END OF SCHOOL YEAR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 300, 18 December 1937, Page 10

END OF SCHOOL YEAR

BREAKINGUP FUNCTIONS YESTERDAY'S CEREMONIES PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS School breaking-up functions to mark the close of the year were continued yesterday. The remaining primary schools celebrated the day in fitting fashion and last night the Wanganui Girls’ College function was held, the speaker being the Rev. H. W. Newell, M.A., 8.D., of Wellington. Weather conditions were inclined to be wintry and showers affected the attendances in some instances, but all the vagaries of the weather could not dampen the happiness of pupils and staffs at the arrival of another year’s close. Following are the lists of awards and short accounts of several of the functions celebrated yesterday. Space would not permit reference to them all, but other reports will follow next I week. GIRLS’ COLLEGE AWARDS FOR THE YEAR The annual breaking-up ceremony ■' Rncl prize-giving of the Wanganui• Girls’ College was held in the school assembly hall last evening, a large number of parents and friends being present. Among those present were the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs W. J. Rogers. Mr G C. Gordon, chairman of the I Board of Governors, presided. He said that the chief event during the year had been the visit of the Hon. Peter Fraser, Minister of Education, who had been able to see the adverse conditions under which the pupils worked. The Wanganui Education Board's architect had prepared plans for the new college at Wanganui East, and it was hoped that when the next prize-giving was held a start would have been made on the new structure. During the evening, songs, including Christmas carols, were sung by the pupils. The speaker was the Rev. H. W. Newell, M.A., 8.D., of Wellington, who referred to the fine scholastic record of the school. He said that in quietness and confidence lay strength; it was quietness which was one of the marks of real education and a contented person. The prize list was as follows: THE PRIZE LIST Following is the 1937 prize list:— Dux of the School.—Mary Frankish. Bree Memorial Cup for general excellence.—N. Craig. Sports Prizes Badminton. —Champion, A. Dow; handicap singles, A. Dow. Tennis.—Senior champion, L. Marshall, runner-up, J. Barber; intermediate champion, J. Fiebig; junior champion, Joan Stewart; Form, tennis, Form VI. Swimming.—Senior champion, W. Towgood and R. McDonald; junior champion, M. Watt; Hornblow Cup, J. Walton; dive (senior), I. Cade, M. Pocknail, (junior,) J. Eastwood. House Prizes R. Kershaw (Miss Cruickshank’s prize), J. Barber, A. Pickford, N. Burns, J. Brown. Music Senior, R. Kershaw, V. Todd; junior, M. Blair, P. McDavitt: theory, (senior) N. Gibson, (junior) J. Smith; singing (Madame Symes' prize), U. Robb; -cello, P. Henry; progress in violin, N. Brooks; elocution, B. Wylie (Miss Taylor’s prize?, G. Haggle. Drawing Senior, J. Brodie; intermediate, J. Neilson; junior, N. Inkpen; junior crafts, B. Ebbett. Sewing Senior. E. Pratt; intermediate, R. Strachan. Cooking Senior, N. Lampp; intermediate, E. Taylor; junior, P. Ross; home crafts (cookery, sewing, craftwork*, intermediate, D. Flyger. Christie Bowl B. Christie. Form Prizes Primers, C. Christie, M. Scott, D. Ward, Ia Holcombe, D. Selfe; Std. I, B. Freeman, progress M. London; Std. 111, M. Eden, progress B. Whiteley; Std. IV, R. Young, progress M. Widdowson.

Form I.—N. Babbage, progress J. McNab, J. Wilson. Form II. —K. O'Toole (Miss Cruickshank’s prize), progress W. Williams,

M. Hill; handwork and drawing, V. Collins. Form Ill.c.d.—C. Harnhill, Ist. science, history, Fr., sh-hd., bk-kpg., 2nd. Eng.; J. Eatwell, 15t.... Eng., h-erft., hyg.; K. Bailey, 2nd. sci., shhd., bk-kpg.; J. Harre, Ist. arith., 2nd. hist., 3rd. Eng. and geog.; progress, J. Collis.

Form lII.c.—A. Smith, Ist. Eng and hist., 2nd. Fr., 3rd. sci.; G. Fountaine, Ist. sci., 2nd. geog., 3rd. Eng. and hist.; M. Martin, Ist. geog, 3rd. hist.; progress, M. Wells, J. Bougen.

