TE AWAMUTU PUBLIC SCHOOL.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1322, 18 December 1880, Page 2

TE AWAMUTU PUBLIC SCHOOL.

The Christmas holidays commenced yesterday, and in the afternoon a number of visitors, parents, and friends assembled at the schoolhouse to assist in the ceremony of presenting the prizes to the successful youngsters. These (the prizes) were the admiration of young and old, both from their number and quality. Thirty-seven volumes of valuable books were distributed, the test being the number of marks scored by the pupils during the year. This the Commissioners considered to be a more true and just manner of deciding than that of a short oral examination, where, perhaps, the advantage may rest with the child possessing the most "cheek" and ready wit. The Cominiamissioners (Messrs Winstone and Walton) delivered the prizes with appropriate remarks. Mr Walton regretted that circumstances prevented the affair being made as fully known as they could have wished ; it was only decided to break up on the 17th last Tuesday. This gave no time for advertising. He was glad to see so large an attendance at so short notice. Before the prizes were given out the children sang some songs very sweetly, and after that were put through their drill by Mr Benge, the head teacher. This part of the entertainment was a surprise to all present. The manner in which the children performed the different portions of the drill reflects the highest credit upon Mr Benge ; their movements would not have disgraced, in fact might advantageously be copied by many a volunteer corps. The mental training of the children appears to be quite equal to their physical discipline and drill. In fact, Te Awamutu is fortunate in having Mr Benge for a teacher. After the distribution of prizes, Mr Winstone addressed the children and called for a vote of thanks for their teacher, which was heartily responded to. After an hour or so at play the children were entertained with tea, cake and buns, in the Public Hall, kindly furnished by Mesdames Mandeno, Carley, Innes, Avenell, Wilkinson, Lewis, and others. A dance after tea and "God Save the Queen" at the finish concluded a very happy day.—(Correspondent).