PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONIES.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18453, 20 December 1929, Page 12

PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONIES.

TIMARU WEST SCHOOL. ADDRESS BY REV. C. OARR M.P. The Timaru West School held its ceremony in Caroline Bay hall, and the large attendance of children, parents and friends taxed the seating accommodation. The chairman of the School Committee (Mr W. H. Thompson). presided and with him were the headmaster (Mr W. G. Burns), members of the teaching staff, members of the committee, and of the Ladies' Guild. The principal speaker for the evening was Rev. C. Carr M.P. The early part of the programme, for almost an hour, was given to the first portion of an entertainment by the children, in a number of delightful songs and dances. A very pleasing feature, was the dressing of the children, which gave each of the numbers an added interest.

The programme was as follows: — Flower song, Standard 1 pupils; ballad plays, “The Cattle in the Kiln Ring,” 'Get up and bar the Door,’ Standard 3; songs, “Gold and Silver,” “The Alchemist,” “Nobody Knows,” Standard 2; ballet dance, Standard 5 girls; play, “The Friendly Waiter,” Standard 4 pupils: song and chorus “Memories,” Standard 5 girls.

Chairman’s Remarks. In his introductory address, Thompson, on behalf of the committee and staff, expressed thanks for the very large attendance. He returned sincere thanks also for the assistance, given so willingly, during the year IVn Thompson said that he would like to thank the headmaster (Mr W. G. Burns), and the ladies and gentlemen associated with him, for the splendid results of the examinations, and for the care they had extended to the children throughout the year. Mr Thompson then spoke to the children, congratulating them on their appearance that evening. The children, he said, had done a hard year’s work, ana to those who were leaving, he wished every success in their after life. He hopecl they would always uphold the honour of Timaru West School. To those who would be returning to school, he extended wishes for a pleasant holiday, so that they would come back again, full of enthusiasm for another year’s work.

Mr Thompson then called for three cheers for the teachers, and these were given in a hearty manner, as were three for the Ladies’ Guild.

Presentation to Mrs M. E. Dennison. Mr Thompson said they had with them that night a lady for whom everyone held the highest appreciation, and one who had been associated with the school since its inception 16 years ago. He referred to Mrs M. E. Dennison, late janitress, who on account; of ill-health, had to relinquish her duties. The committee felt they had to, in some way, to recognise, in a tangible form the splendid services rendered to the school by Mrs Dennison. Mr Thompson then asked Misses Margaret Palliser and Kathleen Beardsmore to present to Mrs Dennison, on behalf of the Ladies’ Guild and school pupils respectively, two beautiful bouquets, and in accepting these, Mrs Dennison was loudly applauded. From the staff, Mrs Dennison was presented by Miss G. Schmidt, senior mistress, with a handbag, and some fancy China. Miss Schmidt .said that it was early in the year when they learned they were to lose Mrs Dennison, and there was no necessity for her to say how much regret had been felt. They all knew how ably and willingly Mrs Dennison had done her work, and how patient and untiring she had been. The speaker had been at the school for a longer period than any other member of the staff, and knew Mrs Dennison’s qualities

fully. Miss Schmidt then asked Mrs Dennison’s acceptance Of the presents mentioned above.

I Mr Thompson said he could add * little to what Miss Schmidt had ali ready said. He hoped however, that Mrs Dennison would soon recover from her illness. Mr Thompson then handed to Mrs Dennison a wallet of

notes, with which the committee and I staff desired to show their apprecii ation. Loud applause again greeted : Mrs Dennison as she accepted the

wallet. I Mr Burns said there was a lot he

j could say in regard to Mrs Dennison, but unfortunately, he was not down on the programme to speak. However, he • would ask all present to rise and give j three cheers for Mrs Dennison. I Mr Burns’s request was greeted with ! prolonged applause. | Mr T. C. Palliser (secretary of the i Committee), replied on behalf of Mrs j Dennison. He returned thanks for the kind remarks and for the presents. (Applause.) Mr Carr’s Address. | Mr Carr who was received .with ap--5 plause, §aid that he had already been |at a similar function at the Main i School that evening, and thought that ! he could not do better, than speak on i similar lines. He said that nothing ■ gave him greater honour, nor pleasure j than to address children. There were ! untold possibilities in the boys and | girls present that evening. He felt as if he should be sitting in an examin-

