END OF THE YEAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1923, Page 3

END OF THE YEAR.

THE CENTRAL SCHOOL. TRIBUTE TO LATE HEADMASTER. MEMORIAL LIBRARY UNVEILED. There was a large attendance of parents and others interested at the annual breaking-up ceremony at the Central school yesterday afternoon. The chairman of the committee (Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P.), presided, and with him were associated the Mayor and Mayoress! Mr. and. Mrs. F. E. Wilson), Messrs. F. A Coleman (secretary of the School Committee). J. A. Valentine, (senior inspector of schools), and Meadames A. Down and Jamieson (members of the committee).

A ceremony ; which will be imprinted on the minds of all present for years to come was the unveiling of the very fine Stratford Memorial Library, which is situated in the large entrance hallxof the school. This memorial to the school’s former headmaster, is built of oak, and stands about sft. 6ins. high and 10ft. long. In the centre is a splendid photograph of Mr. Stratford in his army uniform, while directly underneath is a tablet inscribed, “In Memory of H. A. Stratford. Headmaster, 1917 to 19’32.” A telegram was received from Mr. A. J. Stratford, a brother of the late Mr" Stratford, regretting being unable to be present, and expressing the deepest gratitude of his family and himself. The unveiling ceremony was performed by Mr. Smith. He spoke feelingly of the very fine character of Mr. Stratford and his splendid services to the school. He had served with distinction in the Great War. During his absence there had arisen some difficulty over his appointment, but as every one knew the selection had proved to be a very wise one. Tiie reports of the inspectors bore excellent testimonies of his services as a head teacher and organiser. Mr. A. V. Simms (president of the Taranaki Educational Institute) had written to the effect that he would endorse any tribute paid to t'he late Mr. Stratford. Mr. Stratford took a lively interest in every branch of school life’, and also in affairs outside the school. His many fine qualities were those worthy of a map and a teacher. Many acts of kirrtiness were due to him which were unknown until after his death, and the loss of such a man was a severe blow to the country-. Mr. Smith, on behalf of the School Committee, said they were greatly indebted to Messrs. Pursers’ Limited for the skilled workmanship displayed in the building of t'he memorial.

Mr. \ alentine endorsed the statements made by Mr. Smith. He had not known Mr. Stratford very long, but during the time he had been in contact with him he was greatly impressed with the mail's sterling qualities and fine character. His attention to details, and his beneficial influence over children made him admired by all the inspectors. Mr. Valentine said he was very pleased to see the memorial take the form of a library, and it rested with the parents of the* school to see that the right books were procured for the library. He commented on the great benefits to be derived from reading. It mattered little what the child read in the early stages so long as it was good reading matter. The class of literature could be gradually raised in standard as the child grew up. The memorial was a fitting one. and a valuable adjunct to such an important school. HEADMASTER'S REPORT. The headmaster’s rc-jxirt stated:— School successes—At the January examinations, 1922, Frank Davis and Arthur Mills were successful in gaining Junior National Scholarships. Beatrice Berge and Launa Hammond won the Hughes' Cup for life-sav-ing against a big entry of competitors. Mr. E Coleman, instructor, with marked success, undertook the responsibility of their training, lu local athletic competition our pupils quite held their own. Proficiency.—Pupils of Standard 6 acquitted themselves very creditably at the proficiency

examinations. 60 securing proficiency, and six competency, there being only three failures. Mil Wagstaff is deserving of the highest commendation for these splendid results, and, undoubtedly, had he been in charge throughout the year, more proficiencies would have been secured.

