Monmouthshire Merlin

MONMOUTHSHIRE IRON AND COAL MASTERS' PRIZE SCHEME ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OF FRIZES. The distribution of the prizes awarded to the sue cessful competitors at the recent annual examination of the children of the schools in connection with the above- named association, took place at the Town Hall, New- port, on Wednesday last. Nearly 400 children, with their teachers, were in attendance-those from a dis. tance having, as usual, been conveyed over the Mon. mouthshire Railway and Canal Company's lines free of charge. A goodly number of the friends of the association attended to witness the pleasing and interesting cere- mony although many who, since it was first organised, have evinced a warm and practical sympathy with the objects at the accomplishment of which it aims, were from various causes unable to be present. The gradual progress and present position of the association, as set forth at the meeting, and detailed in the subjoined report, cannot but be highly gratifying to the promoters, who, in the measure of success which hall attended their enterprise, will doubtless experience an all1,Je recompense for the labour and cost involved in the organization and furtherance of the scheme. The gathering was under the presidency of Sir Thomas Phillips, the indefatigable secretary of the Association, and seated upon or near the platform were observed— The Rev. Chancellor Morgan and Mrs. Morgan, Macun Rectory; the Ven. Archdeacon Crawley, Mon- oiou h. Rev. E. Hawkins, Mrs. Hawkins, and Miss Hawkins. St. Woollos; Rev. Canon Jones, vicar of L!aco>e: Rev. Edmund Leigh, Tredegar; Rev. W. Powell. L'anhennock; Rev. A. Stammers, Diocessn Ex iiuiui g Master; Mr. W. R. Baxter, Inspector of British Schools; Rev. Mr. Warren, agent of the Na- tional Society; Rev. F. Bedwell; Rev. H. P Edw,tdi, Caerleon; Rev. W. Hughes, Ebbw Vale; Rev, F nuett, Abersychan; Rev. G. Howe (Baptist), Carai!! Mr. Thomas Brown, Ebbw Vale; Mr. T. Cordrs, Newport; Mr. H. M. Kennard Mr. F. Levick Mr. Plum, Blaenavon; Mr. Joseph Latch, Newport; Mr. T. E. Cooke, Mr. W. M. Jack, &c., &c. The Chairman commenced the proceedings by observ- ing that he very much regretted it had fallen to his lot to preside-not that he could be supposed ever to under- value such a compliment; but he very much regretted that the pa-ron of the institution, who had ordinarily presided, was absent from the county, and could not undertake the task which had fallen upon him (the Chairman) to perform. Then it so happened that the president of the association, the Lord Lieutenant, from hi3 state of- health, was unable ever to undertake the presidency of a public meeting, and they could conse- quently never experience the gratification which his presence would impart. But his absence did not mani- fest on his part any lack of interest in the association, for no one could be more consistent in his efforts to further the elementary education of the people of this county than was the Lord Lieutenant. (Cheers.) Then there were other circumstances which deprived them of the presence of other friends. It so happened that the assizes were only just concluded, and some were en- gaged in the discharge of public duties while again it so happened that others were engaged—he would not say in a more pleasurable occupation, for that could ncft be —but they were occupi, d with the pleasing games of archery in the shade of Raglan Castle. These, with other accidental circumstances that did, more or less, arise on every occasion, deprived them of the presence of very valued friends. With that explanation he (the Chairman) would proceed, not to make a speech, for that really was not the object of their assembling to. gether, but rather to enter into such an explanation of the circumstances under which they had met as would enable those present to ascertain what had been done, and whether the work which had been accomplished had realized, or was likely to realize, the hopes of the friends of the association. About a month previously there had attended at Newport 442 children of elementary schools-that was the exact number who then passed the examination it was necessary that children should do when they became candidates for the prize certificates of the association. The result of that examination was conveyed to him in two reports which he would read. The one was from Mr. Stammers, who conducted the examination, and the other from Mr. Baxter, who was unable to be present on the day of examination, but who afterwards had been so good as to give the benefit of his judgment in awarding the prizes to the candidates. The Chairman then read the following documents Blackwood, Newport, Mon., July 16, 1301. DEAlt SIR THOMAS, —In reporting upon the work done this year by the candidates for the prizes distributed by the Monmouthshire Prize Scheme Association, I regret to have to state that, speaking generally, the religious papers are not so good as might have been expected: Th are certainly in advance of last year's papers, but still not equally good with the reat of the work. The secular papers in the junior division are good, in advance (so far as I am able to judge) of the papers of last year, and show that the candidates have been well instructed. The secular papers in the senior division are not pro- portionally good. and I do not think any one of them sufficiently well done to be deserving of a f,3 prize. The papers of the twtfadult candidates do not seem to me to be sufficiently good to justify us in awarding a prize to either candidate. As, however, Mr. Baxter and myself have felt unwilling positively to decide against the papers, we have forwarded them to you for further examination. 