Form lll.b.—J. Walker, Ist. maths., Fr., Lat., science, 2nd. arith.; progress, M. Martin. Form Ill.a.—H. Young, Ist. arith., maths., hist., Ist. equal Eng., 2nd. sci. and geog., 3rd. Lat.; M. Reid, Ist. Lat. and geog., 2nd. Fr. and arith., 3rd maths,, sci., hist.; R. Joll, Ist. Fr. and sci., 2nd. Eng.; N. Inkpen, 2nd. Lat. 3rd. equal Fr.; 5. Hermans, 2nd. maths., 3rd. equal, Fr. Form IV.d. —E. James, Ist. Eng., arith., sci., bk-kpg., sh-hd., 2nd. hist., D. Papworth, Ist. Fr., hist., geog., hyg., 2nd. Eng., sci.; A. Picklord, 3rd. geog., sci., hyg., arith.; P. Minchin, 2nd. geog., 3rd. Eng.; I. Lethbridge, 2nd. Fr., hyg.; progress, D. Windleburn.

Form IV.c. I. Cordingley, Ist. arith., Fr., geog., 2nd. sci., 3rd. hist.; Z. Williams, Ist. hist and sci., 2nd. Eng. and geog., 3rd. bk-kpg.; P. Carew, Ist. Eng., 2nd. arith.; P. Paui, 2nd. geog., Fr., bk-kpg., 3rd. sci.; J. Fiebig, Ist. bk-kpg., 2nd. hist.; progress, M. Hansen. Form IV.b.—D. Morrison, Ist. Eng., 2nd. arith., maths., 2nd. equal Fr., 3rd. hist.; A. Russell, Ist. hist., Ist. equal geog., 2nd. Eng.; M. McLean, Ist. sci., 2nd. hyg., 3rd. hist.; M. Campbell, Ist. maths., 2nd. Fr.; M. Adams, Ist. hgy., 2nd. hist., 3rd. sci.; Z. Davison, IstFr.. 3rd. Eng.

Form IV.a.—D. Sommerville, Isl. hist., Fr., Lat., Ist. equal Eng., 2nd. sci.; J. Paul, Ist. sci., Ist. equal. Eng., 2nd. hist.; J. Smith, 2nd. Fr., Lat., maths.; J. Lane. Ist. equal geog., 3rd. sci. and maths.; N. Laird, Ist. maths., 2nd. arith.; progress, N. Voss, J. Guthrie.

Form V.c.—M. Hillier, Ist. Eng., geog., sh-hd., bk-kpg., sci., 3rd. arith., hist.; N. Stenberg, Ist. equal sh-hd., hist., 2nd. geog., bk-kpg.; N. Lampp, Ist. hist and arith., 2nd. Eng., 3rd. geog.; R. Ratliff, 2nd. Eng. and sci., 3rd. sh-hd.; diligence, S. Johnston. Form V.b.—D. Wheatley, Ist. rist., 2nd. Eng., 3rd. equal sci.; C. Cross, Ist. sci., 2nd., Fr.; N. Signal, 2nd. hist., 2nd. equal maths., 3rd. arith., 3rd. equal sci.; L. Jamieson, Ist. maths., Ist. arith.; T. Cliff, Ist. Eng,; progress, J. Hughes, P. Rowe, A. Dow.

Form V.a.—U. Robb, Ist. equal. Fr., maths., 2nd. Lat.; L. Young, Ist. Lat. and hist., 2nd. equal sci.; G. Bates, Ist. arith., Ist. equal Fr.; F. Cocks, Ist. geog., 2nd. hist., 3rd. Eng.; 1 Mackay ,Ist. sci., 3rd. Lat., 3rd. equal hist.; C. Riley, Ist. Eng., 3rd. equal hist.; J. Young, 2nd. Eng., 2nd. equal sci., 3rd. Fr.

Form V.r.—Progress, M. Bolton, D Burgess; commercial work, J. Macleod.

