TE KARAKA SCHOOL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2431, 20 February 1909, Page 3

TE KARAKA SCHOOL.

PICNIC AND PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. The annual picnic of the To Kara La Public School took place yesterday, in. ideal weather, at the Te Kanika racecourse, xvhich had been kindly placed «t the disposal of the School Committee by the Racing Club, through Mr. L. C. Allen. A handsome amount had been donated by the ies id exits of the district for prizes and tire expenses of the picnic, and a personal canvas by the chairman (Mr. \\\ L. Spence) for cakes and other provisions met with a hearty response. The children, numbering nearly 200. assembled at 11 a.m., and the assemblage Avas considerably sAvellccl during the day by a number of their parents and friends. A long and varied programme of sports was carried out under the energetic supervision of the headmaster (Mr. P. Setton), ably assisted by the chairman and Messrs J. \Y. Brown, A. M. Leivis. Bell, W. Powell, W. Dods, and McCrcdie, the last-named gentleman acting as starter. A number of very close finishes attested to the excellence of the handicapping, which was arranged by the headmaster.

Luncheon Ava sserved at 1 p.m., and at 3.30 p.m. the children and their friends assembled in and around the grandstand, for the presentation ot the school prizes. The chairman (Mr. Spence) congratulated them on. the success of the gathering, and asked the Rev. W. H. Roberts to present the prizes. Before doing so, tli Rev. W. H. Roberts congratulated the headmaster and the staff on the success of the year’s work, and on the favorable report from the inspector. He urged the parents to co-operate with {he teachers in making the school efficient, 'by seeing that their children atended regularly. He pointed out that not only Avere the teachers much handicapped by irregular attendance in their endeavors to obtain good results in the school, but the children themselves suffered, both in competitive examinations end in general thoroughness. Tho remedy lay Avith the parents.

The prizes wore then distributed, iirst, .second, .and third prizes being awarded in each standard, and in the preparatory classes; besides prizes for regular attendance, both for children residing near the school and those living at a distance, and also special prizes for sewing. A handsome dres-sing-case, presented by Mr. and Mrs. J. D. McCredio, for- the best and most industrious girl in the school, was awarded by the headmaster to Lizzie Price, and the decision appeared to meet with the general approval of her school-fellows.

Tea was served at 4.30 p.m., and about 6 p.m. tho gathering separated, after what was generally admitted to have been the most successful outing ever held in connection with the school. Great credit is due to all who worked to secure the success of the gathering, and in particular to Mrs. AV. L. Spence and other ladies.