Staff.—ln their annual report the school inspectors referred to the high state of efficiency attained, personally commenting on the high quality of work done by individual teachers. It is my pleasing duty to endorse their remarks, and to convey to the staff my keenest appreciation of their loyalty, diligence, enthusiasm and hearty co-aperation throughout a year beset by almost insuperable difficulties. Unwieldy classes, lack of appliances, overcrowded conditions and frequent changes in staff imposed upon them increased responsibilities which were overcome only by ability, determination and strict application to duties. To Mrs. Martin and her staff we also extend our felicitations. The work in this, department is highly creditable to all concerned, and the modern methods adopted and so well manipulated must bear a rich harvest in future years. Sister Webster, under the direction of the Red Cross Society, has been conducting classes for senior girls in hygiene and health. The scheme planned out is a comprehensive one, and should prove beneficial to the students. We feel that all parents deeply appreciate the splendid work carried out under Sister Webster’s guidance. Tone.—Apart from instruction in school subjects. it is our endeavour to inculcate in the children a high standard of morals, without which there can be nn true education. Generally speaking, we find the pupils courteous, well-behaved, truthful, honest, diligent, intensely loyal to their school, and possessed of the sense of responsibility and self-reliance. An example of self-sacrifice will be found in their voluntarily surrendering their prizes .to further the establishment of a school library. Teachers leaving.—lt is with regret that we bid farewell tn Misses Downs and Day, and to Messrs Thomson and C. M. Smith, the last three haVing g: ned admission to the Training College. All have rendered excellent service, and we trust that they will carry away with them pleasant memories of the days spent with us. We wish them all success for the future.

Dalton plan.—With varying degrees of success we adopted a modification of the Dalton system of teaching. With such large classes we find it difficult, in its operation, and feel that a strong teacher adopting modem methods of class teaching can secure better results. It. appears that this plan Is detrimental to individuality and initiative where skilled teaching is required. Apart from the "contract” system, there is little new in this muchadvertised method. In some schools pupils of Standard 6 worked under similar conditions 30 years ago. ADDRESS BY THE MAYOR. The Mayor, who. was not able to be present at the commencement of the ceremony, then delivered a shoijt address. He congratulated the headmaster (Mr. Evans) on his excellent report, and he was convinced that if the boys and girls of the 'Central school lived up to the fine report given of them by their teachers, New Plymouth had a bright future before it. and the town would bo a worthy place to live in. The fact that such fine schools existed in New Plymouth would be a great inducement for people to come and live here, as they knew that the educational requirements of their children would be well provided for. Mr. Wilson said there was one great blot on the whole educational system which had been mentioned before, and that waft the drastic changes which were constantly taking place among the teaching staff. It was impossible for the best results to be obtained when such a state of affairs existed, and some effort should be made on behalf of the department to improve the system. Mr. Wilson congratulated the children on their splendid action in denying themselves of their prizes for the purpose of contributing towards the Stratford Memorial Library. It was a fine spirit which they would do well to cultivate. Although there were movements afoot to dispense with prizes, if such a move was made there was no reason to believe that the unselfishness already displayed by the children need suffer in consequence. Mr. Wilson concluded liis remarks by wishing the children a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. Mr. Smith, on behalf of the School Committee, also congratulated Mr. Evans on his report. He said it was very gratifying to all to hear of the fine work carried out during the year. Mr. Smith remarked on the absence of friction between the committee and the