Form Vl.b.—J. Bogle, Ist. Eng., 2nd. Lat., 2nd. equal maths., 3rd. hist, ana Fr.; M. Barton, Ist. maths, and sci.; R. Bartrum, Ist. Fr. and Lal.; progress, M. Marshall; general, R. Guscott. Form Vl.a.—V. Todd, Eng. and sci.; B. McPhail, Eng. and Fr.; B. Rider, Eng. II and hist.; K. Holst, Eng., Fr., and geog.; advanced work, N. Anderson. University Terms Results The university terms results for this year arc as follows: — English: Stage 11, N. Craig, N. Anderson, B. Rider; stage I, M. Frankish, K. Holst, B. McPhail, J. Walton. Latin: Stage 11, N. Anderson, N. Craig; stage I, M. Frankish. History: Stage I, M. Frankish. French: Stage I, K. Holst, B. McPhail. * KEITH STREET SCHOOL BREAKING-UP CEREMONY On the occasion of her retirement after close on 30 years’ service in the teaching profession, 19 of them being as headmistress at the Keith Street School, Miss E. N. Sampson was farewelled at the school -break-up held yesterday morning. There was a large gathering of parents, old pupils and friends. Mr. A. Spurdie, on behalf of the school committee and staff, welcomed all present. The Mayor (Mr. W. J. Rogers) congratulated* the school on the. year’s work and said that all who had been 1 connected with the school would be sad at the leaving of Miss Sampson. Down the 19 years she had been at the school her influence and wonderful power could not be estimated. Mr. Rogers spoke of the great sisterhood of teachers and in paying a tribute to Miss Sampson, quoted an appropriate verse from Oliver Wendel Holmes. He extended to teachers and children best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Mr. Boden (inspector) also paid a tribute to Miss Sampson’s qualities as a headmistress and expressed the appreciation of the services she had rendered, saying that she had maintained a high standard and a wonderful record during the years at the school. He wished Miss Sampson every happiness and success and a happy trip abroad. Mr. E. F. Hemingway, chairman ol the Education Board, said he was sorry to say farewel 'O one of the best headmistresses in the service, and in paying Miss Sampson a tribute said her retirement would be a loss to the profession. After reading a testimonial of thanks from the board, Mr. Hemingway, on behalf of past and present pupils, parents and friends, asked Miss Sampson to accept a magic envelope and wished her every prosperity and happiness. Miss Sampson, in reply, expressed her deep gratitude to her pupils, old pupils, friends and parents for the gift. She said it had been a great surprise to her and with the contents she would buy something she had always wanted—a silver tea set —and have it inscribed so that it will remind her of the happy years she had spent at the school.

“For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow” was heartily sung by the school. Mrs. W. J. Rogers presented the prizes, each class giving a chorus as they appeared on the stage to receive their prizes. - Mrs. Rogers and Miss Sampson were the recipients of lovely bouquets. Among those present were members of the school committee, school inspectors (Messrs. Crossby, Merrington and Boden), Mr. W. Bruce and wives of the inspectors. The gathering closed with the singing of the National Anthem.

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL PAST YEAR’S ACTIVITIES HEADMASTER’S REVIEW “This has been a year of marked progress,” stated the principal, Mr H. Rochfort, in his annual report at the breaking-up ceremony of the Wanganui Intermediate School on Thursday evening. “The work inside the school, I think, has maintained equal progress with the improvements in our material surroundings. The removal of the proficiency examination has allowed the school to develop upon its own lines untravelled by external restrictions. Special attention has been given to cultural work; music, drama, arts and crafts have played a larger part than before in the life of the school. That the standard of work has not suffered is sufficiently evidenced by the fact that the general efficiency of the school has now, for the first time, been classed as excellent. This is a matter members of the staff regard with pardonable pride. “Another new departure this year to meet the many-sided interests of the pupils has been the introduction of school clubs. The following are functioning very successfully: Model aeroplanes, wireless, chess, knitting, sketching, glee club, nature study and dramatic. The choir and folk dancing clubs have continued with their usual vigour. This year has also seen the production of our first school paper. This consists entirely of the pupils’ work and was produced m every part upon the premises. It is proposed to issue this paper once a term, in future. “On June 7 the school was visited by the Hon. Peter Fraser, Minister of Education, accompanied by the Director of Education and other official members of his party. Speaking to the Wanganui Education Board afterward, the Minister said: T saw happy boys and girls and I was cheered by their spontaneity and brightness. I went into some of the classrooms and I could see how excellent was the work they were doing. I am surprised and nonplussed at any parents showing reluctance to send their children to such a fine school. I have invited myself to come back and study Ihe excellent work as it is being done.’ “The annual interchange of visits with the Napier Intermediate School took place, 60 pupils and two teachers from Wanganui proceeding to Napier. What will probably live longest in the minds of the pupils was the visit of 80 pupils and a number of teachers from the Kowhai Intermediate School (Auckland). We made every attempt to repay the lavish hospitality received by our pupils in Auckland in 1936.

