts; Frost Cup (most scientific boxer), M. Potts; Dallas Cup (house boxing championship), Aparima and Oreti equal. Tennis.—Junior Association Cup for junior secondary teams, S.B.H.S. A. team (captain, E. J. Anderson); Junior Association Cup for senior secondary teams, S.B.H.S. A team (captain, C. H. Baird); schools singles champion, F. S Lee; junior champion, O. C. Cowie. Gymnastics.—Junior champion, S. R. O’Connell; intermediate champion, E. J. Matthews; senior champion, L. R. Stewart and W. F. Thompson (equal) House Competition Cup.—Mataura (captain, D. G. Hudson). Cadet Prizes.—Junior shooting championship cup, F. W. Hall-Jones; senior shooting championship shield, B. Darroch; Mrs Smith’s prize (best cadet), R. A. Nimmo and G. G. McLeod (equal). Fives.—Senior championship cup, F S. Lee; v junior champion, T. W. Swale. Special Awards.

Athenaeum Committee free tickets, M. K. Campbell and A. J. Melhop: Old Boys’ singing trophies, broken voices P. J. McNamara; unbroken voices, L, Chambers. Old Boys’ cup for best all-round third year boy, W. L. Miller. Deschler Cup for greatest physical and scholastic improvement: D. A Stevens. T. D. Pearce Memorial Prize for public speaking: Senior, L. Jones; junior, A. S. Lindsay. Aviation Badges A Certificate Pilots (Sports Trust Awards): M. K. Carswell and L. M. Uttley. Proxime Accessit: G. M. Thomson. Dux of School: Lindsay Rutherford Stewart.

GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL REPORT AND PRIZE LIST. The annual break-up ceremony and presentation of prizes of the Southland Girls’ High School will take place this afternoon. The following is the 55th annual report of the Southland Girls’ High School, and the 27th report of the school as a separate institution, _to be presented to the board by the principal (Miss A. Eastwood). “Our numbers this year are slightly higher than those of last year. The total enrolment for 1934 has been 240; of these, 154 are senior free place pupils, 83 are junior free place and 3 are paying pupils. Again we have some 60 girls travelling to school daily by train or bus and tney have shown a most commendable spirit in actively interesting themselves in school institutions and in carrying on their school work with cheerfulness in the face of difficulties and with a high standard of diligence. “Various epidemics had a serious effect upon the attendance during both the first and second terms, with the inevitable result that the standard of work in some cases has been adversely affected. The average attendance for the year was 208. During the year, 23 pupils left; 10 went to occupations, eight remained at home, four were transferred to other schools and one was enrolled at a University College.

“At the end of the first term, we were pleased to welcome back Miss Earwaker. Miss Flett, as relievirig mistress, had done sound work, but she returned without regret to the warmer climate of Australia. During the third term, Miss Brown found it necessary to apply for leave of absence. Miss Brown’s high sense of duty and sympathetic interest in the welfare of her pupils made her a valuable teacher and we hope very sincerely that she may benefit in health from her six months’ rest. Miss L. Cockburn, M.A., was appointed as relieving mistress. To all the mistresses I would express my appreciation of their willingness to help in school activities and to assist me in furthering the best interests of the girls. “The examination results were most j satisfactory. Catherine Adamson gained an Invercargill Savings Bank Scholarship and Freda Stuckey a National Bursary. Fifteen girls were awarded Higher Leaving Certificates, two gained a full pass in the Training College Entrance examination and two partial passes; 22 candidates passed the University Entrance examination, 55 were recommended for Senior Free Places. In the Royal Drawing Society’s examination there were 18 honours awards and 9 second class. “We congratulate Miss Jean Bisset, Miss Annie Smith and Misses Alison

Fell, Catherine Adamson, Freda Stuckey, Mary Fraser and Catherine Smith, former pupils of the school, on their success in degree examinations; also Miss McQuilkan on being awarded an Otago University Scholarship. “School activities are varied and so make their appeal to individual tastes. Interest in games is strong. During the first term, good work was done by Miss Shallcrass and senior _ girls in teaching new girls the rudiments of tennis; many profited by this opportunity and have been improving their play during the recent fine weather. In the annual match with the Gore High School, results were not conclusive; the Gore team were leading in both senior and junior sections when rain stopped the games. “A very keen interest has recently been shown in cricket and under Miss White’s guidance the girls are improving their game steadily. We are most grateful to Dr. Stanley Brown for his very practical help in connection with this game. “Basketball was most popular during the winter term. We lost so many members of our senior A team of last year that there was much hard work to be done by Miss McHaffie and the girls to improve the efficiency of this year’s team. The results of the matches with the second grade teams of the Southland Basketball Association taught the girls to lose cheerfully. In the ..secondary schools competition, the senior team, after a close match, lost to the Technical College by one point. The junior A team won the cup in the junior section; there are some promising players in this group who under Miss White are doing good work. It is satisfactory to know that our standard in basketball is high; this is proved by the fact that places in the Old Girls’ team were made for • three of our last year’s players while two were in the Southland representative team. In the annual match with Gore High School both senior and junior teams won.