4. I am, dear Sir Thomas, Yours faithfully, ALEXANDER STAMMERS. Sir Thomas Phillips." "Bristol, July 26th, 1861. DEAR SIR THOMAS,—Having assisted Mr. Stammers in examining and awarding marks to the papers worked at the recent Prize Scheme Examination for Monmouth- sh ire, I beg to forward a brief report on the results as far I as I am personally concerned with them. The papers which passed through my hands were those embracing grammar, geography, and history; and it also devolved on me to award marks for the penm.n- ship in general. I need hardly say that the papers, in all respects, pre- sented some remakably wide contrasts, both in relation to the mental drill of the workers, and also as to the way in which the information was presented by them. As a whole, I could not resist the conviction that the papers of the junior division were the best worked. Those of the senior candidates were by no means so much su- perior in point of intelligence or accuracy, as might have been expected. The result of this will be, 1 fear, a lower average of marks in this division than could be wished. Of course there were exceptions to this general remark, 1 and very creditable ones, too but I speak of the papers as a whole. The secret of the defect lay in the hasty way in which the questions were answered, by which accu rate knowledge was often intermixed with the most ludi- crous mistakes, such as one moment's reflection on the part of the candidate would have discovered and rectified. This was particularly the case with the questions on grammar, in which the children appear to have been little accustomed even to determine the parts of speech," for instance, in a line of poetry, however ready they may be at this exercise in prose. Of the writing I can only say that though pre aenting great variety of style and other qualities, it was all, with scarcely an exception, legible, whilst much of it was very creditable, and some really excellent. If I may Offer a suggestion of a practical character it shall be-that more attention might advantageously be given by the teachers iu their several schools to the way in which the children arrange or set out" their work on paper. In many cases, from want of this, it was difficult to decipher some of the performances, or to trace the continuance of an operation. The figures were in many cases open to much improvement, both as to site and shape, especially those of the girls. Of the adult papers I think Mr. Stammers and I unanimous in our opinion that, without at all de- preciating what bad been done, they were not of so high a character as to warrant our recommending them for the full prize of jE5 each. Of this, however, I feel some diffi l-nce in speaking, not having had any previous know- ledge of such papers as bad been successful, by which to eBlin,ate the quality of those now in question. I fear 1 must not close without one remark, though not of the most pleasant kind, namely-that in several inotarce,3 the close neighbourhood of some of the children furnished a temptation to copy from each other, which they had not the courage to resist. I am, dear Sir Thomas, Very faithfully yours, W. R. BAXTER. Sir Thomas Phillips." —The Chairman continued Upon the whole he thought the results which be would proceed to communicate, would be considered not unsatisfactory. Of course the reports intimated defects,—that would ever be the case, and although it was not pleasant to notice them, the children should remember it was profitable that it was -much more useful to them to be instrncted in their flefects than praised for their merits. He would not withhold praise where it was due, but he would impress upon them that the most useful friend they could have was he wno honestly spoke to them of their defects. Let them not, then, appreciate at an inferior value the reports of the two examiners, because those gentlemen had indicated that which they thought ought to be cor- rected as well as that which was deserving of praise. The Chairman next remarked that he would give some figures, which would enable them to judge of the actual results obtained more precisely than would any written statement. Altogether there were 444 candidates. Of these two were adults, leaving the 442 children to whom he had referred. A large number were entered on a list which had been sent to him, but accidental circumstances had kept some back. Now what was the result of the examination of those 442 children—273 boys and 169 girls. Of that number prizes or certificates had been awarded to 340, or, taking the average of boys and girls to 75 per cent. of the whole. When he told them that no child bad a money reward whose papers were not es- timated at thirty marks; that there were five subjects of examination in the junior division-reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, and, for the boys, the geography of their own country, in the case of the girls, sewing being substituted for the last-named subject that no one had a reward of 5a. under forty marks, and no reward of the first-class under forty-five-he could not help saying that that was a very satisfactory character of work. In the