“The close of the year is seeing some momentous changes among the staff. Miss Paterson and Mr Johnston, who have been members of the staff since the establishment of the school and who have done much to earn the school its good name, are leaving us. We congratulate Miss Paterson on her approaching marriage, and Mr Johnston upon his promotion to the Napier Intermediate School. Our best wishes go to them both and we shall feel their loss keenly.

“I wish to thank all those who have helped the school in any way during the past year, to express my best wishes for the future happiness and success of those pupils who are leaving us and to voice the hope that they will carry with them into their lives the school motto: “Ad Summa Nilentes, Thriving for the Highest.” Mr Rochfort also expressed his thanks for the assistance received from Archdeacon J. R. Young in ministering to the spiritual needs of the children each week.

WANGANUI EAST SCHOOL END-OF-YEAR FUNCTION The prize-giving ceremony of the Wanganui East School was to have been held out-of-doors, but a shower caused it to be held in the school. The headmaster, Mr. R. N. Wilson, introducing Mr. N. Annabell, chairman of the school committee and member of the Wanganui Education Board, and Mr. J. B. Cotterill, M.P., drew attention to the need of an assembly hall at the school. He referred to the new primary school certificate and pointed out that it was not to be belittled. It was just as important as other school certificates. He made reference to the fine swimming efforts put forth by the children and thanked parents for their cooperation in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the school. Mr. Annabell, on behalf of the committee and Education Board, congratulated the children and teachers on the success of their year’s work and presented the prizes and certificates. Mr. Cotterill extended his congratulations and good wishes to the teachers and children. He spoke of the splendid swimming results achieved and drew attention to the wisdom of such training in the schools. Swimming. During the season there have been issued from the school 102 learners’ certificates. Some of the children have commenced to compete for the Swimming Centre’s certificates and already 51 have qualified for learners, 24 for proficiency, and 26 tor certificates of merit. The first portion of the lifesaving candidates have been examined and four girls secured bronze medallions, 24 children intermediate certificates, and five elementary certificates. One hundred and thirty-four good attendance certificates were issued. The dux medal this year was won by Ngaire Roskruge with Derek Stapleton second. Prizes were received by Derek Stapleton (head boy prefect), Patricia Parnell (head girl prefect), and Harry Fitch (band leader). The Toswill Cup, presented in 1926 for the top boy in Standard 111. was this year won by lan Rolls. At the infant school Miss Clemance spoke to the children and presented each of them with their gift books and certificates. During the swimming season 107 children at the Wanganui East School learned to swim, 40 gained elementary certificates in life-saving (20 boys and 20 girls) and four gained bronze medallions, these being Jean McDougal, Pat Parnell, Jean Couchman and Shirley McGregor. All were taught by Mr. W. Green, baths custodian.

ARAMOHO SCHOOL BREAK-UP CEREMONY Parents and committee members attended the Aramoho School break-up ceremony in the main hall yesterday afternoon, rain in the morning preventing the scheduled gathering in the grounds. Welcoming parents and visitors, the headmaster, Mr A. E. Stone, complimented the committee on the splendid order in which the grounds had been maintained throughout the year, and stated that the continued interest of the committee in the welfare of the school had been an inspiration to the teaching staff. Mr Stone specially thanked Mr C. Downey lor his interest in swimming and the time which he had devotea to the instruction of the children in this important phase of activities. The headmaster also paid a tribute to the staff for their loyalty and co-opera-tion. During the year, concluded Mr Stone, a life-saving class had been conducted by Mr L). M. Jillett, first assistant, and the number qualifying for awards was most satisfactory. The chairman of the School Committee, Mr A. E. Halligan, presented a silver cup to Alex Simpson, dux ol the school, and to Jack Chesney a book for having won the Aramoho section of the C.G.C. competition. Swimming certificates presented by Mr Downey at the ceremony, comprised 12 for 880 yards, 20 for 220 yards and 23 for 50 yards. The list is as follows: —

