STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 November 1924, Page 5

STRATFORD NEWS.

ST. MARY’S DIOCESAN SCHOOL. THE ANNUAL SPEECH DAY. BISHOP OF AUCKLAND PRESENT. (From Our Own Reporter.) Stratford, Nov. 20. Speech day at St. Mary’s Diocesan School, which took place this afternoon, was not favoured by the glorious summer weather which prevailed last year. Nevertheless, a large crowd of parents and well-wishers of the school assembled for the occasion. The chairman of the Board of Governors (Mr. W. H. H. Young) presided, and most of the- members of the board were also present. Proceedings opened with an enjoyable outside entertainment, provided by the pupils of the school. Three Elizabethan songs by the senior singing class, trained by Miss Hussey, gave an indication of the high standard attained at the school. A Hungarian dance pianoforte duet by Misses M. Gibson and D. Puddle was keenly appreciated. Coached by Miss Thomson, the elocution class rendered Kipling's “Masque of Empire,” and gave additional evidence of the prominent place occupied by elocution on the school’s syllabus. An enjoyable pianoforte solo by Miss E. Jackson concluded the first part. The second half of the entertainment was devoted to scenes from “David Copperfield,” wherein the girls displayed great natural ability in their representation of some of Dickens’ immortal characters. The caste was as follows: Miss Betsy Footwood (T. Lourie) ; David Copperfield (J. Abraham) ; Janet (A. Carter); Mr. Dick (D. Riddle); Mr. Murdstone (M. Gibson); Miss Murdstone (N. Carryer). The scenes portrayed the porch of Miss Trotwood’s house, set in rural surroundings.

REPORT OF HEADMISTRESS. The headmistress (Miss Hussey) reported that at the end of 1923 there were 19 boarders and 27 day pupils. Of these 11 boarders and 8 day pupils left the school. Three new boarders and three day pupils brought the roll up to 3,3. but further additions increased the roll to 100 per cent, on the number at the beginning of the year, which was regarded as .being a very satisfactory and promising state of affairs. Miss Thomson joined the staff as first assistant and Miss Esse as music and preparatory mistress at the beginning of the year. The school had, for the last year, been conducted without a matron, but Miss Fox joined the staff as junior resident mistress and had given much assistance to Miss Esse. This had lightened the work of all and improved the efficiency of the school a? a whole. The principal did not wish to lay stress on the amount -of work that had been done, but pointed out that as. there were fourteen hours during the day in which the teachers were kept occupied, the absurdity of such a small staff must be realised.

SPIRIT OF LOYALTY. Speaking of the loyalty of the staff reminded the speaker of the girls. It was always difficult, when there was a change of regime., for the girls to adopt the different ideas and standards. Traditions and privileges sacred to them were likely to be lost sight of and swept - away. Although small changes had to be effected, an effort was made to bring about no unnecessary changes. Such changes, however, as had been necessary had received the most loyal support. One of the most pleasing features of the school was the sense of loyalty, and the responsibility shown both by girls and prefects. They htfd to realise that the future of the .school was in the girls’ hands, and to fee!, that they must give the best they could offer if the school was to be worthy ot their ideals. The senior inspector (Mr. J. A. Valentine) had expressed himself as thoroughly satisfied with the reorganisation of the school and the progress made during the year. In bis official report In wrote: “The school is gradually reaching a higher standard of efficiency, and shows throughout a surer and stronger working spirit. The order and discipline arc very sound, and, as might ■be expected in such an institution, the tone is remarkably good.” EXAMINATION RESULTS. At the end of 18213 there were four entries for the proficiency certificate, but none of the candidates was successful. After one term’s work they were again entered, with the result that three obtained their competency and one her proficiency. A new pupil had also obtained her proficiency after a term and a half, although she failed previously. Iu this connection special mention was made of the splendid work done by Miss Thomson. Two pupils were also sitting for the intermediate examination of the Education Board, but as they were sitting at the present moment she was unable to state the results. The general health of the pupils throughout the year had been very satisfactory, though they had been handicapped by a great epidemic of influenza and polds. Dr. Elizabeth Gunn visited the school during the year, and had spoken very highly of the school from the point of view of health and environment. Miss Esse would be leaving shortly, as she was taking a holiday to England. They would be very sorry to lose her. as she had done excellently. Iler successor had not been appointed, but arrangements were in hand to fill this vacancy, and the position of matron as well. Tn conclusion. Miss Hussey stated I that she desired to thank all who had | given the school their loyal support) during the past year, and especially the ' members of the board, who had done “ n obey could to help in every way.

CHAIRMAN’S CONGRATULATIONS. The chairman congratulated Miss Hussey upon her report. He referred to the temporary falling off in the number of boarders, but was pleased to hear that the bookings were in excess of those leaving. While the board had always worked sincerely and well, they had never worked so well and unitedly as during the last year. They could not, however, have achieved so much without the hearty co-operation of Miss Hussey. The ideals laid down by Miss Marchant had been carried on by Miss Fleming, and more recently by Miss Stanford, whom he was pleased to see with them that day. The board was very pleased with the manner in which Miss Hussey was carrying on the instruction of the pupils. He stated that the fees of the school were lower than similar institutions in New Zealand, but the time might come when fees would have to be raised. "When that time came he assured them that they would also bo given full value for the money. The school was there to develop girls of the best value to the church, the community, and the nation, and he appealed for the continued and hearty support of wellwishers of the church and school.