senior division, the work was not relatively—having regard to the ages-so good. The questions were more difficult, and in awarding the prizes they had gone down to twenty-five marks for certificates. Money awards had been confined to the first-class, and no money re- ward had been adjudged for less than thirty marks. He mentioned these things especially to the teachers, who could best appreciate what they meant, and to whom it must be satisfactory to know thatthe work which had eli- cited that number of marks must be fairly good, taking into account the ages of the children. -Then, with regard to a subject alluded to in the report, and which had been noticed on a former occasion-the re- sult of the religious examination of the chil- dren. On that subject he (the Chairman) could not help thinking the teachers might with profit ask themselves why it was that children who had done secular work well, and with whose religious teach. ing great care was taken-and he knew this to be the case in some instances-why the results in the latter case, as indicated by paper work, should be inferior to those in the former that was, why children who had done secular work well, were not so well taught in re- ligious subjects. He (the Chairman) believed the difference would be found to be more apparent than real. In his (the Chairman's) own school at Courtybella, not one child had taken away a prize in the religious examina- tion, yet on a former occasion a fair proportion of prizes had gone to that school. He had felt anxious respecting that circumstance but upon attending the examination at their own school he had been satisfied that not less care had been taken in the religious than the secular in- struction of the children. They had not failed to answer with intelligence a single question put to them upon subjects as like as possible to those upon which questions put to them on paper related. He believed the difference arose to a not inconsiderable extent from the difficulty children experienced in expressing their own thoughts upon paper. After some further remarks, the Chairman read a letter he had received from a Mr. Evans upon the subject, complaining somewhat of the manner in which Mr. Stammers had conducted his examination, and to which he (the Chairman) said he would have replied had he been able to ascertain the writer's address. He then proceeded to observe, that of course it was no object of the association to enter into a controversy as to the best system of teaching. The promoters of the association did not attempt to teach either by committing to memory or otherwise. They simply tested the know- ledge of the children in certain subjects by written questions. He (the Chairman) could not tell how many teachers considered it best to teach by committing to memory, nor was it important to inquire. He did not disparage either the cultivation of the memory or of the reasoning faculties. The association patronized no sys- tem of teaching whatever. All they did was to test the power of the children to answer certain questions put to them on paper, which was obviously the only method they could employ. Although he (the Chairman) be- lieved committing to memory was of the greatest advan- tage yet when they sat down to write they would find committing to memory was of no use. With paper work a child would be found to do best whose reasoning faculties had been employed coincident with the cultivation of the memory. They must teach the child to think. (Hear, hear.) Having dwelt more fully upon this point, the Chairman briefly reviewed the progress of the Associa- tion. This was the fifth examination. In other words the Association had existed for six years. In that time they were entitled to ask whether actual fruit—positive results of a beneficial character had been produced by their labours and liberal contributiona-for the Associa- tion had been most liberally supported. Take their nu- merical progress, and that, at all events, would seem to be encouraging. In 1857, they had 214 candidates in 1858, 229; in 1859, 276; in 1860, 394; and in the present year, 444—(Cheers)—or more than double the number in 1857. That, he considered, was satisfactory. But what was the proportion of successful candidates ? In 1857, fifty-five per cent. of the candidates were suc- cessful in 1858, sixty-nine per cent.; in 1859, seventy- one per cent. and in the present year, seventy-six per cent. And this increased per centage had been attained notwithstanding the test had been raised. It therefore seemed they bad in a measure attained the object in view —that they were making satisfactory progress. In the course of his very able speech, the Chairman alluded to the reports drawn up by the Commission which have sat for several years to inquire intn the 4ainta of elementary education in the kingdom. From the report of the Com- missioners as to prize schemes, which he remarked was generally not favourable to them, the Chair- man read several extracts and commented thereon, combatting some of the opinions therein expressed. To say that the pecuniary prize schemes were wrong in principle and acted as bribes to parents to send their children to school, and admit that certificates were highly desirable, he (the Chairman) thought was splitting motives rather finely. What was it the Universities and Colleges offered to children of the higher and middle classes ? What were the exhibitions ? What were the