N.P. BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 November 1917, Page 8

N.P. BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL.

BREAKING fP CEREMONY. The Good Templar [fall was crowded last night on (he occasion of the breakup ceremony of the New Plymouth lioys' High School. The school 'orchestra. 14 strong, under (he conductorshi|i of .Mr. Renaml, made its first appearance in public, ami oarncdluMirtv applause for jts rendering of Rbomberg's "Toy Symphony" atl ,i incidental items. The stage was tastefully arranged, and interest was divided between the prize table and an array of cups and trophies U'iiieh are held by teams and boys of the pchocl. Two new trophic* were included. Mrs. Bothamley's handsome cup for the junior quarter mile, and Mr. B N. Chanev's neat little boxing trophy.' In the absence of the chairman' of the hoard (Mr. I). Hutehcn), fir. E. F. Fookes. the senior member of the Hoard ''f 'lovernoj-s. presided, and there were associated with him on the sta™ the Bishop of Auckland (Dr. A. W. Av'orill), Archdeacon R G. Evans, members of the Board of Governors, and member* of Die staff. ' •« The acting-chairman apologised for the unavoidable absence of Mr T). Hutehcn Apologies were also received from Mr. If T. Okry. M.P.. TTon. Oliver Samuel. M.LC., and the Hon. Thos. Kelly. THE PRINCIPAL'S REPORT. As the Principal (Mr. \V. IT. Moves) rose to read his report for the year,' th" orchestra 'struck up ',For He's' a Jolly <Jood Fellow," which was enthusiastically taken up by the assembly, three ringing cheers being given.

At the close of lfllfi it was exported that, owing to the unsettled conditions due lo the war and to the faot that the school work would he carried on in temporary premises, there would be ,1 decrease in the attendance. Jt cam?, therefore, as a surprise to find that on school reopening the roll number again showed an increase. The total roll number for the year is 25G. Of these 110 have been boarders and 140 have been day-boys. As was to be expected, the scarcity of labor on the farms has had a marked effect on the number remaining at school, and has resulted in many boys leaving who would otherwise have remained with us. However, in spite of this, the boarding department has remained full, new boys taking the place of those leaving. .In the public examinations held at the end of lfllfi, fifteen candidates were entered for matriculation. Of these, T. E. Hamovton, R. Kidd, K. Lcaland, D. G. Mackie, A. Phipps, (.J. H. Rodger, D. P. Saxton and E. Tansey gained lull passes; W. 51. Atkinson, J. 11. Brydon and N. C. Fookes gained partial passes, and four candidates failed. I). G. Mackie was the pinner of a senior national scholarhip, while" junior national scholarships were won l>y A ' Candy and .1. XV. .lillett. R. Ilowfli.' and <C. J. Way were successful in passim' (he Public Service entrance, and N. Ellerm gained a partial pass in the Public Service" senior. Jt is only fair to add that very few" candidates now enter for these Public Service examinations. In filling in the entry form, it is necessary for a candidate to sign a declaration to the effect that he will, if successful, accept a position in one of the Government departments. It will be seen, therefore, that entries are sent in only by those boys desirous of joining the' Public Service. For Public Service entrance examinations held this week, only two boys were entered from this school. Two candidates sat for the second term's university examination, and of these J. K. Terry was successful. Gne candidate sat for the first section -f the LL.B. degree, the results of uh'cn will not be known until next year. It is gratifying to be able to report that for the first time in its history, the school now has an upper sixth form comparable in si?..} to similar t'.-vni? in o:her schools. This year six eai'di.lafes !i:;ve been entered'for the junior university .•-ei.oifirship examination, and we heyo ivory reason to hope that they will acquit themselves creditably.

I lisive again in report a muiiVr of changes in the staff. Mr. V. W. C'nristian, M.A., left us early in the year, and Mr. A. S. Bajinatyno, M.A., towards the end of the second term. Mr. V. S. MeMurray, last year's head boy, v.'ho at my request had aecepted a position on the staff in order to help us over the difficulties that had arisen through the W.r, resigned on reaching the age of 2(1, and is now in camp. Realising the utter impossibility of being able to obtain the services of suitable men assistants, I suggested to the board that lady teachers should be included on the staff. Acting on my suggestion, the board appointed Miss Billens, 8.A., of Patea, and Mis 9 McLeod, M.A., of Hawera. Both these ladies have entered with enthusiasm into the work of the school, and their appointment has made the staff a strong one,. Miss K. Winfield, who had charge of the lower preparatory department, resigned at the end of the first term. The vacancy lhun caused was filled by the appointment of Miss Banwell, who has carried out the duties entrusted to her in a capable and efficient manner.

