STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1923, Page 7

STRATFORD NEWS.

PEMBROKE ROAD SCHOOL. PRIZES DISTRIBUTED. (From Our Own Reporter.) Stratford, Dec. 21. The annual prize-giving ceremony in connection with the Pembroke Road School was held last night at the school in the presence of a large number of parents and friends of the school. Mr. E. P. Aldridge (chairman of the School Committee) presided. Mr. R. Masters, M.P., congratulated the successful pupils, and urged those who had n<ot been so fortunate to work hard next year and so gain a prize. The chairman presented the prizes as follows: Standard V.—Dux, Ella Kemsley. ciandard IV.—James Dalton. Standard lll.—Dorothy Gray. Standard ll.—Edna Goldup. Primer lll.—Ruby Gray and Mary Kemsley. Primer ll.—Bruce Gray and Vernon Mander. Most popular child (on vote of schoolmates; presented by Mr. Cuthbert) — Reginald McCracken. Most improvement during the year. (Presented by Mrs, Cuthbert): —Harry Wiley. Full attendance certificates (presented by A. McAlson).—Albert Davidson, Reginald McCracken, Edna Goldup, Sadie Boyce, Fred McGarva, George Boyce, Frank Davidson. Second-class attendance certificates.— Ella Kemsley, James Dalton, Mollie Gibson, Amy Aldridge, Edward Kemsley. Gifts Books.—E. Gray, F. Dalton, M. Gray, E. Simmons, C. Kemsley, R. Simmons, T- Brumby, E. Gray, D. McCracken, D. Mayenberg, E. Kemsley, M. Gibson, A. Aldridge, V. Brumby, M. Gray, M- Belcher, W. Goldup, C. Mander, I. Sharp, A. Gray, E. McGarva, A. Kemsley. At the close the children were entertained by the school committee and settlers. This included (many being valuable) for each child from the huge Christmas tree, which had been erected and loaded with toys in a large marquee at the rear of the school. All the scholars had a prize, and the whole arrangements with regard to the tree and contents were distinctly creditable. During the evening the headmistress (Mrs. McAlopn) was the recipient of a handsome sugar basin and cream jug as t. mark of the esteem in which she was held uy the pupils. Tn making the presentation, Mr. Masters referred to the spontaneous act of the children, which he said showed appreciation of Mrs- McAloon’s services and the affection with which the scholars regarded their mistress. She had done good work, and he was sure Pembroke was fortunate in having a teacher possessed of such high qualirications and of such a kindly nature.

Mr. Aldridge replied on behalf of Mrs. McAloon, and thanked the pupils for the gift, which he said would be a treasured memory of the pleasant time spent at Pembroke School.

A POPULAR TEACHER. During the course of the prize-giving ceremony at the Midhirst School last night reference was made to the pending departure of Miss Stiller, who. eaid Mr- J. W. Mail (headmaster), had been a popular teacher and had unselfishly devoted much time to the good of the school, and had always been ready to assist the children or to help in the promotion of concerts and social work connected with the school. She carried with her the esteem and goodwill of nil who knew her. He then handed her a present from the teachers and pupils as a mark of appreciation and the esteem in which she was held by them all. Mr. R. Masters, M.P-, replied on behalf of Miss Stiller, after which all present heartily sang “For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”

PRESENTS FOR CHILDREN. Despite unpleasant weather conditions there was a large attendance of parents and children at the Parish and Town Halls Inst night, when members of the Triumph Lodge 100 F and the Druids provided Christmas Trees laden with toys for distribution to the children. A very enjoyable evening was spent at the Parish Hall, where the tree was bright ly illuminated with coloured globes, partially hidden among the foliage. It presented a beautiful picture as the curtain was raised, for, in addition to the man}’ toys and packages, little tufts of cotton wool had been artistically fixed to the ‘branches. Father Christinas was in attendance and was careful to see that each child received a toy corresponding to the ticket so carefully treasured in its tiny hand. A musical programme was afterwards contributed by well wishers of the lodge. A similar function was held in the Town Hall, but here preparation had been made on a larger scale. An immense tree was erected on the stage, and the body of the hall had been cleared of seats so as to leave ample room for the activities of Santa Claus. The promoters of these festivities deserve the highest praise for their thoughtful consideration of the happiness of so many children. The time of the workers, and the contributions to buy presents were voluntary given. GENERAL ITEMS. A brief sitting of the Magistrate’s Court was held this morning, Mr. C. D. Sole, J.P., presiding, when Arthur Hooper Richmond and Bertha Kat e Richmond, of Midhirst, were charged with committing an aggravated assault, in that they wilfully obstructed a sheriff’s officer in the execution of a writ of sale. On the application of the police the case was adjourned until January 18. At a meeting of stewards of the Stratford Racing Club last night it was decided that on the morning of each race day admission tickets to the course, and motor car tickets would be sold in the town. It was hoped that patrons would avail themselves of this consideration, and so save congestion and delay at the gates. Very satisfactory reports regarding arrangements in connection with the forthcoming races were received, and it was stated everything possible was being done for the convenience of patron;- of the club’s popular meeting. The date of the Stratford A. and P. Carnival has been altered from February 21 JuEfbruary aceouat fitJfeLPJS’ - ... J-•- ■ .

vious date clashing with that fixed for the school excursion.