scholarships ? Bribes r What were the advantages which the piety and liberality of other ages had sent down to them ? Most undoubtedly they wtre motives-motives of an elevating and not of a degrading character. Bribes was the wrong name. And so with prize schemes they supplied motives—temptations if they pleased to call them so and it was thought the class of motives they offered, would influence-would raise above the class of temptations to which they too frequently succumbed, the working classes of the country. Having noticed other points raised in the report adverted to, the Chairman observed that it was the duty and object of the Association to enable the children brought under its influence to acquit them- selves well in the station of life in which God had placed them. The Association did not undervalue the ability to rise but it must be remembered that if a boy's industry and resolution of character resulted in altering his condition in life, such improved position rested with the lad himself-with his future conduct after ceasing to attend school. Amid considerable ap- plause, the Chairman concluded by calling upon Mr. Thomas Brown to move the first resolution, which was as follows:- That the best thanks of the Association are due, and are hereby given to the Rev. Alexander Wilsou, by whom the examination papers were framed, and also to the Rev. Alexander Stammers, and Mr. Baxter, who classified the answers and fixed the marks which have been awarded to the candidates, 444 in number, from 29 schools connected wi.h the mining districts of the County and the Asso- :iation desires also to acknowledge the valuable labours of Mr. Stammers, in conducting the examination." —Mr. Brown observed that he felt great gratification that he was able to be present on the occasion. He had for many years taken a deep interest in the schools; and he had done so under a sense of duty, feeling responsible for the conduct and well-being of a large population gathered together in the employment of an extensive capital. He bad taken up the question in connection with which they were met from a sense of duty but independently of that, he had a strong inclination to do so. He looked back to the day when he was in the position of the working classes whom he now employed; and emanating from that class, and remembering the ad- vantages he had derived from education—although the opportunities afforded him were but limited, as com- pared with those of the present day-he felt it his duty to give the children of the men he employed every opportunity of elevating themselves. He felt rewarded by the progress the schools bad made, and looked upon the reports as gratifying indeed. He could not add anything to that; but impress upon them all to do their duty. The effects of a want of education had on the hills been to him painfully manifest; but he hoped he should live to see the fruits of education. There was a large margin for improvement, and he was looking for- ward with great hope for his reward in the future con. duct of the children around him. He hoped the boys and girls present would not lose the opportunity now given them; but that they would endeavour to raise themselves in the opinion of those whose good feeling it would be to their interest to cultivate. The speaker having expressed in strongest terms his warm approval of prize schemes, which he conceived supplied the chil- dren with incentives to regular attendance at school, and diligent application to their studies, concluded by moving with very great pleasure the resolution. The Rev. Canon Jones seconded the resolution. In the course of his remarks the Rev. Speaker expressed his gratification at the result of the examination, and his coneurrence in the views enunciated by the chairman, as to the good effects of the association in affording a stimulus to the children to perseverance and diligence. No harm could result from the scheme, while much good would probably be produced from the parents being induced to send their children regularly to school. The Rev. Gentleman then addressed the children, inculcating upon thorn the importance of forming sound habits in their youth. Unless they laid a good foundation now, it was improbable they would succeed in after life. In his further observations, the Rev. Gentleman enforced the necessity of imparting to the young a thorough religious instruction, his remarks eliciting much applause. The Rev. Alexander Stammers, in acknowledging the compliment paid the examiners, detailed at considerable length his mode of examination, with the view of show- ing how utterly groundless were the complaints contained in the letter read by the Chairman. He then proceeded to remak, that although he had thought proper to state in his report that the scripture papers were not so good I as he thought they ought to be, yet having had an oppor- I tunity of comparing them with tho3e of the past year, he must declare, that while coming short of ?? 