Tn spite of the disadvantages necessarily attached to our present residence i)i temporary quarters, all the school institutions have been carried on successfully. In football the high standard set by former teams has been maintained. Although, owing to the war, no school matches were played, the team was able io give a good account of itself in the Rugby Union fixtures, winning the Senior Cadet competition for North Taranaki

In shooting, the boys have again acquitted themselves creditably. One junior and two senior teams were entered for the Imperial Challenge Shield competition, and were successful in gaining 21 at and 15th places for the Empire. Both teams were easily first for New Zeoland. It is only fair to add that the boys were greatly handicapped through our inability to obtain suitable rifles to replace those destroyed in the lire of last year. The annual-sports were held on Thursday, November 8, on which occasion Sir Tames Allen presented the trophies won by the school in the Imperial Challenge Shield competition of Ifllfi. Swimming and life-saving have received special attention, and have now become a recognised feature of the school activities During the year two boys were awarded honorary instructors' certificates, three were awarded teacher's certificates, eighteen obtained bronze medallions, twenty-five obtained proficiency certificates, and 2S obtained elementary certificates. Large entries were received for the long distance swimming, which was won by ('. McKay, who covered a distance of :t miles 4-tfi yards. 1 wish to take this opportunity of expressing my thanks lo those gentlemen who have assisted in various ways in connection with swimming, and especially to Mr. Swnnson, who has on several occasions sent us handsome donations for this branch of sport, The Cadet work still maintains the high standard set in previous years. This is now in charge of Mr. Ryder, who has been ably assisted by the other members of tlio stall'. ' The Oiatraziiis lias now concluded the

sixth year of its existence, and continues to bo of inestimable value to the school. I regret to say that, owing to the inereased eost of printing, it has been found necessary to out down the publication to two numbers n year, instead of three.

The musical side of the school work has been carried on with care and attention throughout the year. A second teacher for string instruments lias begun work, and the pupils are making satisfactory progress. Several boys are taking up dill'erent wind instruments, ond in time should prove directive players' In the pianoforte section, several boys are showing considerable ability, aiid are getting accustomed to more advanced work. The school band continues to do regular work, and made its first appearance in public on sports day. The school orchestra has been in regular rehearsal, and is contributing to this evening's function.

In the class room the work has naturally suffered through inadequate equipment, and the scattered nature of the buildings used. Nevertheless, every member of the staff has spared neither time nor trouble to keep the work up to the necessary standard, and we can, I think, fairly claim that success has attended our efforts. The fact, that 30 boys in the fourth and fifth forms qualified for senior free places is evidence of this. The curriculum remains practically the same as that of last year. The science work lias been carried on satisfactorily by utilising the-two remaining rooms of the old buildings, but, needless to say, we are anxiously awaiting the time 'when the new school is ready for occupation, and well-equipped laboratories are available. The course provided in agriculture has been carried out in a thorough and efficient manner, with pleasing results. Through the assistance given by the beard, we have been able to make this of a thoroughly practical nature, and pf real use to the boys concerned. A small farming scheme has been in operation foli the last twelve months, and I am pleased to say that the flyst balancesheet showed a profit pi £BO. In connection with the agrinulture, I wish to tender my thanks to Messrs E.\P. Webster and F. W. Atkinson for the great interest they have taken in the work, and to Mr. Barry, of the Agricultural Department, for much valuable assistance.

In history, the period set for matriculation has been that from '!>s B.C. to 14S."i A.D. Lessons given have included a detailed examination of the current European political system, and its influence on English religious institutions and methods of government. The middle forms have specialised in the period, of Colonial development, and an effort has be.en made to render clear both the origin of the present European struggle and the necessary changes which arc imminent in British colonial policy. It is worthy of note that history has been made a compulsory subject for those desiring to qualify for a senior free place. The preparatory school has again been filled,to its full capacity, and continues to do good work. On Monday and Tuesday last the school was inspected by Mr. Morton, who also conducted an examination for proficiency certificates. The results were eminently satisfactory; Ifl boys sat for the examination, l(i gained proficiency, 2 gained competency and one failed. It is only right to add that the boy who failed had only recently joined us, and had for some considerable time been awav from school.