ation. He had the honour, he said, to belong to the Special Committee, set up by the Govrnment, to study edu-

cation in New Zealand. However, for one month, he had “wagged”; he had missed his study. The committee had now disbanded until January 20, when the members would all have their

examinations, and show what they hau been doing. (Laughter.) Mr Carr went on to say that Mr H. Atmore (Minister of Education), was greatly interested in boys and gii’ls, their education and their lives. Wherever he (Mr Atmore)

went, he told the children he would like them to have strong and healthy bodies, well trained minds, and high ideals. If boys and girls were to be properly educated. Mr Carr continued, they must have kind hearts, and know

how to use them. The real reason they went to school was to learn how to put the kindness of their hearts into their service. “Use your brains,

your bodies, and go to all' pains to help other people. Learn to be kind to animals, and to be useful, not only in your intentions,” said Mr Carr. But how were they to use their powers to the best of their advantage? he asked. He would like them all to remember kindness first, because it was the best thought of all. (Applause.) They should find out what they could do best. The old idea, and it still existed, was to push all pupils through school, in all subjects. He (the speak-

er) could never do “sums,” but he hau gone through all his education doing them, when he could have been doing something else. “We are all very clever if we get the chance,” he added amidst laughter. The new idea in the education system, he added, was to try

and discover the aptitudes of pupils, and then to work along those lines. Pupils however, should not do only the things they liked, but should know < erything Mr C;!, t here referred to Junior High Schools, id i he age of about eleven or twelve years, to commence their higher, or post-primary education. "The world's authorities have agreed,” said Mr Carr, “that it is at that age that the individuality of boys and girls is brought out.” That was v ’e time, that pupils should be given the opportunity of finding out their aptitudes. To give pupils a chance to work along the lines that suit them best, was one of the big ideals of Mr Atmore. who would like to introduce into the system the recognition that, as a citizen, a farmer was as useful as a person working in a profession.

“All service ranks the same with God,” said Mr Carr, quoting from the lines of Robert Browning, the blind poet. The speaker went on to say that the Special Committee were trying to encourage Technical instruction and agricultural training, so as to keep New Zealand prosperous in her primary industries. Mr Carr said that the committee had now travelled a good deal, and their tour had been most interesting. They were desirous of teaching by the method of seeing, handling, and understanding, the practical system that was required. In conclusion, Mr Carr returned thanks for the opportunity given him of speaking at the ceremony. He wished all the compliments of the season, and to the children said he hoped their next school year would be one of happy activity and success.

The wishes for a happy holiday were reciprocated by the children with a unanimous “Same to You.” PRIZE LIST. The prizes were then distributed by Mrs Thompson, as follows: Standard I. —Proficiency, Jean Latimer, Frank Young, Joan Bowkett, Henry de Joux. Progress, Margaret Barney, Morris Stills, Elaine Cole, Alan Wilson. Diligence, Elva Patterson, Charles Humphreys, Orma Segar, Frances Rae. Sewing. Margaret Wilson. Handwork, Norman Darby. Standard IA. —Proficiency, Neil McLeod, Ngaire Hutt. Progress, Gladys Hardie. Kathleen Young, Colin Shipley. Sandard PL—Proficiency, Leslie Ferguson, Max Breen, Joan Drummond, Gordon Nicol, Peter Denny, Alan Roberts and Rita Gillam (equal). Progress, Rona Bull, Nancy Gabites, June Underhill, Isabel Langrish and Doris Pettigrew (equal). Sewing, Jocelyn Bellingham, Doris Pettigrew. Standard llA—Proficiency, Jack Cox, Dorothy Murphy. Progress, Frank Howe, Joyce McMillan. Diligence, Ronald Latimer, Marian Nicol. Sewing, May King. Handwork, Edwin Beal.