Mr. H. E. Abraham emphatically contradicted a rumour that the school might be closed. There was no chance of the school ever being closed. They had had the school for ten years, and after all their trouble and worry had no intention of letting it slide so far back that it would have to' be closed. He also appealed for and referred to the value of the school in the district. Archdeacon F. G. Evans congratulated Miss Hussey and staff upon the state of the school. He considered the school a very valuable asset to this part of Taranaki, and had been delighted to hear how, by their splendid conduct, the girls had helped the school. “Why,” he said. “I understand they even organised a sale of work and raised £66.” SPEECH BY THE BISHOP. The Bishop of Auckland (Dr. A. W. Averill) congratulated Miss Hussey and her staff upon the report and the excellent entertainment. He referred in complimentary terms to the diction of the pupils. He impressed upon his hearers that the school was not yet fully grown, and still required a measure of nursing. For such a school, the board had been singularly fortunate in the succession of headmistresses, and he paid a high tribute to Miss Hussey’s personality and teaching abilities. The bishop referred to the pleasant environments of the school, and pointed out the facilities for recreation. There was plenty of room in this and other countries for a type of school like St. Mary’s, and he was sure it was doing a very great work indeed. The old girls were an important part of the school’s connection, and he appealed to them to remember always that they were old girls of St. Mary’s, and to think of the great responsibility which was theirs. One thing was absolutely necessary, added the bishop, and that was the ability of the scholars of the school to compete on level terms with grammar schools and the scholars of State schools. Because theirs was a church school, it should not be .behind in scholastic attainments. Personally he had a horror and a dread of so-called “finishing” schools. This was not a finishing school in that sense; it was not of the “showy” kind. “Showiness” was not wanted. Rather they aimed at imbuing a sound education, based on Christian principles.

RIGHT KIND OF EDUCATION. The bishop referred to the value of friendly competition between schools, and stated that in scholastic attainments such competition was a good thing, and should be encouraged. He was perfectly sure there was a very "reat need in the world to-day for education based on sincere convictions and religious faith. Many people thought with him that the only way to build up the Empire was by sound educational methods, founded on a sound religion. Tie was always impressed by the thought that the morality of a nation could rise no higher than the morality of its women, and he was most anxious to see girls trained with the idea of service, rather than that of indulgence, with the idea of going out into the world and doing something with their lives. If they could send forth such girls from St. Mary’s, they would be fostering a great counterblast to the lives of many women of vastly different characters. In conclusion, Dr. Averill congratulated the board on its splendid optimism ami liberality in the past, and urged the members v take heart and go forward so that the desires of their hearts towards the school might he fulfilled. Afternoon tea was afterwards served in the school. METHODIST CONY’ERSAZI()NE. A PLEASANT GATHERING. A conversazione in connection with ' the sitting of the Methodist Synod (Taranaki-Wanganui district) was held ! in the church last evening. Despite the j inclement weather, the Rev. G. P. Hunt | presided over a very good attendance, i After a hymn and a prayer the choir J contributed an anthem, and during the evening songs were rendered by Mrs. E. ’ Pickles. Mrs. S. Robinson, and Rev. H. : Daniel. The choir also sang a number i of very enjoyable anthems during the! evening. On behalf of the citizens of Stratford, i the Mayor (Mr. J. W. McMillan) wel-' corned the members of the Synod and ■ congratulated the church on its pros-i perous year. He expressed thanks to j Rev. G. P. Hunt and the other clergymen of Stratford for the valuable assistance they had given him in the ■ course of his public duties. Mr. W. J. Boon, senior circuit steward, also welcomed the visitors, not only on behalf of the Stratford Methodists, but on behalf of all their friends in the circuit. Mr. Boon urged the desirability of inducing young people to become interested in church work, and attributed the present keenness to the influence of the Bible Class movement. He mentioned that as a result of Bible Class work there were some young men

taking services at the present time, who a few years ago would never dream of so doing. The Rev. T. R. Richards (chairman of the district and president-elect of the Methodist Church in New Zealand) returned thanks on behalf of the visiting members of the Synod, and thanked the Rev. Hunt for the great organis/ng abilities he had shown in arranging for the session. The chairman then introduced Mr. T. A. Harris, Mayor of Raetihi, who spoke for a few minutes. GENERAL ITEMS. A large number of entries have been received for the gentlemen’s five-minute impromptu speeches, to be held in connection with the Anglican Church bazaar in the Town Hall to-morrow (Friday) evening. Mr. W. L. Kennedy has been appointed a ranger for the purposes of the Forestry Act, 1921-22. PERSONAL. "Mr. R. Peebles, postmaster at Stratford, is at present on annual leave. Mr. S. E. Keeble, of the local Public ! Works staff, has been transferred to Nelson, and will leave Stratford on Saturday next.