1 regret to say that every mail brings us news of further casualties amongst, our old boys fighting in France. Along with the other secondary schools of the Dominion, this school has done its duty nobly, and it has established a record of which those connected with it may justly feel proud. The response of the old secondary school boys of the Dominion affords a striking testimony of the value of secondary education. Of all the boys who have passed through this school during the last six years, I do not know of a single one of military age who has not volunteered for active service.

Since war was declared, 2l! old boys have made the supreme sacrifice,' 4S have been wounded, and 250 are on active service Three more of our old boys have been decorated for bravery on the battlefield. These are W. E. Moore, A. McIsaac and N. Little, each of whom lias been awarded the Military Cross. We are proud to hear that Lieut.-Colonel 1. Standish, D.5.0., was recently the recipient of the order of St. Michael and St. George. We have been deeply touched at the spirit which has prompted old boys to remember the school, even amidst the horrors of war. Throe boys, 0. Bendall, R. White and E. Mason, who were with us but a short time ago, have found a grave in France, and each of them has bequeathed a sum of money to the school. Though they have gone from us, their memory will always remain with us, and will serve as an inspiration to those who follow after them.

In conclusion, I would like to say that a difficult year has passed with a minimum of trouble, largely owing to the help of the people of Now Plymouth and Taranaki. I cannot adequately express my thanks to the board of governors for the advice and assistance given me on all occasions, nor to my staff, to every member of which I owe a deep debt of gratitude. The school Ims to thank a large number of friends for monetary donations to the sports fund, and Mr. G. Grey and Mr. Hutehen, for valuable prizes, which are to be awarded to-night. I sincerely hope that twelve months hence the" annual prize giving will take place in the assembly hall in the new school buildings,

CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS. I The chairman congratulated the headmaster and his stall' .on the excellent work they had accomplished during the past year, particularly as it had been carried out under very great disadvantages owing to the luck of school buildings. Again, several members of the staff had volunteered or left the school during the year, and in order to meet, the difficulty it was decided that lady teachers should be employed on the stall'. He was pleased to sny that the results had been most satisfactory to everyone concerned. Mr. Moves deserved every credit, but without the loyalty of the whole of the. staff the good work done would not have been possible. The. Hoard of Governors were placed in an n"'kv.'nrd position last year, chiefly through the lack of funds, for the equipment of the fI iris' High School and of the boardin;;' establishment hnd absorbed (he available funds, leaving nothing for the rc-b'.iihlino; of the Hoys' School. The Government, he was plea-ed to say. had now placed ;C.">0f)!l on (lie estimates lov.'mv.ls the vc-b\iihlin7 of the se'aool. and tins amount, tog'thcy with the insurance on Hie old school, fchould enable a start to be incde. The chairman then addressed a few words of advice to the bovs. pointing out that every boy, from the sniallc-t to tii" dii\. bad ii. responsibility In maintfiiniiiL' the good name of I he school. The education they were ivceivinu at the school would help them to fight the good .light in years to come. mSITOP AVERILT/S ADPHKiM Bishop Avcrlll thanked the Board of Governors for the invitation to present

the prizes. He liad taken a great don I of interest in the school for some lime. He realised that the New Plymouth Boys' High School was fast rising to Inone of (he best in the Dominion, and he hoped that the people also realised that in the school they had a very valuable asset The school was at present in the formative stages, for rapid strides had been made during the last few years, and if was of paramount importance that the foundations should be well and truly laid. One of the groat dangers to English political life had been the spirit of self-complacency, condemned by Admiral Tioatty and 'others. The school should aim to be something more than a local institution. 11. should aim at 'being a Dominion institution •vhioh would turn out Empire workers. Empire builders, and Empire defenders. He would refer them to F. S. Oliver's "Ordeal by Battle," in which the writer warned England of the great danger of allowing its policy to onhmr its'armaments. A parallel could Hie drawn in school life. They must have a policy, but they must also have an armament of high ideals and high morals, and must have them high and so help to place the school in the-high place it was destined to occupy. ,