staff and the staff and the parents. During the whole of the year there had not been a single written complaint from a parent, which waft a very satisfactory state of affairs for such a large school. He referred t<> the institution of a dental clinic and considered it would be of great value. The committee in the first place hud been faced with the prospect of much expense in regard to the cleaning of the clinic, but other committees were now contributing to* jvards the cleaning. In conclusion he wished all a very happy holiday and a Merry Christmas. The Mayoress (Mrs. F. E. Wilson) then presented the certificates. THE AWARD LIST. The award list was as follows: Standard 1 (bnys) —Proficiency, Geoffrey Wright 1, Cameron Turner 2, Mervyn Evana I, Raymond 'Smale 4: general improvement, Donald Ayson, William Manning Kirk Johnson; neatness, Job Lowe; general knowledge, Laurie Buckley: general helpfulness, Clifford Broad: attendance, Francis Baker, Ralph Bond. Ronald Brenmuhl, Errol Bridger, Clifford Broad, Laurie Buckley, Leonard Cattley, lan Sisson, Raymond Smale, Douglas Stone, Cameron Turner, Norman Utiger, Hugh Hardgraves, Leslie Mmlgbinerie, Charles Reed. Standard 1 (girls).—Proficiency, Gladys Montgomerie 1. Ruby Stewart 2, Florence Horton 3, Louvain Shoemark 4: general'improvement, M. v Murland, Lena Hughes: neatness, Winnie Burrows; general knowledge, Myrtle Bassett: general helpfulness, Zeta Stroud; sewing, Violet Waters: attendance, Ngaere Briggs, Marianne Down, Florence Horton, (■'lady's Montgomerie, Louvain Shoemark. Ruby Stewart. Violet Waters. Phyllis Campbell. Standard 2.—Proficiency, Joan Harvey 1, Margaret Fookes 2, Harry Taylor 3, Betty Bullock 4; homework, Frances Carthew, Doreen Preston: general progress, Mavis Field, Rex Gardiner: drawing, Allan Rankin; sewing, Marjory Ellis, Nellie Rankin; attendance. Queenle Croker, Ida Fox, Thelma Feakins, Gertrude Gibson, Edward Hughes. Clive Jackson, Gordon Mackay, Norma Smith, Ivan Des Forges, Rex Gandiner, Una Clow, Bernard Carter, Richard Edgecombe, Frederic Julian, Kora Tozer, Joyce Wooldridge, Harold Yardley, Joan Batten, Colin Elder, Jim Shoemark, Mena Des Forges, Jessie Wood, Philip Sisson. v Standard —Proficiency, Harry Westbury 1. Wilfred Layton 2, Herbert Blackmore 3, Stella Webb 4 ; general Improvement, Alexander Clow 1, Emily Woolier 2, Constance Taylor 3; drawing, Colin Molllson; English, Hazel Stone; sewing, Lorna Derby ; attendance, Emily Pearce, William Liley, Wilfred Layton, Clarence Montgomerie, Percy Boulton, Henry Warren, Phyllis Yardley, Reginald Mount joy, Dorothy Chllderstone, Gladys Hine, Alexander Clow, Alice Maxwell, Ethel Freethy, Colin Ward. Standard 4.—Proficiency, Miriam Allen 1, Elien Kendrick 2, Dennis Glover 3, Phyllis Harvey 4; progress, Percy Greenless, Delores Jellyman; homework, Miriam Allen, Douglas Elliott; needlework, Nellie Kendrick; willing help, Alfred Woolier; attendance, Inez Mountford, Dorothy Riding, Kathleen Wilkie, Ronald Gibbons, Keith Gray, Ronald Jones, Decima Elliott, Phyllis Harvey, Alice Waters, Vera Williams, Clifford Kerr, Arthur White, Nellie Kendrick, Alfred Woolier, Dulcie Cobb. Standard 5 (girls) .—Proficiency, Florence Peterson 1, May vis Wooldridge 2, Ernestine Layton 3, Dolcle Eva 4; general knowledge, Phyllis Harvey; sewing, Alice Hughes; homework, Dulcie Bennett: improvement, Aneesie Zemb’a; drawing, Nola Honeyfield; English, Dulcie Wright; attendance, Dorothy Croker, Lena Capon, Marjorie Hoskins, Pamela Rosevear. Eleanor Riding, Mayvls Wooldridge, Dulcie Bennett, Rebecca Hart, Alice Hughes, Ernestine Layton. Rtiby Sims, Phyllis Lindsay, JwUua-

son, Ella Way, Aneesie Zemba, Betty Sanderson. Standard 5 (boys).—Proficiency, Eric Edgecombe 1, Neville Gardiner 2, Alfred Clarke 3, Norman Bell 4 ; progress, James S-mith; homework, Leonard Kerr; general knowltjflge, Sydney Hartnell; general heljffulness, Leonard Kerr, Samuel Hughes: English, Cyril Maddock; attendance, Eric Edgecombe, Samuel Hughes, Ray Bullot, Neville Gardiner. Standard 6.—Dux of school (medal), Henry Kendrick; proficiency, Henry Kendrick L Phyllis Bennett 2. Ronald Davis 3, Boyd Mace 4: helpfulness, Boyd Mace, Laura Hammond: homework. Evelyn Rawlinson, Noel Way: general improvement, Joyce Waters: sewing, Jean Julian; attendance, John Bransgrove, Walter Elliott, David Elliott, Roland Shoemark, Malcolm Cottam, Stanley White, Henry Kendrick, Leonard Sharp, Beatrice Berge, Marjorie Cliff, Evelyn Rawlinson, Launa Hammond, Rita Johnson. Noel Gardiner, Ralph Girling, Richard Collins, Blanche Barras. At the conclusion of the presentation of awards a very enjoyable concert programme waft rendered by the children. Several choruses were sung and songs were given by K. Wilkie, F. Everest, J. Waters and K. Forty (duet), K. Harper, P. Yardley And R. Jury. The entertainment was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem.