Standard 111. —Proficiency and progress: boys, Ewan Murray, Sam Allom, James Sinclair, Bert Jack and Ronald Shipley (equal); girls, Dorothy Nicol, Aldyth Cunningham, Maie Andrews, Ngaire Tooth. Ex-pupils, Ewan Murray, Hazel Birch. Specials for excellent work, resulting in promotion during the year: boys, Jack Lyttle, David Barney, Leslie Houston; girls, Valerie Reid, Meryl Miller, Ruth Arbuckle. Sewing, Mavis Latimer, Meryl Miller. Standard IV.—Proficiency: girls, Mary Ferguson, Joan Parfitt, Marjory Davis. Progress, Mary Gawith, Rose Tuite. Diligence, Olga Palmer. Sewing (Mrs Palliser’s prize), Ngaire Butland, Mary Dunn. Ex-pupils‘ prize: general knowledge, M. Ferguson. Proficiency,- boys, Fred Coates, Bernard Jackson, James Stewart. Progress, John Waddell, Gordon Grayburn. Diligence, William Young. History and geography, Bernard Jackson. Expupils’ prize: general knowledge, Bernard Jackson.

Standard IVA.—Progress, Eunice Berry, Clifford Sims.

Standard V. —Proficiency: boys, Alick Alexander, Owen Chapman, Dudley Webb; girls, Beth Drennan, Sybil Cunningham, Dorothy Gibb. Progress, boys, John Thompson, Norman Dawber, Wallace Vinnell; girls, Lorna Wilson, Jean Shipley, Betty McConkey. Diligence (Mrs Thompson’s special), Richard Tullet, Clarence Cox, Clare Heywood, Cicely Denny. Woodwork, James Beal. Mr Shell’s medal for best all-round boy at work, sport and general behaviour, Edgar Earwaker. Cookery, Neda Firkin. Sewing, Clare Heywood. Greatest progress school work and games, Edgar Earwaker. Expupils’ prizes: boys, Alick Alexander, Dudley Webb; girls, Dorothy Gibb. Mr Rollinson’s medal for most improved player in junior football, Ken Kilgour.

Standard Vl.—Dux of School, Kathleen Beardsmore; dux boy, Arthur Burns. Proficiency, George Hutt, Leslie Freeman, Mari£ Robinson, June Reid. Progress, Arthur Mclntosh, Margaret Riddler, Lloyd Kilgour, Joyce Holland, Edwin Guildford, Hazel ' Gainsford. Diligence, Wesley Jack, Olga McFarlane. Sewing (Mrs Segar’s prize), Hazel Butland, (Mrs Currie’s prize), Mavis Middlemis. Cooking, K. Beardsmore and Hazel Butland (equal). Woodwork, Leslie Freeman. Gardening, Arthur Burns. General knowledge (ex-pupils’ prizes), Arthur Burns, Marie Robinson. Literature (Mr Drennan’s medal), Marie Robinson. Writing (Mr Norrie’s prizes), boys, lan Gillon; girls, Alice Lythgoe. Star Football Club trophies, John Richards, Lloyd Kilgour. Good all-round pupils in school and outside: boys, Jack Richards (Mrs Reid’s prize); girls, Edith Mac Kay (Mr Phillips’s prize). Following the prize-giving, the children’s entertainment was continued, when the following items were given:— Drill, Standards 5 and 6 boys; song, “Invitation to. the Fair,” Standard 3 pupils; play, “The Princess and the Woodcutter,” Standard 5 and 6 girls; song, “Widdicomb Fair,” Standard 4 pupils; duet, “Kentucky Babe,” Betty and Ngaire Butland; ballet dance, Standard 6 girls. The singing of the National Anthem concluded the ceremony.

MAIN SCHOOL. The annual prize giving ceremony of the Main School- was held last evening in the quadrangle. The weather was still and cool, and there was an excellent attendance of parents.