lie would remind the bovs that thev did not go to school merely' to learn anil to receive. they also went to give. j\s that great man Lloyd George—he called him great because lie believed ha had bee,, raised up to save England-had ••aid. it is not what an empire gels, it is what it gives that makes it great The British Empire entered the war to help U'e smaller nations, and that help would be given before the war was finished As if was with nations, so it wns w!th ' sehool life, and it was flic hoy who "ave as well as got who helped forward'"'the I>:rli ideals of the sehool. Tf was not only -he boy who carried off scholastic or athletic prizes who helped the school fljong: the boy with high morals and a pure mmd-thc gentleman-was ah„ needed Ii oUtd. boy would put his best mto the work Im. would help to build "P the good frame of the sehool and keep ><■ HP. One of the secrets of the success o. die school lav in the support that ™* f [ 0 "l ih «*' '»«. nnd ho honored t..e sehool for Mr. Mores' statement that every old hoy of military age had volunteered 'for active service.' T„ these (lays many parents took their boys awav from school earlier than thev would in normal limes, but he wished'to imnress upon parents the absolute necessity of allowing the boys to stay a?, long as'nossi'de. for the last few years of school Ue were the Lest possible training for the future life. He knew to what the success of the school was due—the personality of f.|„. principal. (Prolonged applause.) He would also like to give a little advice to the members of "the board, and that was to trust the princiPal. to give him a free hand, and to leave him alone. Mr. Moves cot the best out of his boys liv irnstina them In conclusion, the Bishop said that, many of the bovs would spend their holidnv's working hard in (ho country. Thev voiild be doiiifr their duty in a patriotic work. He wished them an enjoyable and profitable holiday, and honed thev would return to sehool resolved to help make it second to none in the Dominion. Bishop Averill then presented the prizes, each recipient receiving hearty applause from his school fellows. PRIZE LIST. Form lb.—G. Bell 1, I. Jones 2. Form la: G. McNeill 1, IT. Garner 2. Form IT.: G. Walker 1, 0. Fookos 2. Form lib: XV. McLean 1., M. Lvsons 2, Form Ila: D. Mackav 1, F. Williams 2, K. Neal 3. Form TIL: XV. Mackav 1, P. Griffiths 2, H Holden ,1. Prize for nature study, lower pre. paratory, W. Lysons. Upper Schools:

Form IJIb: Form prize. Herbert 1, Tenman 2; language and literature, Herbert; mathematics and science, Herbert; history, Osborne; drawing, Rawson. Form'llia: Form prize, Barak 1, Smart 2.; languages and literature, Barak; mathematics and science, Barak; history. Barak; drawing. Barak; commercial, A. Walter; agriculture, Sutton. Form TVb: .Form prize, C. White 1. Jones 2; language* and literature, White; ma I hematics and science, .lones; history. White; drawing, Knuekev; agricultureOld. " '

Form IVa: Form prize, White 1; Kyngdon 2; mathematics and science, Vhitc; languages and literature. White; history, Blundcll; book-keeping, Moroy; drawing. Train,

Forir. V.: Form prize, Noble 1, Waddlo 2; language and literature. Noble; I mathematics and science. Noble; drawii.g, Noble; history, Waddle and Reeves (equal). Form VTb: Form prize, Mellaril y 1, doss 2; languages and literature. ,MeIlardy; science and mathematics, Goss; history, Goss; drawing, Drake. Form VTa: Dux medal, Brokensliire; ! form prize, Brokensliire 1. Yates 2. Cal-1 h nder :i; languages and literature, Bro- I kenshire; mathematics and science, Brokensliire; general excellence, Callander. SHOOTING PRIZES—IM7. W. M. Atkinson.—Senior championship, McDiarmid Belt and Pewter. ('. C. Yates,—Lady Godley Cup, No. 24 Company. 11. McK. Rockol.—Ludy Oodley dip, No. 100 Company. A. 0. McNeil.—Tlaniblyn Cup; miniature range junior championship. tt. 11. Grayling.—Scarlc Cup; miniature range senior championship. A. 11. liothaniU'v— Lnveday Cup; under !•") mlnjutiiro range championship. Tennis championship—J. M. Hine, pewter. Sole Cup for best sergeant,—SergonntMajor Vates, A FREE HAND. Mr. D'Arcy Robertson, in a brief address, assured Dr. AyeriU that the board

of governors nllowed Mr. Moyes a free hand—two free hands—in the administration of the school. The uppermost question before the board was that of rebuilding the boys' school. Even without a building, the staff had achieved very good results, and given a proper building, still better results would be obtained. The money available would not allow of the building of any more than the bare class rooms—no gymnasium, no central hall and no luxuries could be provided—and they were faced with the probability of having to canvass the people of Taranaki for further funds, and should that be necessary, he trusted that a good response would be made. The singing of the National Anthem concluded the ceremony.