CENTRAL INFANT SCHOOL.

BREAKING-UP CEREMONY. A crowd of happy, eager children gathered nt. the Central Infant School yesterday morning on the occasion of the annual prize-giving. A large number of parents and friends were present. The chairman of 'the School Committee (Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P.), in opening the ceremony, thanked the parents and friends for their large attendance. The number of children in the school was increasing each year, and he was sure that the parents would appreciate the greatly improved conditions under which the children were receiving their education. Mr. 'Smith, on behalf of the committee, thanked Mrs. Martin (head teacher) and her stall for their achievements during the year. Although the improved conditions had facilitated matters, nevertheless an increase in attendance had amplified their work. The school was almost overcrowded, and with a few more pupils the committee would be entitled to ask the Education Department for a further sum of money for building purposes. Some combined songs and recitations were then given by the children, after which Mrs. S. G. Smith presented the prizes. THE PRIZE LIST. The prizes, which wore presented 'by Mrs. Smith, were awarded as follow: Primer I.—Alan Burgess 1, Maurice Hardgrave 2, Olive Bates 3. Primer ll.—Leone Lacey 1, Willie Rosevearo 2, Peter Putt 3. Primer lll.—Thelma. Penwarden 1. John Davies 2, Ernest Jones 3. Very good progress : Ailsa Clarke. Primer IV.—Bernard Chapman 1, Mildred Hughes 2, Roy Morrison 3. Special progress and oral work.—Cyril Gaylard. Upper Primer IV.—Jack Keeling 1, Mary Fever 2. Scripture.—Upper Primer IV., Jack Keeling; Primer IV., Marjorie Millar; Primer 111., Alec Allen. Special prizes.—Primer IV., reading, Cecil Ryan; drawing, Walter O’Donnell; writing, Jean Williamson; recitation, Willie Bent. Upj per Primer IV., writing, Dorothy Horton. ; Full Attendance.—Primer IV.: Dorothy Horton (upper), 'Mildred Hughes, Nancy Milne, r J*Mb y yi.l>nm?Pu JtaUflaa hqUL

smith, James Hamblyn, Hector Luxon, Arthur Warren. Primer till.—Roy Buckley. Suibsequentlj- cheers were given iby the children for Mr. and Mrs. -Smith, and for Mrs Martin and the teachers. After me National Anthem had been sung sweets were distributed. (Continued on page 7.)