The chairman of the School Committee (Mr J. W. Preen), expressed pleasure at seeing such a number present, and congratulated the scholars on the successful year’s work. The speaker then went on to impress on the children the duty and pleasure of unselfish service, and the obligation to be friendly. He gave an excellent example of co-operation in the erecting of a building. One group of workmen joined the steel beams, another applied the preservative in the form of paint, others applied cement for strength, while another group put on the finishing touches and made the structure as perfect as possible. So it was with the lives of the young children, and the teachers represented the workmen. Mr Preen referred to the happy relations that had existed between parents, committees and staff throughout the year, and thanked all for their assistance. Without the help of the parents the School would not have had so many prises this year; neither would they be in a position to spend £9O or so on a school library, as they intended. The speaker then wished one and all a merry Christmas, and said that he hoped the children would come back to school next year to work harder than ever.

The member for the district (Rev. Clyde Carr), on rising, congratulated the school on its intention of getting a library. He thought that if children

were given good books there was not much to fear about their education. They would educate themselves. It was a great honour for him to be present to address the children. A very wise old man had once said that whenever he met a little child he felt like taking off his hat in respect, for one never knew what any child might turn out to be in after life. Another honour had been conferred on him lately, and that was his inclusion in the touring Education Committee. He could honestly say that in the last month he had learnt more New Zealand geography than he did at school. Many different types of schools had been risited with a view to providing a better system of education. What was education? The Minister (Hon. H.

Atmore), said it providing children with a strong vigorous body, a welltrained mind, and high ideals. And the highest ideal of all was—Service. What did service amount to? He, personally, thought it consisted of kindness. But if one was to be kind, one must know how. Good intentions only were no good. It was important to learn to be kind to all things in life, and a good thing to practice on was the annual kingdom. Here the speaker illustrated his point with an anecdote concerning a man and an elephant. The men had at one tune extracted a splinter from the elephant’s foot, and the elephant, on seeing the man some time later sitting in the cheapest seats at a circus, had picked him up and placed him in the most expensive. That was the reward of knowing how to be kind—and doing it.

The Rev. Carr then touched on some of the various schools the Education Committee had visited, and extolled the junior high school system of practical, congenial education. He impressed on those present that it required just as great a brain to be a successful farmer as to be a. successful lawyer. He would like to see as many children possible go to a technical school when they left the sixth standard, or, if they went to High School, take practical courses. The most useful citizen was the one who could use his hands. In conclusion, the speaker conveyed to everyone the season’s greetings. The prizes were then presented by the Rev. Clyde Carr.

A presentation from the boys and girls of Standard VI. was made to Mr H. Oram, first assistant master at the school. Mr Oram suitably replied.

Cheers were then given for the member for the district, the staff, the parents and the School Committee, and, with the singing of the National Anthem, the functon came to a close.

PRIZE LIST. The following was the prize list:— Standard VI. —Girls: Dux, Joyce Islip (P. W. Hutton’s medal and special). Merit—Alice Harrold. Progress—Nellie Duncan. Diligence—Thora Lund. Writing—Jean Metson. Neatness—Eileen Baylis. Sewing Daphne Tapp. Cookery—Nellie Hinks. Personality— Dorothy Arbuckle. Handwork—Mavis Batty (P. W. Hutton’s special). Sport— Greta Halkett (Mrs H. Robinson’s special). Standard VI. —Boys.—Dux—Arthur Green (teacher’s medal and special). Merit—John Hunter. Progress—Trevor McKirdy (Mrs M. J. Holdgate’s special). Progress—Collins Holdgate. Drawing—Gorden Griffiths. Agriculture —Cyril Smith. Woodwork—Philip Abraham (Mr A. Carnegie’s special). Standard V. —Girls.—Merit—Phyllis O’Connor, Pauline Johnston and Ivy Mattingley (equal). Writing—Valerie Hoskin. Drawing—Marie Abraham. Essay—Jean McKenzie. Progress— Eileen Furby. Mapping—Florence Carnie. Sewing—Joyce Arbuckle. Standard V. — Boys.— Merit—Robin Williamson. Progress—Jack Meechin, Willie Meechin, Ernest Baillie, Leslie Maxwell. Neatness—Edward Heather - ington. Usefulness Eric Register. Perseverance—Roy Lower. Woodwork— Walter Lewis.