4gaired standard, they stilly evinced an improvement over those of any former year. The remarks of Mr. Stammers upon the result, and the causes of the result, of the re- ligious examination, entirely accorded with those of the Chairman. Mr. Stammers concluded by observing that he should at all times be ready to perform the duty of examining and adjudicating upon the papers, and that he should be equally ready to hand over the duty to others who might discharge it, he would not say with more fairness-that he would never admit-but with more satisfaction. (Applause.) Mr. W. R. Baxter followed. In the course of a somewhat lengthy address, he observed with respect to the influence of the scheme, that it was a common in- firmity of humanity when a good thing was found out to expect all manner of results from it-possible and im- possible. And unless all that was anticipated was realized the thing was put down as a failure. The prize scheme, however, was not a failure. But, continued the speaker, it might be said, il You expected a great ex- tension of the time during which children sould be sent to school and you expected that the children's attend. ance would be more regular." So they did; and his (Mr. Baxter's) impression was that if they had ap- proached anything like these results their scheme could not be pronounced a failure. Now, in illustration of the statement that their scheme had proved a failure, some managers and teachers of schools had said that ten, or perhaps twenty, of their boys had left school as soon as the examination had taken place. That might be so; but was it not equally the fact (asked Mr. Baxter) that many bad remained at school, six, nine, or twelve months longer than they otherwise would have done, for the purpose of obtaining a prize ? Children had con- tinued at school from a hope of securing a prize. So that partially, at least, the object of the association had been gained. Mr. Baxter, towards the close of his address, referred to the subject of religious examination. He was somewhat suspicious whether the failure upon religious subjects had not been the result of over anxiety on the part of the teachers with respect to that question. The association attached much importance to religious knowledge. So did the teachers and they were particularly anxious, in whatever else they failed, they should be successful in that. Hence, he (Mr. Baxter) was afraid the teachers took needless pains, and perhaps did not adopt the wisest plans, to secure that object. He believed, as one who had had much to do with the internal economy of schools, that if the teachers gave their children a particular subject or portion of Scripture to read up, with a view to interrogation the next day, a vigorous interrogation would supersede any other mode of religious instruction. The Rev. Mr. Warren acknowledged the compliment piid to the Rev. Mr. Wilson, in that gentleman's absence, in a few brief and apposite remarks. The Rev. Edward Hawkins moved That the progres3ive increase in the number of chil- dren who have compete 1 for the prizes offered by the As- sociation, and the intelligent acquaintance with the sub- ject of examination which is manifested by the candidates, afford satisfactory proof that school instruction of a suit- able character, is now brought within the reach of the. children of the working population in the towns and mining portions of the county." —The truth of this resolution, sail the Rev. Speaker, had been fully demonstrated by the facts the Chairman had adduced. He quite agreed with Mr. Baxter, for whose practical knowledge he entertained great respect, that the partial failure of the senior division was not a subject for condolence but that the advancement of the junior division was matter of great congratulation, as indicating an improvement in the lower grades of the schools. That 340 children had been successful in ob- taining prizes, be considered to be a most encouraging circumstance. The day had passed when objections were raised to education but there were still lingering argu- ments against prize schemes. One argument urged, and perhaps with some degree of truth, was that they tended unduly to elevate children-to induce a feeling of pride. That might be so in some cases, but he trusted it was so in but few. But, surely, after the advantages which it was apparent resulted from them-and as they could expect nothing perfect in this world—they could not think that an argument why the association was to be given up. (Applause.) Having alluded to the other objections to prize schemes, the Rev. Speaker concluded by moving the resolution. The Rev. Edmund Leigh (Tredegar), after a few in. troductory remarks, in which he paid a high compliment to the Chairman, observed that with regard to the standing of the association in the estimation of the people at large, he could tell them, from his own ex- perience, it stood exceedingly well. With reference to the feelings of the parents of the children who had received prizes from the association, he did not think any scheme could have been set afoot which would have enabled them to appreciate more keenly the efforts which were being put lortn ior tue ~e Occasionally, when visiting the houses of his people, he saw on the table several books, with the name of their Reverend Diocesan inscribed therein, or, placed against the walls, certificates neatly framed, and when he inquired how they came there, he was told by the parents, it was owing to their children being successful at the examination at Newport, and the parents in- variably expressed themselves pleased that their children had had the opportunity of publicly distinguishing themselves. He had no fear of pride he rather wished to see a degree of pride-not vanity—but proper pride, that was, self-respect, which should be instilled into the mind of every child. He had much pleasure in second- ing the