FRANKLEY SCHOOL. PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY, (Continued from page 3.) Notwithstanding the wet weather, a good gathering of parents and friends met at the Frankley School yesterday afternoon for the prize-giving ceremony. Among those present were Messrs. B. Dempsey. A. E. Washer (president of the North Taranaki boys’ and girls’ chibs executive), F. Sutton, F. Dickinson, and J. A. Lee (chairman of the committee). HEADMASTER’S REPORT. The headmaster (Mr. A. V. Sims) reported that the school had experienced another successful year. All but one or two or the pupils up to Standard 5 had been promoted. The complete results were not yet to hand. The inspectors had commended the work and general tone of the school. The roll number at Frankley had decreased from 79 in February to 68 in December, while the number at Westown had increased from .49 to 62. The roll number at both schools -at present was 130. Since November 19, Mrs. Okey, assistant mistress, had been absent through illness, and had sent in her resignation. Mrs. Okey had been teaching for two years, and had done good work. Miss Bottrill had been acting as relieving mistress since November 26. Mr. Jennings had now completed his term, as pupil teacher, and Miss Mouat, after three years as assistant at Frankley and two years at Westown, had resigned to take up other work. Both carried with them the best wishes of pupils and teachers. The school library had been established with about 130 books lent by pupils. The Westown School continued to be conducted very efficiently by Miss Warren and Miss Mouat. Mr. Washer, before presenting the prizes of the boys’ and girls’ clubs for calf-rearing and root-growing, said there were two points which he wished to stress. Let the children cnoose a good calf, not a scrubber, and let them make their charts more detailed. The prizes went to Trevor Hancock, second prize of 10s for a group of carrots, and Ralph Sutton, third prize of 5s for a group of mangolds. Mr. Washer hqped the fathers would support the movement,.' Certificates would be given later on. Mr. Dempsey then presented the prizes as follow Standards. Standard I.—Vera Haw 1, Phyllis Hoyle 2. Standard 2.—John Atack 1, Halsey Linn 2. Special for progress: Gladys Kenny. Standard 3.—Catherine Lee 1, Leonard Booker 2. Standard 4.—Arthur Harris 1, Keith Sutton 2. Standard s.—Harold Leo 1, Alan Jury 2. Special for progress: Edward Haw. Standard 6.—Clarence Boswell 1 (dux). Fay Purcivall 2. Primers. Primer I.—Vera Hunter. Helen Lander. Phyllis Saunders, Neville Knight. Primer 2.—Joy Crozier, Molly Purdue, Herbert Richardson, Douglas Stronge. Primer 3.—Clara Wickham, Eric Richardson. Sewing. Standard I.—(Phyllis Hoyle. Standard 2.—Halsey Linn. Standard 3.—Kitty Lee. Standard 4.—Doreen Lobb. ( Standard ■">.—Aline Atack. Standard 6.--Hazel Brown. . Attendance Prizes. Standard 2.—Gladys Kenny (full for two years), Halsey Linn (full for two years). Alma Hancock (full), Gertrude Hunter (full). Standard 3.—Fred Hunter (absent two halfdays), Catherine Lee (absent two half-days). Standard 4.—Keith Sutton (full for three year*), Norah Atack (full). Standard s.—Tina Lister (full for four years). Esmft Linn (full for two years), Trevor Hancock (full for two years), Haold Lee (absent one hilf-day). Standard 6.—Campsie Linn (full three years). ; John Booker (full two years), Clarence Boswell (full two years). Edwin Harris (full two years), Ralph Sutton (full two years). Attendance certificates were gained by the above, and also by Thelma Sadler (absent four half-days), Doria Hunter (absent five half - day «). In conclusion, Mr. Dempsey said he was particularly pleased to hear there was a good tone in the school. A large factor in this was the conduct and influence of the elder boys and girls. Another important matter was the work of the boys’ and girls’ -clubs. The children could learn more outside the school than inside. Cheers were given for the teachers, Mr. Dempspv. Mr. Lee, and the committee and Mr. Washer. The ceremonv ended with the National Anthem, and afternoon tea was served in the schoolroom. Before the gathering broke up. Mr. Sm« exhibited a china vase, a presentation from the school to Mrs. Okey. assistant mistress tn the school, who was retiring on account of recent illhealth.

