HAWERA HIGH SCHOOL

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1929, Page 6

HAWERA HIGH SCHOOL

BREAKING-UP CEREMONY SUCCESSES AT WORK AND PLAY. HEADMASTER REVIEWS YEAR. There was not a vacant seat in the Hawera Opera House last night when the breaking-up function of the Technical High .School took place. The chairman of the Board of Managers, Mr. R. S. Sage, occupied the chair, and associated" with him on the stage were Messrs. H. G. Dickie and S. G. Smith, members of ' Parliament, Mrs. E. A. Pacey (Mayoress), members of the board of managers and their wives, the headmaster (Mr. A. Gray) and Mrs. Gray and members of the staff and their wives. Apologies were received from the Mayor (Mr. E. A. Pacey), Mr. H. Trimbio and Mr. H. Dempsey. Mr, Sage expressed pleasure at the large attendance and congratulated the staff and the students on the success of the year’s work. He appealed to parents to permit their children to complete the full school course. Mr. S. G. ♦Smith-'congratulated Mr. Gray .and. the staff and students upon the success of the school year, which, he said was no doubt due to the supply of raw material and the competent and efficient teaching. Those returning next year he would urge to make up their minds to work hard to keep up and increase the good name of the school. To those leaving he offered good wishes for their success. Their school could not wholly educate them but could help them to become good citizens. The school which was achieving that was fulfilling its requirements. As the result of a conference regarding the "use of the Taranaki endowment funds, said Mr. Smith, an agreement had been reached whereby the Taranaki Education Board would make representations that something should be done to assist boys and girls beyond the technical and secondary stage. There was no objection to their receiving education at Massey College. The attitude of the University Senate was favourable, and it had under consideration the framing of regulations and the conduct of examinations, success in which w’ould enable students to enter Massey College.

The Taranaki members of Parliament and members of education and school boards would be strongly against any movement directed to divesting this fund into other than the legitimate channels. Mr Dickie expressed pleasure at the opportunity given him to present the prizes and trophies. He also congratulated Mr. Gray, and staff, and students. He hoped the education they had received would better equip them to fight the battle of life. He extended good wishes to those leaving school.

Mr. Dickie then presented school certificates, sports certificates, medals and cups, including the Silson cricket cup recently won at Feilding. An excellent programme was rendered, testifying to the thorough tuition given. Following were the items: Song, Lullaby Land, th students; boys’ drill (Mr. J. C. Findlater); folk dancing (Miss 13. Earl); girls’ dumbells (Mr. A. Gray); Spanish dancing (Miss J. Stenhouse); physical drill, Miss D. Brilland; song, Genevieve, students; Morris dance (Miss Earl); gymnastics (Mr. Findlater); play, A Kiss for Cinderella, students; song, This Time Next Year, students. HEADMASTER’S REPORT. In his annual report on the activities of the school during 1929, the principal, Mr. A. Gray, stated that the roll numbers in the various classes had been: Literary 121, commercial 124, home science 25, agriculture 12, engineering 33. During the year solid work had been done in all departments. The 1928 scholastic successes included: -Matriculation 5, matriculation and engineering preliminary 1, accountants’ preliminary 1 C.P., 4 P.P., senior free places on scholarship papers 10, public service entrance 4, intermediate examination 14, junior free places on scholarship papers I, Class D examination C.P. Group 3, P.P. Group 1,1, Class D examination P.P. Group 1,3, junior Government shorthand typists’ ' examination 1; shorthand passes, third class elementary certificates 18, second class theory certificates 4, GO words per minute 20, 70 words per minute 4, 80 words per minute 8, 100 words per minute 4; senior free places granted by Education Department. 74. In addition to these successes C. Sturrock was- successful in passing in Latin for his LL.B. “It is pleasing to note,” said Mr. Gray, “that our students who pass on to the university are proving successful. This year’s results show that Olga Harding passed in French and history for the B.A. degree and M. Gray in French 2, and psychology for B.A. The staff is at present the same as at the end of last year, with the exception of Miss R. M. Duff, M.A., who joined the staff at the beginning of this year. - “The- outstanding feature of the year has been the completion of the new wing, which will be ready for occupation afterthe vacation. The wing includas a: dressmaking room, \and a kitchen, the equipment for which includes three gas stoves and an ejectrie cooker, as well as an - ordinary range. The third room is for art and art -crafts, and its erection is justified by the great advance in art work in the school during the past two years. In this connection we recognise' with thanks a donation from Mrs. .Harding- of a fine collection of prints. “In connection with agricultural instruction it is pleasing to note that those gentlemen who have helped us so much in the past have. continued to show enthusiastic interest in the school. I am, more than ever convinced that this form of instruction is of the utmost benefit, and we propose to extend it considerably next year. POSITIONS SECURED. “One noticeable point during the year :has been the abnormally large number of students who. have left school-io take up; positions. vThe'following table shows