resolution, and, in doing so, he must say, that although this was the first occasion on which he had been present during the distribution of prizoes. he trusted it would not be the last. (Applause.) Mr. W. M. Jack offered a few remarks in support of the resolution. He thought it important that a higher standard of religious instruction should be obtained, and that the defects which had characterised the reeent exa- mination upon religious subjects was owing to the cir- cumstance of teachers relying too much upon Sabbath school efforts. The existence of Sabbath schools ought not in the case of any teacher to detraot from the feeling that it was his duty to impart religious as well as secular instruction. tIIear, hear.) Mr. F. Levick and Mr. Plum respectively moved and seconded the following resolution :— That the thanks of the Association are- especially dua to the Monmouthshire Railway and Canal Company, fox the liberality with which, on the present as on former occasions, they have granted free passes to and from New- port, first for the candidates, and next for the prize chil- dren, as well as for the teachers of the schools*" The Rev. Augustus Morgan moved— "That this meeting acknowledges the- liberality with which funds for the rewards offered by the Association, have beea provided by the employers. of labour in. the mining districts of the eounty." —-Having lived for many years in the midst of a large mineral district, the Rev. Gentleman observed (as nearly as we eould understand, but from the low tone in which he spoke, and the buzz in the room we were unable closely to follow his remarks), he was enabled to sp^ak in some measure of the good results, arising from education generally. He had no disposition to pronounce a eulogy upon Sir Thomas F-hillips-that gentleman was too well known to require it, and probably exery child ia the room could say more in his favour than he could venture to do bttt he thought that he might be allowed to state, from his knowledge of the district in which Court-y -bella School was situate, and having known that district before a stone of the school was laid-and he thought many would join with him in the aaiirti on- that the inhabitants of that district for its establishment owed a debt of gratitude to Sir Thomas Phillips Which they would never be able to repay. (Cheers.) 'I hey all knew the force of example and the example of their Chairman had been followed by a vast number not only of the proprietors of minerals, but of the lessees, and -although he would not ascribe it altogether to the force of example, but to a conscientious sense of duty- they, too, had erected schools, equal in extent, probably larger,-but not better conducted, that was impossible but schools which, for architectural beauty, and for in- ternal economy, might be considered, not the pride of the diocese, but the pride of the kingdom. And when he witnessed the number of children present on that occa- sion, and viewed the association as the crowning feature of what his good friend (Sir Thomas Phillips) had set afoot, he really could not help expressing his feelings. (Applause.) The Ven. Archdeacon Crawley seconded the r esolu- tion. Were it not that he might be accused of gratitude for favours to come, probably he should be induced to speak more freely upon the resolution than he pur- posed doing. He had before him a paper which indi- cated the class of persons whose children attended the schools connected with the Association. Of those who had attended for examination in 1860, 289 were children of labouring men, 49 of tradesmen and small farmers, and 63 of teachers, clerks, and contractors, showing that a large proportion weie children of labour- ing men. They could not, then, but hail the movement with great satisfaction, as evincing the warm interest taken by employers of labour in their dependents. He did not put on that word any ill construction; but la- bouring men were dependent upon their employers employers were dependent upon their labourers. Every man was dependent upon his fellow man. And he could not but think that the generosity with which the employers had come forward to assist in the education of the children of their workmen, would awaken in the workmen feelings of respect towards the employers, and would have a beneficial effect upon both parties. (Applause.) The Chairman thon addreased a few words to the teachers and scholars, making allusion to the papers sent in by the adult candidates. Mr. Stammers and Mr. Baxter not having considered them worthy of a prize, but having expressed a wish that they should be re- examined, they had been forwarded to Mr. Wilson, who had fully agteed in the opinion of the first-named gen- tlemen. lie (the Chairman) had also examined ttum 4 he fully coiaoided in ttat decision. The prizes and certificates of merit were then dis- tiibuted under the superintendence of the Chairman, and the interesting proceedings were closed by vote3 of thanks to the Chairman, and to the Mayor for the use of the hall. LIST OF PRIZES. BOYS-SENIOR DIVISION. [Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Geography, Grammar, and English History.] SECOND CLASS.