Standard IV. —Merit —Grace McJennett, Tom Neilson, Jock Tizard, Evelyn Hassall. Diligence—Elsie Dunlop, Clarence Machin. Progress—lsabel Woods. Usefulness—Victor Dephoff. Perseverance—Roma Partridge. Neatness—Valerie Hunt. Writing—Rita Brunt. Drawing—Gordon Ruddle. Sewing—Eveline Shewan.

Standard lll.—First Merit, First Writing and Drawing—Noel Dennison. Second Merit—Eileen Moore. Third Merit—William Castle. Fourth Merit— Zona Aitchison. Diligence Patsy Croker, Nan Robertson. Progress— Ja'mes Aldridge, Alan Gunn, Fred Walker. Neatness Jean Bennett, Dorothy Sirett. Perseverance—Melva McKirdy, Jean McDonald. Usefulness— Robert Burns. Second Drawing—-Her-bert Newman. Second Writing—Roma Neilson. Sewing—Marie Stephens.

Standard ll.—Norman Gould, Ernest Neilson and Freda Whitworth (equal), Margaret Donaldson. General Improvement—Ngaire Mattingly, Jean Irvine, Ted Hassall. Neatness—Noelyne Neilson and Margaret Milligan. Progress— Gibson Fraser and Mervyn De Clifford. Usefulness—Eric Thomson and Graeme Dennison. Perseverance—Hazel Thomas and Jim Andrews. Diligence—Marjorie Angus and Ngaire Ritchie. Sewing— Rachel Sirett. Drawing—Robert Moffat.

Special Awards. Football Trophies (presented by Star Football Club) —Most Improved Forward —Leslie Maxwell. Most Improved Back—Eric Shewan.

Cricket —Cups presented by Mr J. W. Satterthwaite.— Batting.— James Hall (27.3). Bowling—Geo. Bracefield (5.9). Fielding—Philip Abraham (special).

BREAK-UP OF INFANT DEPARTMENT.

Yesterday afternoon the break-up ceremony of the infant department was held at the school. Parents and friends of the children attended in large numbers, and taking a prominent position in the gathering was “Father Christmas,” with a huge bag of toys on his back. Pride of place was given to a Christmas tree laden with a great assortment of gifts.

Mr J. W. Preen, in opening the proceedings, said that this was one of the days in the year to which the children looked forward to. This year something different had been arranged in the form of a Christmas tree, from which every child would receive a present. This was considered to be more satisfactory than giving books, as every girl and boy loved toys, even if it was only to pull them to pieces. He wished to thank everyone present for attending, and for helping the Committee by donating money and goods. He hoped that the children would have a jolly Christmas and very happy holidays, to enable them to return next year ready for the new year’s work. A drill display by pupils of Standard 1 was cleverly done, a number of the movements being done to music and the combined hand-clapping of the remainder of the pupils. Action songs by Primer I. and 11. pupils received loud applause from the audience. Great excitement prevailed when Father Christmas began to distribute the gifts from the tree and his bag. The combined noises of pop-guns, whistles and other din-producing instruments caused a volume of sound that delighted the hearts of all the young generation.

TIMARU SOUTH. CONCERT AND PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. Last night at the Scottish society’s Hall, the break-up ceremony of the South School was held. The hall was filled to capacity by parents and friends of the children, who were treated to an excellent entertainment. The first thing that struck the eye was the gorgeous dressing of the performers. Neither trouble nor expense had been spared, and the result was truly pleasing. Costumes ranging from far-off days when poke bonnets were the fashion and knee breeches and silk stockings were the vogue, up tnrough the years to gay and colourful pirate dress, with numerous war-like arms, to the modern Miss of 1929 and her junlcrpart. the fiannel-clad youth, - ere all represented. Maori warriors and wahines, true to life, wandered

about the hall and precincts to the delight of the audience.

A feature of the programme was the folk dancing by several different sets of dancers, each set being arrayed in different costumes of varied hue and graceful design. The performers gave a really clever exhibition of the oldtime dances, and were warmly applauded. A Maori scene in which was depicted a Maori whare, with groups of natives about it, was very picturesque, and the songs and hakas by the boys were realistic. A poi dance by the girls drew forth loud applause, and was really creditably done. Several of the extinct feathered tribe of a byegone age were introduced, including the moa.