ithe details:—Girls:Wanted at home 9, in offices 18, in shops 2, in laboratory 1, dressmaking 1, nursing 1, total, 32; boys: Farming 20, in offices 5, cabinet making 1, coach building I, dairy factory 1, engineering 3, freezing works 1, in shops 6, in Government positions 6; total, 44. “I am afraid that some of these students are going to be sorry. I know of one instance where business necessities meant the loss of a position to a student after only three weeks. Thus this student lias had his school career cut short for nothing.” Mr. Gray mentioned the year’s activities in the way of sports, and thanked Mrs. Gibson for a cup for swimming, and Mr. H. G. Dickie, M.P., for his gift, of a cup for the tennis championship. He also referred to the sympathetic help given by the Old Giris’ and Old Boys’ Associations, saying that they had donoted the dux medals, and the old girls had given a cup for the junior swimming championship. “I would impress on parents,” he continued, “the necessity of allowing their boys and girls to complete the full school course, and if possible to make a higher leaving certificate their aim. In the majority of cases then can be no necessity for cutting short a boy’s or girl’s school life and they will become old men and women quite soon enough. Let them have their happy memories t of school days to cheer them later on. . . In some quarters there is an impression, quite wrong, of course, that a secondary education unfits a boy or girl for real work. This weak parrot cry we hear every now and again, and the refutation of the very unfair statement lies in the boys’ or girls’ hands. We would like those -who are leaving to show the world that, so far from having lost their desire for work, they are keener than ever, and in addition are better prepared to do their share of work, whatever it may be. We wish them good-bye and good luck. “To the staff I wish to express hearty thanks, and more especially to those who have so willingly given up a great deal of their own time in the interests of the school. To the chairman and board of managers the staff extends best wishes for a pleasant holiday, and to the Press we are again indebted for much courtesy and consideration, which has been much appreciated.” ELECTRICITY FOR HAWERA. BOROUGH LIGHTING SCHEMES. The South Taranaki Electric Power Board met last night, there being present Messrs. J. B. Murdoch (chairman), E. A. Pacey, E. A. Washer, E. Long, C. J. Preston, J. Snowdon and N. Innes. A saying of £lOOO to £l2OO was being made by pulling out every other pole on one section of the line, said the chairman. The engineer . stated the poles were exceptionally good, and lie would be able to use about 200 of them elsewhere Each pole was valued at approximately £6. A committee consisting of the chairman, Mr. Long and the engineer was set up to confer with the Hawera Borough Council to finalise arrangements in connection with the proposed lighting of the borough. The engineer, Mr. T. R. Overton, reported that the maximum demand on the power house during November was 630 k.w., compared with 594 for. the same month last year. Units ’generated had increased from 145,390 to 159,7'20. At present there was six inches of water over the crest of the weir. Since last meeting of the borough 26 permits had been issued for new work hud extensions consisting of six motors, eight houses and four' water-heaters. The wiring department’s staff had been fully occupied. The Hawera Retailers’ Association representatives had been interviewed, and a modified scheme of coloured lighting had been adopted. The cost, including electricity, would be about £l5 more than the association could afford, and the matter was placed before the board’s chairman, who consented to the Christmas decorations going ahead. A comprehensive scheme for the street lighting of Hawera borough had been drawn up and submitted to a special committee of the borough council. He had conferred with members of that committee, Messrs. Morrissey and Reid, on several occasions, and had arrived a- a stage where a definite agreement could be made. It would be advisable, therefore, to appoint two representatives from the board to meet the borough representatives in order to finalise the question. The proposal was to install approximately 40 centre suspension and 122 bracket lamps of the constant current series type. The sizes would in some cases be 250 candle-power, but the usual size would be 100 candle-power. Messrs. Morrissey and Reid had spent a lot of time on the subject, and had made themselves conversant with street lighting in general. They had been fair in their negotiations, and it had been a pleasure to deal with them. Specifications and tender papers for automatic regulators, time switches, fittings, wire and insulators were in progress. “As instructed at the last meeting of the borough, he had gone carefully into the question of minimum charges, and had to recommend that the minimum charges be . reduced from ss. to 3s. per month as from January 1. The total amount of the reduction would be approximately £3OO next year, but would become greater as the number' of consumers increased. e» , , GENERAL ITEMS. A boy who overturned several hives of bees and committed mischievous damage estimated at £36 was brought before the children’s court at Manaia yesterday. The boy was placed in the charge of the child welfare officer for a period of two years and the father was ordered to'make restitution of the damage. A fine of 20s and costs 35s 6d was imposed on Hector Syme at the Manaia Court yesterday for driving a motor vehicle on Manaia Road at a speed dangerous to the- public. The magistrate, Mr. R. W. Tate, advised defendant to obtain a copy of the motor regulations and study them. He pointed out. that if