—Edwin Hoskins, Blaina, certificate; Evan Pritchard, Sirhowy, £1 William Donovan, Blaina, ;Cl John Williams, Rhymney (British), certificate; John Smith, Blaina, certificate. THIRD CLASS. Robert Blaize, Blaina, certificate; William David Lewis, Rhymney (British), certificate; Samuel Powell, Blaina, certificate; Benjamin Watkins, Blaina, certificate; William James, Ebbw Vale, certificate; Methnsalem Lewis, Ebbw Vale, certificate; Thomas E. Evans, Blainai certificate; Thomas Evans, Rhymney (British), certificate. BOYS-SENIOR DIVISION. [The knowledge of religious subjects, as well as in reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, grammar, and English history.] FIRST CLASS.—William James, Sirhowy, E2 and book. SECOND CL.Lgs.-Alfred Rosser, Abergavenny, certifi- cate and book Edwin Spencer, Sirhowy, certificate and book; Loftus Monro, Courtybella, certificate and book; George Jackson, Abergavenny, certificate and book; James Powell, (No. 1), Abergavenny, certificate and book. THIRD CLASS -Caleb Briton, Abergavenny, certificate and book; William Tanner, Newport (National), certifi- cate and book Thomas Williams, Abergavenny, certificate and book; William Lewis, Abergavenny, certificate and book. BOYS-JUNIOR DIVISION. [Reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, andgeography.l FIBST CLASS.—Adam Frost, Newport (British), £ 1 William Rees, 21. SECOND CLASS.—Jacob Snook, Abergavenny, 10s; Henry Harper, Abersychan, 10s James Bevan Williams, Blaina, 10s; Thomas Lees, Blaina, 10s; Gomer Jen. kins, Ebbw Vale, 10s James W. Wall. Ebbw Vale, 10s; John Lee, Ebbw Vale, 10s; Owen Davies, Ebbw Vale, 10s Benjamin Lewis, Ebbw Vale, 10s; Frederick Roberts, Newport (British,) 10s John Summers, New- port (British), 10s; Alfred Bishop, Newport (British), certificate; John Nathan, Newport (National). 10s; Thomas Jones, Pontnewynydd, 10s; William J. Butler, Pontymoile, ]Os; Francis Rosser, Risca, certificate; Edwin Messiter, Risca, 10s William Hiley, Risca, 10s. THIRD CLASS -Josebh Harris, Abersychan, 5s Wil- liam Pratt, Abersychan, 5s; Thomas Henshaw, Abersy- chan, 5s; John Thomas, Abertillery (British), 5s; Elias Phillips, Abertillery (British), 5s; Benjamin Howells, Abertillery (British), 5s; James Scott, Abertillery (Na- tional). 5s Frederick Woodcock, Abertillery (National.), 59; William Thomas, jun., Abertillery (National), 5s; Walter Lewis, Abertillery (National), 5s; William Adams, Abertillery (National). 5s John James, Blaina, 5.s; James Lees, Blaina, 5a; Job Caddick, Blaina, cer- tificate Jeremiah Thomas, Blaina, 5s Thomas Jones, Blaina, certificate Thomas Bennett, Blaina, 5a; Richard Fieldhouse, Blaina, 5s; Moses Moses, Courtybella, 5s John Jones, Courtybella, certificate; William Davies, Courtybella, 5s; Thomas Jones, Courtybella. 5s Henry Rowland, Courtybella, 5s; George Cole, Crumlin, 5s William Foley, Crumlin, 5s; Edmund Jones, Crumlin, 5s; Richard Pugh, Crumlin, 5s; John Jones, Crumlin, 5i; Joseph S. Orchard, Ebbw Vale, 5s David Lewis, Ebbw Vale, 5a; Ephraim Williams, Ebbw Vale, 5 James Caddick, Ebbw Vale, certificate Herbert Rees, Ebbw Vale, 5a; John Williams, Ebbw Vale, 5s Thomas W. Lloyd, Ebbw Vale, certificate Edmund Thomas, Gelligaer, 58; John Anstee, Newport (British), certifi. cate; Charles Powell, Newport (British), certificate; William Hunter, Newport (British), 5s; Thomas Burch, Newport (British), 5s; Frederick Davies, Newport {British) 5s; John Fowler, Newport (British), 5s Edwin Barber, Newport (British), 5s; Sydney Wills, Newport (British), 5s; Alfred Gwatkin, Newport (British), 5s James Miles, Newport (British), 5s; Henry Llewellyn, Newport (British), 5s James Edmunds, Newport (Bri. tish), 5s; Joseph Finch, Newport (British), 5s Thomas Robert Maclean, Newport (British), 5s; James Avery, Newport (British), 5s; William Evans, Newport, (Na- tional), certificate; Thomas Ball, Newport (National), 5s; Howell Davies, Newport (National), 5s; James Clark, Newport (National) 5s; Charles Davies, Pont- newynydd, 5s William Williams, Pontnewynydd, 5s William Buckley, Pontnewynydd, 5s; James Oram, Pont- newynndd, 5s William Gulifer, Pontygof, certificate, William Evans, Pontymoile, 5s David Morris, Ponty- moile, 5s; George Henry Jones, Pontymoile, 5s; James Parry, Pontymoile, 5s; George Edmund Cass, Pontypool, 5s.; William Dovey, Pontypool, 59; Christopher J. Lewis, Rhymney (British), 5%; Benjamin Davies, Rhym- ney (British), 5s; Evan Jones, Rhymney (British), 5s George Speare, Rbymney (National), 5s; Thomas Ed- munds, Risca, certificate; William Morgan, Risca, cer- tificate Alfred Morgan, Risca, 58 David J. Nurse, Risca, 5s; John Vaoghan, Sirhowy, 5s j John Fox, Sirhowy, 5s; Alfred Davies (2), Sirhowy, 5s;. Henry Jenkins, Sirhowy, 5s; Ryce WilliamSp Sirhowy, 5s; Willam Heal, Victoria, 5& William Evans, Victoria, 5s; James Harris, Victoria, 5s; William Shipton, Tredegar, cer- ti-ficate David Rees, Tredegar, certificate; John Evans, TKn»K«, l.iflcftta _• John Richards, Tredegar, certificate'; George J>ones, Tre- degar, 5s Mordecai Jones, Tredogar, 5s Charles- Peaty, Tredegar, 5s; Bvan Williams, Tredegar,. 