Merit (880 yards).—Valda York, Lois McChesney, Nola Slight, Jon Bell, Peter Smith, Francis Davison, Eileen Todman, Margaret McNicol, Elizabeth Coughlin, Julian Girven, Moya Trott, Doris Lacey. Proficiency (220 yards). Joseph Schneider, Noel Peachey, Thea Slight, Juan McLean, Peter Peterson, Thomas Mortenson, Lindsay Davidson, Allan Cables, Dan Brandon, Christine Hughes, Donald Greig, William Davidson, Vernon Bell, Patricia Price, Patricia Nicholson, Roy Pepper, Alan McLean, Colin Hamling, Durham Cathro, Bernard Coughlin. Learners (50 Yards) . Keith Cathro, George Nelson, Mavis O’Brien, Leone Ernst, James Davidson, Margaret Pendreigh, Mabel Kearns, Lorraine Bell, Gordon Clifton, Brian Clifton, Fay Price, Ngaire Gosling, Daphne Benbrook, James Nelson, Derek Clark, Olive Randal, Noel Npchurch, Stewart Gillies, Aubrey Slight, Louisa Scott, Beth Hawkins, Jack Blackwell, Peggy Butler.

Across-the-baths certificates won during “Learn-to-Swim” Week were presented in the morning as follows: Helga Edge, George Edwards, Bruce Davis, Rex Healey, Alan Johnstone, Duncan Greig, Joan Storey, Margaret Gilroy, Joyce West, Mervyn. Huzman, Dulcie Menzies, Peter Bagley, Peter Fisher, Eric Menzies, Marjorie Bland, William Gilroy, Leonard Hoskin, Maureen Forward, Margaret Bennett, Lindsay Breton, Lorraine Cables, Merle Gedye, Margaret Kerwin, Norma Sutherland, Trevor Hamling, John McChesney, Berwick McCoy, Thomas Praeter, Ernest Randal, Alexander Scott, Desmoind Simonson, Patrick Cornick, Marjorie Dyke, William Loveridge, Ned O’Connor, Patricia O’Connor, Trevor Clark, Robert Edwards, Robert Strong, John Greig, Jack Healey, John O’Brien, Phyllis Anderson, Nancy Hope, Lexa Nicholson, Irene Robson, Elva Stevenson, Joyce Sturzaker, Iris Tasker, Barbara Upchurch, Mavis Willetts, Andrew Little, Trevor Cartwright, Maurice Comrie, Ronald Nelson, Alexander Cawley, Frederic Randal, Donald Hughes, James Mitchell, Joyce White, Allison Good, Dcidre Anderson, Shirley Gullery, Myrtle Huzman, Kate Stevens, Norma Rogerson, Betty Tasker, Jean Sharrock, Marie Fromont, and Doreen Clark.

Life-Saving Awards. Certificates presented at the breakup ceremony by Mr Halligan, were as follow: Elementary Certificate. —■ Fay Price, Juan McLean, Lois McChesney, Thomas Mortensen, Allan McLean, Thomas Girven, Patricia Price, Patricia Nicholson, Betty Coughlin, William Bryson, Christine Hughes, Eileen Todman, Doris Lacey. Elementary and Intermediate Certificates.—Valda York, Moya Trott, Francis Davidson, Margaret McNichol, William Bryson, Joan Bell, Bernard Coughlin. Valda York and Moya Trott also passed in the water work for the bronze medallion examination. Class Place List. Class place prizes were presented as follows: — Standard I. —Jean Bayler 1, Marie Fromont 2, Betty Davidson 3. Standard ll.—James Mitcheil 1, Ronald Nelson 2, Milton Cornick 3. Standard lll.—Noel Peachey 1, Phyllis Anderson 2, Elva Stephenson 3. Standard IV.—Dan Brandon 1, Patricia Cornick 2, Alexander Scott 3. Form I.—Maurice Sturzaker I, Derek Clark 2, Phyllis Smith-Pilling Form II. —Alexander Simpson 1, Joyce Humphrey 2, Patricia Nicholson 3. QUEEN’S PARK SCHOOL BREAKING-UP CEREMONY CHILDREN AND PARENTS ADDRESSED A number of speakers addressed children and parents at the breakingup and prize-giving ceremony held yesterday at the Queen’s Park School. The keen interest that is taken in the affairs of the school was shown by the large number of parents and outsiders present at the function. The chairman of the Queen’s Park School Committee, Mr J. Tutty, welcomed the visitors. The Mayor (Mr W. J. Rogers) congratulated the chairman of the committee, the principal, and staff of the school on the year’s work. He said that it was gratifying to note the keener interest that was being taken in the school by the parents, and said that this was a very desirable thing. He pointed out the good work that had been done by the committee during the year.