anyone travelled at a speed of more than 35 miles an hour outside a borough and 25 miles an hour inside a borough the onus was on him to prove that the speed was not dangerous. The carelessness of motorists and their lack of appreciation of the interests of fellow users of t>e road was demonstrated in a striking manner at the Hawera races. The service officer of the South Taranaki Automobile Association, Mr. McKee, while on his tour of inspection of parked cars found no fewer than three splintered bottles evidently thrown from cars by lunching motorists. On Sunday evening the choir of St. Mary's Church, Hawera. under the cond'.ctors’j’p of Mr. H, tert Webb, will render Hit sacred cantata 'Daughter of Jairus,’ by Sir John Stainer. This work is partiim.arly well irnwu, but has not previously been he i <1 in Hawera and should a: tract eonsid •rab u- attention from music lovers. The solos are exceptionally beautiful and some excellent chorus work is also incorporated. The solists are Mrs. Duffiil, Miss Miller and Messrs. Herbert and Morris. One of the outstanding features of the composition is tho well-known duet “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” which will be sung by Mrs. Duffiil and Mr. Morris. The cantata will be presented at the close of evensong. The value to motorists of the work done by the automobile associations was evidenced in connection with the Hawera Nineteen car owners, who otherwise 'would have found themselves in considerable difficulty, were assisted in various ways by the service department of the South Taranaki Automobile Association under the service officer, Mr. McKee. The association’s repair staff was accommodated in the parking area at the course. A/ regular inspection of the cars of members of any association in the Dominion was made and necessary repairs were attended to, ranging from a broken fan belt to punctures and assistance in starting cars. All the work was done without charge, except where material had to be supplied. Attention is drawn to the Hawera Borough Council’s advert‘sermnit requesting motorists, where p-jssible, to avoid portion of High Street on Christmas Eve and New dear’s Eve, on account of danger to pedestrians. Mr. J. C. .Smith advertises particulars of his mart sale for to-day, .commencing at 1.30 p.m., of mixed Christmas poultry, garden and carpenters’ tools, furniture, napcry and fruit. He will also sell at 11 a.m. a quantity of building material on account of Mr. Tom Parkinson on the ground, Waihi Road. From the very corners of the world come novelties specially collected for E. Morris, Ltd.’s great Christmas jewellery display, which comprises gifts of rare charm and ; variety offered at the most reasonable prices in Hawera. PERSONAL ITEMS. Mr. R. A. G. Fowke, railway stationmaster at Hawera for the past two years, has received notice of his transfer to the staff of the Auckland station. Mr. Fowke’s successor will be Mr. J. Egan, of Timaru, who will take over his duties early in the new year. FAREWELL PRESENTATION. CLERK OF COURT HONOURED. Members of the Hawera Bar attended at the law library yesterday morning for the purpose of bidding farewell to Mr. A. J. Ching, clerk of the Hawera Magistrate’s Court, on the eve of his departure for Ashburton. Mr. L. A. Taylor, president of the Hawera Law Society, in presenting Mr. Ching with a token of the esteem in which he is held among solicitors practising in the town spoke of the excellent spirit which had always existed between the recipient and the members of the legal profession and expressed the wish that Mr. Ching’s present move would be merely the forerunner of a still more important position in the Justice Department and that he would enjoy every success in his new sphere. Mr. J. Houston also voiced the regret the profession felt at Mr. Ching’s departure and stressed the courtesy which the practitioners as a body had always received from Mr, Ching. On behalf of the local Justices of the Peace Mr. E. Dixon expressed the feelings of regret occasioned by the transfer of Mr. Ching, who had at all times gone out of his way to give them all the assistance possible and also spoke of tho excellent feeling which had always existed between Mr. Ching and the justices. He wished him every success in the future. In replying, Mr. Ching mentioned that he had always endeavoured to give as much assistance to the profession as lay in' his power, recognising the members of the Bar as officers of the Court to an equal degree with those directly associated with tho Court itself. He could only express feelings of considerable regret at leaving a town where he had made so many pleasant’ associations. HAWERA ATHLETIC MEETING. The evening athletic meeting held by the Hawera amateur club last night saw a meagre attendance of spectators and competitors. Although they had little opposition many of the competitors gave creditable performances which compensated the officials to some extent for the lack of interest displayed by other club members. Details aie:— 120 Yards Hurdles. —A. Hart (16yds, 2 down) 1, S. Lay (scr) 2, J. Moloney (16yds, 2 down) 3; four yards; 16scc. 100 Yards Boys’ Race.—-J. Brown 1, L. Toy half a yard. Half Mile Handicap.—F. Kendall (70 yds) 1, A. Lind (85yds) 2; 7yds; 2min 7 sec. Ladies’ 100 Yards. —Miss Toy (3yds) 1, Miss O’Byrne (scr) 2; 10yds. 100 Yards Handicap.—G. Irving (9yds) 1, S. Cleaver (16yds) 2, A. Cleaver (13 yds) 3; IJyds; lOsec. Pole Vault. —J. Moloney, Bft, 1. Hi°-h Jump.—J. Moloney (4in), sft 4in,°l; S. Lay (4in), sft 2in, 2; J. Irving (4in), sft lin, 3. Threequarter Milo Cycle. —A. Hart (140yds) 1, H. McCabe (120yds) 2, W. Woollett (140yds) 3; length; Imin 58 4-ssec. One and a half mile cycle.—A. Hart (200yds) 1, W. Woollett (240yds) 2, Foy (90yds) and H. McCabe (2.ooyds) d.h. 3; three lengths; 6min 25sec.