“The good work done in drill by Mr Page is seen in the improved carriage of the girls and the high standard of the drill items at the annual concert. This year interest in house drill, taken by the officers of each of the four houses, was stimulated by competition for the Sutherland Cup. This was won by Strang House, Macalister House, the runners-up, being only one point behind. We are grateful to Mr Moore for his kindness in judging the competition. This work in house drill provides valuable training for senior girls and many of the leaders showed considerable ability in handling their squads. “Interest in drawing among junior and senior girls has been increased by the holding of the Royal Drawing Society’s examinations and some very good work was done in the tests held in September. Under Miss Hulston’s guidance in this subject and in handcrafts, senior girls have greatly improved their work; it is to be regretted that more girls do not avail themselves of the opportunity to learn leather work, woodwork and other forms of handcraft, though it must be admitted that these are expensive hobbies. “The Young Helpers’ League has flourished under Miss McHaffie’s guidance, a specially pleasing feature this year being the help that large numbers of the girls have given in contributing to the form boxes. “Another important activity is the publication of the magazine. This entails much extra work for the editor,, Miss Earwaker, and senior girls, but the interest the magazine rouses among present girls, former headmistresses and others is ample compensation. The library is a great source of interest and senior girls give Miss Earwaker willing help throughout the year in managing it and in binding and cataloguing new books. “A very practical and successful branch of the school’s work is that done in the dressmaking class under Miss Gordey’s capable guidance. Last year and again this year most useful work was done in teaching the girls to renovate garments which were old fashioned or partly worn and the transformations effected were most successful. The value of this work is obvious,' especially in these days of reduced incomes. The inspection I held last Monday of work done in the dressmaking class gave me the greatest satisfaction; in cut and finish the garments reflected great credit upon Miss Gordey and the girls concerned. “With the Garden Circle, Miss Budd does useful and pleasant work in fostering a love of beauty and a practical knowledge of gardening. We wish to record our gratitude to Mr Mansfielcr, the Superintendent of Reserves, for giving the members of the circle a lesson in seed planting. . “The work of the High School Guide Company owes much to the enthusiasm of Miss Cumming. In this school activity the girls learn most useful lessons in co-operation, in reacting quickly to practical demands, in developing powers of observation. At present excitement among some 17 fortunate members of the guide company runs high; on Saturday they leave with Miss Cumming, Miss Manson and Miss Cathie Smith for a ten days camp at Stewart Island. , “The school again acknowledges with grateful thanks the generosity of the Old Girls’ Association in donating the dux medal and the £5 scholarship. In conclusion I should like to. thank the prefects and many senior girls for assisting the staff in various ways, the secretary and his staff for their courteous and ready help and the Board of Governors for their kindly consideration of our various needs.

PRIZE LIST..

Form 111. Commercial. —Jean Fraser 1, Joyce Urwin 2, Norine Riddell 3. Form HI. Domestic.—Jessie Brown 1, Meta McLeod 2. ... 1 Form IH. B.—Eileen Livingston 1, Agnes Russell 2, Joyce Dawson 3, Beth Grieve 4. , , _., Form 111. A.—Joan Pilcher 1, Enid Gregory 2, Betty Baker 3, Dorothy Cox 4. Form IV. B. General.—Nancy Young 1, Isobel Brown 2. Form TV. B. Commercial. —Ray Jackson 1, Joyce Edwards 2. Form TV. B Domestic. —Margaret Toshach 1, Daisy Dunlop 2. Form IV. A. Professional.— Shirley Owen-Johnston 1, Heather Brown 2, Edith Bisset 3.

Form IV. A. General—Elsie Swinney 1, Esnes Orr 2. Form V. Commercial.—Marjorie Mackay 1, Mary English 2. Forln V. Domestic.—Helen Taylor 1, Dorothy Clark 2. B.—Jean Affleck 1, Ethel Matthews 2, Aileen Sharman 3. Form V. A.—Leila Weir 1, Daphne tJSwift 2, Margaret Henderson 3. Form VI. non-Latin.—Margaret Roy. Form VI. B.—Peggy Playfair 1, Edna Wilson 2. Form VI. A.—Marion McLean 1. Athenaeum Prizes.—Edith Bisset, Sylvia Campbell. Magazine Prizes: Senior Verse: Margaret Henderson. Senior Prose: Marion McLean. Junior Verse: Joan Pilcher. Junior Prose: Molly Macalister. Junior Drawing: Molly Macalister. Old Girls’ Scholarship: Peggy Playfair. Old Girls’ Dux Medal: Marion McLean.

The athletic and general awards have not yet been completed.