Mr J. B. Cotterill. M.P. for Wanganui, said that he was a pupil of this school, and it was here that he spent many happy days. The greater part of his education had been received at. Queen's Park School. Mr Cotterill

pointed out the better facilities that were available in the school of today as compared with a number of years ago. He concluded by wishing, teachers and pupils an enjoyable holiday.

The principal, Mr J. A. Engebretson, thanked the speakers and those present for their attendance, and eulogised the good work that haa been done during the year by the staff and the committee. He referred to the fine building of the Queen's Park School and said that in his opinion there were few better in the Deminion, both as regards equipment and site. He deplored the fact that within the area covered by the school there were a number oi families who did not send their children to Queen’s Park School. He referred to the good work being done by the Government in the institution of the free milk scheme and the increased capitation for the use of the school committee. He pointed out that recently £BOO had been made available by the Government for the improvement of the grounds. He stressed the value of physical education, saying that this was very necessary for the welfare of the Dominion's children. He hoped that when the Government’s new scheme was prepared, physical instruction in the schools would be increased from a-quarter of an hour to threequarters of an hour. He concluded by wishing all present the compliments of the season. On behalf of the Maori scholars of the school the assemblage was addressed by Mr A. M. Takarangi. He quoted the old native proverb. “Never look back like the crayfish,” pointing out that it was quite applicable to children of to-day. He impressed his listeners to look to the future and said that ambition was the keynote of success.

During the afternoon, bouquets were presented to the Mayoress. Mrs W. J. Rogers, Mrs J. B. Cotterill, and Mrs Tutty. Prizes won during the year were presented by Mr J. B. Cotterill. The boy dux (Darcy Cavelh and the girl dux (Gan Hoe) were each presented with a Coronation book. TAWHERO SCHOOL BREAK-UP FUNCTION The annual function at Tawhero was held in the school yesterday morning before an interested gathering of parents, friends, and old pupils. The chairman, Mr T. S. Russell, presided and introduced the speaker for the morning, Mr J. B. Cotterill, M.P. The headmaster, Mr W. P. Williams, submitted his annual report as follows: “It is our pleasure to present the twelfth annual report of the school. Unfortunately the year opened under the cloud of infantile paralysis epidemic and the ordinary routine of the schools was much upset. Swimming and athletic sports went by the board, and it was well into March before the classes settled down. However, we have had a solid year’s work and most of the pupils have made good progress. We are glad to report very little sickness throughout the year, due perhaps to the long spell at the beginning. An innovation which is all to the good has been the introduction of half a pint of milk daily, and very few children refuse this gift. The children have always taken a keen interest in swimming and lifesaving, the one drawback being the long trip to the Gonville baths in the heat and dust. Much more time is spent in travelling than in the water. The Government, concerned with the appalling loss of life through drowning, this year encouraged a “Learn-to-Swim” Week and we were able to arrange with the Tramway Department to convey the children to and from the baths. Thus many were able to take part and receive much more time in the water. We hope that under the National Health Scheme, either some permanent transport to the Gonville baths will be arranged, or we shall have baths in this district. During this special effort many learnt to swim a few strokes; 23 swam across the baths, 20 swam from 2 to 36 lengths, and three gained certificates in life-saving. “Again we have taken our share in school sport, the boys playing cricket, football and hockey, the girls taking part in basketball, tennis and croquet. We have enjoyed our games with other schools and, win or lose, remember ‘lt’s the game that counts.’

“The dux of the school this year is Barry Crothers and to him we offer our congratulations. Some of our pupils are leaving us to pass to higher educational institutions. We shall watch their progress and rejoice with them in their success. The Old Pupils’ Association is still very active and takes a keen interest in the school.

“Perhaps the most important event this year was the Coronation of Their Majesties King George VI. and Queen Elizabeth, who are already so beloved by their millions of subjects. A fitting ceremony was held at the school, when an English oak was planted to mark this occasion.

“We are proud of our school and its environment. During the year we have nearly completed our fernery, and here again we thank those who have given assistance. We are now reaping the reward of years of labour and the trees are large enough to afford shade during the hot weather.

“Our thanks are due to the members of our school committee, who have given much time to the welfare of the children. Especially would we mention the worthy secretary, Mr V/. J. Healey, who has filled this position since the opening of the school. We would also remember the parents who have stood behind us in our efforts to improve the conditions for the children.

