ST. MARY'S SCHOOL EXAMINATION., NAPIER.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume II, Issue 89, 9 January 1875, Page 8

ST. MARY'S SCHOOL EXAMINATION., NAPIER.

The annual examination and distribution of prizes took place on Friday, 18th ult., at the above school. On entering this school, a stranger is at once fully impressed that it is replete with every requisite for imparting to the youthful mind all the principal branches of a thorough English education. We believe this to be the largest school in the province ; indeed the increase which has taken place within the last four years, speaks volumes for the ability of its energetic master, Mr J. A. Rearden.

At the upper end of the building was a raised platform, on which was displayed a very choice selection of works beautifully bound; also some splendid engravings and pictures. It was quite apparent that no expense was spared to induce the pupils to emulate each other in order to be prize-winners. This year, in addition to the prizes above alluded to, the Inspector of Schools, in order to show his appreciation of the progress the boys had made since his previous visit, very kindly sent seven works to be distributed amongst them. Mr S. Carnell has again this year sent his usual and praiseworthy gift of five volumes, with which the boys seem delighted. Indeed, we think his example might be followed, not only to this, but also to other school throughout the town and province, with very great effect on the children attending them. At the hour announced, several ladies and gentlemen arrived and the examination commenced by visiting each of the reading classes. It was truly astonishing what proficiency was shown, not only by the elder, but also by the little ones, in this very essential branch. Next followed the inspection of copy-books. All present concurred that for penmanship, neatness, and cleanliness, they had not seen anything equal to it. For this inspection it was necessary that the pupils should go to their respective seats, and return to a straight line extending the entire length of the school. These different movements were conducted in the most orderly, and even with military precision. Indeed, with the slightest movement of a small instrument, scarcely perceptible to a stranger, Mr Eearden could rivet the attention of every one of over one hundred and twenty pupils present. Tb.e next subjects were geometry and arithmetic, in each of which, together with cyphering, the boys of this school now as on former occasions, showed very great ability, and proved that hereafter they will be capital accountants. The drawing and printing elicited the admiration of all present, and showed ability far in advance of the age of many of them. Geography was the next branch of examination. The boys were placed at each map — of which there are a great number around the walls, — and showed an c fficiency seldom to be met with not only in the local, but likewise in this universal subject. The time had now arrived for the distribution of prizes, when P. Bourke, Esq., kindly consented to present them. Having addressed the pupils, exhorting them to continue to progress in the same manner they had done throughout the past year, he very kindly, in presenting each prize, added a few appropriate remarks, which, no doubt, left a very favorable impression on many of his hearers. *

The following letter was read from His Honor the Superintendent, excusing his absence : — " Napier, Dec. 18, 1874. " Dear Sir, — I had hoped to have been able to attend the distribution of prizes at your school to-day, but I have been sobusy I could not get away from the office. lam glad to hear from Mr Colenso, that the examination of your boys was as satisfactory on this occasion as it has always' been. " I am, dear Sir, " Yours faithfully, " J. D. Obmond.

"Mr J. A. Eearden, "St. Mary's School." The following were the principal prize-takers : — Geometry — R. Maney and C. Cowper. Arithmetic— W. H. Carnell, W. Broughton, and W. Vaughan. Writing — T. Ashton, W. Taylor, E. Brenton. Reading — A. Maney, G. Buaton, H. M'Greevy. Drawing — W. Vaughan, M. Carroll, T. Hayden. Geography — F. Maney, E. Eeed, G. Cowper. Grammar — J. Franklin, E. C. Cowper, H. Eeardon. At the conclusion of the distribution, Mr P. Bourke requested the recipients to take care of and appreciate each of their prizes, and informed them how happy he was to have the pleasure of distributing them on this occasion. It was then announced to them by Mr J. A. Eearden, that they would have three weeks' holidays, and trusted, by their conduct during that period, they would impress upon all with whom they came in contact the principles that were imparted to them at school. — f Hawke's Bay Herald.'