STRATFORD DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 23, 21 December 1916, Page 5

STRATFORD DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.

PAST AND PRESENT. The annual concert and presentation of certificates in connection with the school took place; last evening in the Town Hall, when there was -a large attendance of both parents and public, the Hall being well filled. Before proceeding with a report of the concert, a ivw facts in connection

with the School will prove of interest. A ohat with the Headmaster, Mr V. Tyrer, indicated that Taranaki as an educational district became known in 1898. In that year the Queen's Scholarship was established open to children in Wellington, Hawke's Bay, Wanganui, Taranaki, Nelson, and Marlborough. Three candidates from Taranaki entered for it, the result being that these three,'all from Stratford, came 2nd, 11th, and 13th. One scholarship was secured by Miss Clara Taylor, the first name on the Honors Board, and from that day to this, as the Honors Board indicates the Stratford School has never looked hack, but has gained more than its share of the Educational honors that were going. The Honors Board contains the names of live winners of Queen's Scholarships, 4 names of winners of National Scholarships, one Senior National Scholarship, two Bayly Memorial Scholarships, three Taranaki Scholarships, and one University Scholarship, the latter being the only one so far won in Taranaki. Among the old students are doctors, lawyers, chergymen, and teachers. It is interesting to recall that Miss Taylor subsequent to leaving Stratford, attended the Wellington University, where she ultimately became probably the foremost lady chemist New Zealand has produced. After gaining the highest honors possible in New Zealand, she was awarded a travelling scholarship, and continued her studies in England and Europe. She has, in conjunction with Professor Pope, written a number of tachnical works on chemistry. It will interest to our readers to know that at the present time she is devoting much of her time to special work in munition factories. She is a niece of Mr 11. McK. Morison, one of Stratford's oldest settlers. Speaking of munition factories the nanw> of Doctor Wyllie, another old Honors hoy, was brought to mind. He lift's been lately reported as seen by old Stratford boys at the front looking after the interests of his old chums. When Mr Tyrer first came to Stratford, the number on the roll was SO. The attendance at the present time is 762! In the Primary School there are seven assistants and live pupil teachers, and in the High School there are seven assistants. Besides these there are visiting instructors in iron work, farm carpentry, domestic science and agriculture. The Educational facilities in connection with the Stratford District High School are ■ such that a child may commence with the alphabet in the infant room and go through the school step by step, without a. break, until he or she reaches the .hig'h standard.required for the UniversityScholarships. The loyalty and goodfeeling that have always existed in the school speak volumes for the tact and ability displayed by those "at the top," and at this time no one should be able io look back with greater satisfaction on the result ol twenty-five years strenuous work than the present Hea-ilmaster, who deservedly possesses the affection and esteem of every teacher and pupil in the school. The programme commenced with an opening chorus by the Company, which was principally composed of the old "Anzac Minstrels," whose good work in assisting at various patriotic entertainments in ami around Stratford has been frequently mentioned in these columns. Ihe programme submitted by the group on this occasion was quite up to the standard, and the various items ivoiv greeted . with unstinted applause. Mr John Kowe (the ever-versatile) seoi'ed big wins with his corner work ;^ K i "Bones," and his singing and patted in "What do you think of the j

Kaiser." "Jusi to please yon Sue." anil "Uncle Joe," quite raptured the juvenile portion of his audience. His items were all encoied. Mr S. Ward as "Tambo" was in high feather, and contributed two comic song: "Why do you keep laughing at me" urn!

"Ding Dong," and was recalled oaeli time. Mrs Edmondson, the po3seKsor of a charming sympathetic soprano voice, sang twice and received hearty applause. Mr 13. J. Peters was successful with his two items "Sous of New Zealand'' and the

"Grey North Sea," and Mr G. T. Walters lifted liis very pleasing baritone in "Heroes of the Dardanelles"' and "In the Shade of the Palms." Miss RoAve showed to advantage in a recitation which was. encored and . then she entertained the audience with a humorous sketch. Miss Payne sang "All Alone" and "I'll make a man of you," two items involving some very graceful and dainty stepping, and her piquante way quite captivated the audience. Miss Sheahan sang the leading part in a chorus song' "Miss Gibbs," and 'received a hearty encore. Last, hut not least of the lady performers, was Miss Greenhalgh, who scored a great hit with "La Parisienne," which was sung with much 'chic' and graceful action, accompanied by a tuneful chorus from the circle. Mr Fred Foley as "Massa Johnston" kept his circle in good order and the performance went along with a swing. I During the evening, Mr J. W. McMillan, chairman of the School Comjmittee, presented the proficiency icertificates gained by the successful I scholars numbering thirty-six. Mr McMillan prefaced his remarks by the statement that the Committee had decided to dispense with prizegiving this year, and instead to devote all available monies to improving and extending the play grounds, and with the view of making them isecond to none in the Dominion. The | Chairman said that the concert had been kindly undertaken by the ladies and gentlemen performing that evening, as owing to the examinations being delayed this year till the 12th December no time could be spared for training the children. The parents might perhaps think that the school work had suffered through the various breaks and changes in the staff, members leaving for the front and various causes, but he was glad to say that the result was opposite. The school had quite kept up to the standard that had made it famous, and in some instances exceeded that standard. The efficiency of the Primary School was indicated by the proficiency certificates secured, while the High School returns, so far as they are known show eminently satisfactory results. The school requires a new Honors Board, the present one being covered with names. This is an opportunity for some "old boy" to make a welcome donation.

PROFICIENCY PASS LISTS. The following is a list of those who gained their Proficiency Certificates at the recent examination on December 11th:—Wedgewood Boon, Huddy Clemow, Cecil Cameron, Dick Council, Clifford Davies, Charles Fawcett, John Fraser, William Lowe, Athol McCormick, Edward McCuUough, Gervan MeWilliani, Fred Nolan, William Phillips, Fred Head, Nelson Rogers, Maurice Thorpe, Stanley Ward, Algot Williams, Ray Williams; Edna Anderson, Margaret Brookes, Ivy Booker, Agnes Blake, Connie Cuff, Jewel Henry, Daisy Henry, Mary Kelly, Olive Masters,' Eva McMillan. Annie McDonnell,' Ellen Morison, Myrtle Nelson, ivy Pratt, Vera Peattie, Phyllis Silk, Katie Smart, Beatrice Wasley. The following obtained competency: —Gus Miscall, Colin Smart, Gertie Bowers, Nita Burke, Kathleen Donald, Nancy Fittall, Lynda Spence, May Voght. The following attending evening classes gained certificates:—John Plowright (proficiency), Lewis Neal (competency).