“In conclusion I wish to thank my staff for a year of co-operation in our. work. Mr Revell has completed his year with us and I regret must move on. We wish him every success in the future. Nor would we forget the members and the staff of the Education Board for very generous treatment during the year and our friends of the local press for space in their valuable columns. May I. on behalf of the pupils and staff, wish you all the best of Christmas greetings.” The following is the prize list:— Dux of School. First, Barry Crothers; second, Noleen Dyke; third, Joyce Harris. Merit, B. Crothers, R. Lovett, N. Dyke, J. Harris. Form I.—First, Owen Handley; second, lone Mclntyre; third, Sylvia Holmes. Merit. O. Handley, I. McIntyre, S. Holmes, H. Gawler, N. McIntyre.

Standard 4.—First. Stuart Glasgow; second, Desmond Hawkins; third, Helen Lovett. Merit, S. Glasgow, D. Hawkins, H. Lovett, B. Burt. Standard 3.—First, Enid Hicks; second, Douglas Jeffery; third, Joyce

Bidlake. Merit, E. Hicks, D. Jeffery, J. Bidlake, R. McCartan, I. Gurney. Standard 2.—First, Rex Smith; second, William Duncan; third, Monica Brook. Merit, M. Brook, R. Smith, V. Dyke, K. Sherman, D. Duncan, G. Hall, S. Sherriff. Standard I.—First, Joan Bullock; second, Max Attwell; third, Bruce Attwell. Merit, J. Bullock, B. Attwell, M. Attwell, N. Hogg, M. Gould, B. Nicholls. Swimming Certificates (across the baths): Valerie Burt, Desmond Hawkins, Bryan Marsh, Gordon Rowlands, Lois Brider, Hazel Gibbs. SCHOOL YEAR ENDS TAIHAPE DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL The annual break-up ceremony and presentation of prizes in connection with the Taihape District High School was held in the Town Hall on Thursday afternoon. The chairman of the Taihape School Committee (Mr. E. Loader) presided, and associated with him at the official table were Mr. Ormond Wilson, M.P., the Mayor of Taihape (Mr. L. B. H. de Lautour), Mr. P. Munro (Taihape representative on the Wanganui Education Board), and Mrs. Munro and the headmaster (Mr. J. C. Whibley). The members of the school committee and their wives and the school staff were seated on the stage, while parents and friends were accommodated in the auditorium and the dress circle. Proceedings opened with the singing of the National Anthem, after which the chairman called on the Mayor to address the pupils. Mr. de Lautour advised the children to do something useful and helpful during the holidays, and concluded his remarks by wishing the school the compliments of the season.

During the course of a brief address, Mr. P. Munro impressed upon the pupils that they owed their teachers and the school committee a deep debt of gratitude. He also extended the season's greetings to the children and hoped that they would all enjoy a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mr. Ormond Wilson, M.P., was also called upon to say a few words, and prefaced his remarks by congratulating the winners of school prizes and sports trophies on their success. He reminded the pupils that when they left school they would assume the responsibilities of citizenship and take their part in the affairs of state. They might consider themselves important at school but when they stepped out in the world they would realise that they were unimportant. The chairman announced that this was the last break-up ceremony over which he would be presiding as chairman of the school committee . He had been on the committee for 25 years and felt that it was about time to retire. He wished to congratulate Mr. Whibley on the excellent standard maintained at the school. He also wished to thank the Education Board and the Education Department for their efforts in providing accommodation at the school in the past and hoped that th'ey would continue their efforts in this connection as the school was still in need of more buildings. Mr. Loader pointed out that the school was not a town school, but a district high school for the benefit of town and country pupils. He thanked parents for their great help during the past year, and also praised the efforts of the pupils and asked the headmaster to allow the children to dismiss for the year a few hours earlier than was originally intended. Songs were rendered by the High School girls and junior pupils, and a Christmas carol was sung by the whole school. The school prizes and sports trophies were presented by Mrs. P. Munro, who congratulated the winners on their success. Prize List. The following pupils were Acluded in the prize-list:— Boys. Junior Swimming Championship: S. Bowater, J. .Holmes 1 (equal). Intermediate Swimming Championship: E. Smith. Senior Swimming Championship: M. L. King. Junior Athletic Championship; B. L. Lyons. Intermediate Athletic Championship: B. Dunn. Senior Athletic Championship: M. L. King. Girls.—Junior Swimming Championship: Lois Smith. Intermediate Swimming Championship: N. Ward. Senior Swimming Championship: E. M. Schofield . Junior Athletic Championship: J. C. Beaton. Senior Athletic Championship: L. M. Baird. House Competitions.—Senior: Ikatere House (Bond Cup). Junior: Tangaroa House (Joblin Cup). Class Prizes.