VOGELTOWN SCHOOL BREAKING UP CONCERT. A large marquee was well filled to overflowing with parents and friends on the occasion of the breaking-up concert and annuel prize-giving in connection with the Vogel town school last night Mr. V. Griffiths (chairman of the School Committee) presided. An eniovable and amusing concert was provided bv the children including the following items: —Song. “The New Town Band.’’ bovs; recitation. “Orphan Annie.” Marshall-, flower Ron<r, infants: drill, senior girls: dance. Leslie Blachett: “The Dine Tree.” Std. 111-: song. “There’s a Song Down Every Roadway” and “Th<* Puzzled Dutchman.” E. Wigley; “The Quack Doctor,” Skipnimr, recitation. “The Canadian Song,” R. Oliver. H. Pell and C. Hopkins; song, “The Dream Man.” Std. 1., IT., and ITT. girls: sone. “Only Seven.’ Bertram Marshall; “Shopping.” infants: Japanese Song, recitation (Fairies), R. Pepper and a dialogue. The Mayor (Mr. F. E Wilson) then presented the prizes as follows-. Primer classes. —Dulcie Pepper 1, Norman Lambert 2. Harold Frost 3. Standard I.—Colin Allen 1. Rovnold Hall 2, Maurice Palmer. Violet Hoskin and Lewis Corney equal 3. Standard 2. —Jovce Volzke 1, David Nichol 2, Laurie Therkleson 3. Standard 3.—Bena Pepper 1, Ray Hoskin 2, Pearl Wickham 3. Standard 4. —Norman Clare 1, Eveline Witzley 2, Clorene Yeates 3. Standard 5. —’Verna Pepper 1, Frank Cooper 2, Annie Reed 3. Standard 6.—Winnie Pepper 1, Eileen Tippins 2, Colin Robertson 3. Attendance Certificates. Primer classes. —Nancy Evans, Dulcie Walker, Joyce Yeates and Harry Wigley. Standard I.—Geoffrey Evans, Vernon Hodges. Leslie Norris. Standard 2. —May Tippins, Hudson Wilson. Standard 3—Rita Aroa, Rena Pepper, Eileen Reed. Marjorie Tippins, Douglas Allen, Mao. Wilson. Standard 4. —Clorene Yeates. Jean Tippins. Eveline Wigley. Ronald Cloe. Harry. Evans, Harry Peel. Standard 5. —Nona Shaw, Verna Pepper. Standard 6.—Eileen Tippins, Winnie Pepper, Betty Lawrence, Milson Fenwick. Social - DriMA, nrarontsd

Gwenda Moore for sewing and to Morris Palmer and Pearl Wickham for the neatest notebooks. In concluding the evening, the Mayor said he had never enjoyed himself so much at a children’s entertainment before. If the teaching was as good in other respects, he was sorry he ever left Vogeltown. Presentations were made to the teachers, and Mr. V. Griffiths heartily thanked Mr. Allen and his assistants, on behalf of the committee, for their good work during the year. Cheers were given for the Mayor and the teachers, and the evening closed with the National Anthem.

MOTUROA SCHOOL. PICNIC AND SPORTS MEETING. To mark the •close of the school year an enjoyable picnic and sports meeting was held in the grounds of the Motu,roa School yesterday. The children mustered in strong force, and in spite of the showery weather a varied programme provided plenty of amusement for them. The school staff, members of the committee and parents assisted, and a very happy day was spent by all. An attractive Christmas Tree was provided, and Father Christmas distributed gifts to the little children. During the afternoon sports aroused much interest, and all the races were keenly contested. Another interesting event was a cricket match between a team of boys and an eleven composed of the staff and school committee. The committee made 39 in their first in* nings (C. Francis 13), and in their second strike they made 40 (Fitzpatrick 15 and McClune 15). The boys replied with 23 and 52 (O’Dowda 10, Robertson 9 not out, and Papps 8).

The details of the sports are: 100 yards.—D. Papps 1, C. O’Dowda 2. SO yards.—K. Pulford 1, T. Robertson 2. 75 yards.—R. McClune 1, J. Rea 2. 50 yards.—J. Marr 1, S. Wellington 2. Standard 2, 50 yards.—P. Martin 1, R. Gillbanks 2. ‘ 'Standard 1, 50 yards.—J. Conway 1, W. Gillbanks 2. Steeplechase, one mile and a half.— G. Parker 1, T. Christensen 2. Girls. 100 yards.—Gertie Martin 1, Edith Hedley 2, Gertie Mather 3. 75 yards.—Jessie Keeman 1, Molly McClune 2. 50 yards.—Geraldine O’Dowda 1, Muriel Mackay 2. Primer 2.—Molly Keenan 1, Pat Durdle 2. Primer I.—Margaret Roulston 1, Gladys Hedley 2.