The programme was opened by a large chorus presenting a number of well-known nursery songs, with solo and duet parts, including “Little Miss Muffet,” “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep,” and many other well-known rhymes. The

“John Peel” chorus, and “Billy Boy” chorus also were good, the part singing being very effective. Another out- j standing scene was the “Dance of the j Fairies.” A row of boys was ranged j at the back of the stage, each holding ! a staff decorated with foliage. On the j Fairy Queen waving her wand a ■ number of little girls daintily dressed j as fairies in white and silver, appeared 1 from behind ' the foliage, and joined j with the Queen in a clever ballet. The ; effect of the Crocking was enhanced j by the use of coloured lights, which > made this scene one of the best of the | whole performance The programme was brought to a conclusion by a humorous one-act play, j which concerned chiefly a boarding- ; house proprietor at a fashionable j English watering place. The cast was i as follows:—Major Regulus Rattan (Master A. Glover), Victor Dubois (Mr 1 W. H. Beaumont), Mr Spriggins (Mr R. King), Mrs Spriggins (Miss P. Bowie), Angelina Spriggins (Miss W. j Bowie), Julia, wife of Major Rattan • (Jessie Taylor), Anna Maria, maid of \ all work (Jean Rodgers). An im- j pecunious proprietor of a boarding-1 house, Mr Spriggins plans to let rooms for the summer season. A young j couple arrive at the house, Mrs Julia j Rattan and M. Dubois. Mr Spriggins believes that they are man and wife, not knowing that they had met by j accident in the train. They stay at the house for a few days, until a very indignant Major Rattan arrives looking for his wife. Amusing incidents follow in quick succession, and before

the situation was straightened out the audience was provided with a feast of amusement. The play was splendidly produced, and the acting of the cast reflects credit on those responsible for the production.

At an interval in the programme Mr W. Gibb (chairman of the School Committee) took the opportunity to thank all those present for attending in such large numbers. The expenditure was fully justified, and he would make no comment on the programme, which would speak for itself. The thanks of the committee were due to the headmaster and staff for the amount of work that they had put into the programme. and the library fund would benefit greatly by proceeds of the evening’s entertainment. The funds of the school had not been large enough to enable prizes to be given as was customary. It was not generally known, but when the accounts were paid at the end of the month, the treasurer (Mr S. Houston) would have 13 4 with which to begin the new year. Therefore parents would realise that the committee was not in a position to donate prizes this year. Before presenting the special prizes and trophies won during the year. Mr Gibb said that he would like to congratulate the teams

*id winners the trophies on thensplendid performance. He wished a ~o to congratulate the members oi one teaching staff w io had coached them, their efforts being successful to a deDux of school (Mr W. Gibbs gold medal)—Zoe Stark: runner-up (Mr McGlashan’s gold medal) —Ivan Powell. First in class (silver medals, presented by Mr W. S. Young)— Standard 5, jack Townsend: Standard 4. Dorothy King: Standard 3. Ngaire Stewart; Standard 2. Mary Toneycliffe; Standard 1. May Andrew. Special merit prizes (donated by Mr W Cu mining)—Standard 4, Donald McGlashan; Standard 2. Ethel Odell. Seven-;, -side football medals —Bruce Ede. Robert Darroch. Gordon Thomas. Keith Hayes, Herbert Bennett. Ronald Jager, and James Worthington. Miniature shield for best back (donated by Star Football Club)—K. Hayes. Miniature shield for best forward (donated by Star Football Club) —H. Bennett. Six-a-side basketball medals (.senior )

—Helen Smith, Phyllis Strachan, F.lla Ashbolt.. Helen Robertson, Jean Rodgers, Zoe Stark. 'Junior.)—Doreen Reddick. Myra Newell. Raida Harvey. Muriel Young. Winnie McKugg, and Grace Wederell. Presentation bat for best batting average—Frank Blue.