Form I.—Nelle Bowater, top girl; John Olsen, top boy; Ngaire Galbraith, Miss Campbell’s special prize for practical cookery and house-

ifery; Hazel Bailey, top girl in room

Form IL—Dux of Primary Dept., Peter MacCallum; top girl, Gloria Moss; Mr. Wimsett’s special prizes for science, Keith Masters; history and geography, Jack Percy; Miss Campbell’s special prize for practical cookery and housewifery, May Easton. Form 111 A.—Patricia Olliver, first in class aggregate, first English, French, geometry, arithmetic, science, home science; Betty Ferguson, second in class aggregate, first in algebra, second home science and arithmetic. Form 111 B.—Nola Greaves, first English, home science, book-keeping, science, arithmetic second in shorthand; Patricia McCulliugh first in commercial aggregate first shorthand, second book-keeping, third typing; Gomer Graham, first in woodwork and drawing. Form IV A.—Brian Dunn, first in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, history, French, science, woodwork, drawing; Peggy Bridson, first in English, second algebra, French, science, home science, third in history. Form IV B.—June Hill, first in English, and home science, second in typing and crafts, third book-keeping and arithmetic.

Form V A.—Dux of the school, Olaf Lundin, first in class aggregate, first in English language, French, history, first (equal) English literature; Murray King, second in class aggregate, first (equal) English literature, second in English language, history and drawing. Form V B.—Priscilla McKenzie, first in class aggregate, first English literature, geometry, second in English language, history, algebra, chemistry, second (equal) in French; Theo. Scott, second in class aggregate, first in English language, history, chemistry, second in English literature, second (equal) in French. Form Vl.—Higher Leaving Certificate (post-matriculation), Elizabeth S. Adlam. Headmaster’s Annual Report. At the annual break-up and prizegiving ceremony, Mr. J. C. Whibley (headmaster) presented the following report covering the year’s activities: — “In the primary department 110 new pupils were admitted during the year and 58 in the high school. The present roll numbers are 408 (primary) and 85 (secondary). The increased attendance in the primary department has raised the school a subgrade. It is now graded 63. The new grade has brought about some changes in the staff. A new grade HI male assistant has to be appointed and he will rank as the first assistant in the school. Miss Smith is to be transferred to another school. We are sorry to lose Miss Smith. She has been hero for just 12 months and in that short time we have learned to value her conscientious attention to duty. Our staffing has been much steadier this year. Last year we had 11 relieving teachers at different times. This year we have had none.

“The accommodation for our present numbers is still insufficient. The: commercial pupils have to type in the corridors. The cookery room and the; laboratory have to be used as ordin-1 ary class rooms. No teachers’ room J has yet been provided in the High School and there is no room available ' for singing lessons and handwork. “In the primary department this 1 year has been the first in which the

pupils of Form II have not had to face a proficiency examination. The proficiency certificate has been replaced by a primary school certificate. This latter certificate will be awarded without special examination to those pupils of Form II who have satisfactorily completed the year’s work, and its possession entitles the holder to a free place in any secondary school. One of the reasons for the abolition of the proficiency certificate was to provide easy access to higher education. The senior free place examination has also been abolished with the object of encouraging pupils to remain in a secondary school as long as possible. It is realised these days that every girl and boy needs a secondary education and the Education Department has abolished all obstacles pertaining to entry to secondary schools. The result of the abolition of the proficiency certificate is going to have a profound effect on the teaching in primary schools. Instead of instruction as a means of passing an examination, the method will be an education not a 5 a means of earning power but for living. The child will be taught to develop to the full those talents he possesses; he will be taught to live fully at the stages of his youthfyl life. It will be found that he may not know so much arithmetic and grammar as the boy of a few years ago but instead of that we hope he will be a more fully developed boy with a wide outlook on life. A boy or girl with such a foundation can specialise according to his bent when he enters a secondary school.

“All sporting and social activities promoted by the school were well supported by the public and it is very gratifying to me that the public of Taihape take such an interest in their school. “In conclusion I wish to thank the staff, school committee, the Education Board, and the Press.” Message to Pupils. “Remember that the school expects the best of you in whatever walk of life you follow. If you endeavour to do your best the school will be proud of you and we will know that the school has fulfilled its function of producing good citizens," was Mr. Whibley’s message to those pupils about to leave the school.