5sThomas Jones, Tredegarr 5a. BOTS—junior DrviaroN. fin the knowledge of religious subjects as well as in read- ing, writing spelling, arithmetic, and geography.], FIRST CLASS—Alfred Basham, Llanarth, LI, and book George Jones, Llanarth, zCl, and book ;.and George Davis, Llanarth, zCl, and book. SECOND CLAS& -Lewis Price, Abergavenny, certificate and book Henry Taylor, Abergavenny, certificate and book Frederick Burnell, Abergavenny, certificate and j book James Pbwell (2), Abergavenny, certificate and book; Henry Evans, Abergavenny, 1m.. and book Edwin Williams,. Abergavenny, certificate and, book Cor- I nelius Havard, Abergavenny, certificate and book;. John Wilson, Abergavenny, 10s. and book; Jbhn Bowent A.bergavenny, 10s. and book Thomas Davis, Aberga- venay, 10s. and book William Eames, Aberga..enny,. U)s> and book. William Jones, Abergavenny, 10s and book John.Harrington. Abersychan, 10'. and book;, 1 Thomas Richasda, Abersychan, 10s. and book John Williams Lloyd,. Ebbw Vale, 10s and book; Lewis Jones, Ebbw Vale, 10& and book Elier Jenkins, Gelligaer, 10% and book William Turner,.Gelligaer, 10s and book Esau Davies, Gelligaer, 10s and book; Michael Moxham, Llanarth, 10s. and book;. Edward Davies, Newport (National), 10s, and book Edward Shepherd, Pontypool, 10s and book £ Walter f £ fiord, Rhymney (National),- 10s. and book; William H. Davies, Sirhowy, 10s. and book; George Henry, Sirhowy, Ids and book; Joseph Orchard, Sirhowy, certificate and book John Shillips, Sirhowy, 10s and book. THIRD CLAs,David Wimtkins, Awrgavenny. 51 and book William Duck, Abergavenny, and book John Leonard, Abergavenny,. 5s and book; Abraham Jones, Abersychan,. 5s and book. William Foley, CrumliD, cer- tificate and book James Hardman, Crumlin, certificate and book; William Moses, Ebbw Vale, 5s and book Josiah Jenkins, Gelligaer, certificate and book Noah Thomas, Gelligaer, certificate and book; Lewis Jones, Gelligaer, 5s and book;. William Pullin, Newport (National)^ certificate and book. Ernest Reed, Newport (National), certificate and book William Davias, New- port (National), 58 and book; Obed -Hodder. Pont. newynydd, 58 and boak John Evans, Pontygof, certifi- cate and book; Walter Williams, Pontypool-, 5a and book Robert Lloyd, Pontypool, 5's. and book; John Holloway, Pontypool-, 58;. George Roberts, Rhymney Na- tional's, and book David Williams, Rhymney, cer- tificate and bookJohn. Minton, Rhymney, 5s. and book. Rees Beynon, Rhymney-, certificate and book Thomas Williams, Rhymney,, 5s. and book Richard Wallfeer, Rhymney, 5a and book; David Harris, Rhym- ney, 5s and book;, Job Jones, Sirhowy, certificate and, book Edward Lewis, Sirho-wy, certificate and book Alfred Davies (1), Sirhowy, 5s and book; John Bevan, Sirhowy, certificate and book; Cornelius Crawley, Sirhowy, certificate and book; Walter Pritchard, Sirhowy, ;5s. and book James H. Green, Sirhowy, Ds. and book Alfred Jonea, Sirhowy, 5s and book; John Williams, Tredegar, certificate and book; William Mor. gan, Tredegar, 5s. and book Ebenezer Davies, Tre- degar, certificate and book. GIRLS -SENIOR DIVI3IOK. [Reading, writing, and arithmetic, as well as in needle- work, and in the knowledge of domestic economy ] FIRST CLAss.-Margaret Smith, Pontygof, j: Mary Evans, Blaina, certificate. SECOND CLAas. -Jane Powell, Rhymney (British), Y.1 Mary Davies, Abertillery, (British), £:1. THIRD CLA.SQ.-J ane Gough, Blaina, certificate Mary Ann Watkins, Blaina, certificate; Ellen Richards, Ponty- pool, certificate; Ann Price, Ebbw Vale, certificate; Margaret Jones, Sirhowy, certificate. GIRLS—SENIOR DIVISION. [The knowledge of religious subjects and domestic economy, as well as in reading, writing, arithmetic, needlework, and knitting.] SECOND CLASS.—Maria Price, Courtybella, certificate and book; Jessie Thomas, Sirhowy, certificate and book. THIRD CLASS.—Edith Haskins, Pontypool, certificate and book; Fanny Lloyd, Pontypool, certificate and book. Religious only—Margaret Compton, Newport, certificate and book. QIRLS —JUNIOR DIVISION. [Reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic, as well as needle work and knitting.] FIRST CLASS—None. SECOND CLASS Mary Ann Daniel, Abertillery (British), 10s Dorothy Harris, Abertillery (British) 10s Elizabeth Jenkins, Abertillery, certificate; Mary Job, Blaina, certificate; Pheebe Price, Courtybella, 10s; Jemima Meredith, Courtybella, 10s; Elizabeth Jen- kins, Pontygof, certificate; Mary Ann Pugh, Pontygof, 10s. Mary Powell, Rhymney (British), certifi- cate Mary A. Jones, Rhymney (British), 10s Jane Jenkins, Sirbowy, loo Ann Ormond, Vic- toria, 10s; Miriam Thomas, Gelligaer. 5s.; Margaret Treasure, Gelligaer, 5s; Mary Harris, (1) Gelligaer, 5s; Mary Ann Treasure, Gelligaer, 5s Eliza Prosser, New- port (Branch), 68.; Sarah Ann Orders, Newport, 5a Mary Jane Greenland, Newport, 5s; Mary E. Coxon, Newport, 5s.; Sarah Henslie, Newport (National), 5s; Clara Birt, Newport (National), ÔiJ; Maria Morgan, New- port (National), 63 Esther Hayes, Newport (National), 5a; Martha Phillips, Pontygof, certificate Martha Flet- cher, Pontygof, certificate; Caroline E. Jones, Pontygof, certificate; Hannah R. Jones, Pontygof, certificate; Margaret Williams, Pontygof, 5s; Hannah Williams, Pontygof, fisj Jane Evans, Pontygof, 5s; Mary A. Hill- man, Pontygof, 5a Henrietta Grattan, Pontypool, 58 Jane Gould, Pontypool, certificate; Emily E. Jones, rocktYP004 gooi4qqt4i J ano Carter, tftatypool, of, lano Hughes, Pontypool, 5g; Joanna Davies, PontypooI, 53; Margaret Phillip*, Rhymney (British), 5i Jane Davies, Rhymney (British) 5s Mary Roberts, Rhymney (British), 5s Ann Howells, Rhymney, 5s; Jane Wil- lliams, Rhymney, 5s; Anu Ree3, Rhymney, 5s; Cathe- rine Havard; Rhymney, 5s; Rachel Davies, Rhymney, 5s Catherine Kelly, Rhymney (National), certificate Margaret Williams, Rhymney, certificate Mary Williams, Rhymney (2), 5s. THIRD CLASS. Louisa Hodges, Abersychan, 5s Emily Tucker, Abersychan, 5s; M. J. Whitehouse, Abersychan, 5s; Hannah Jenkins, Abertillery (British), 5s; Sarah Morgan, Abertillery (British), 5s; Mary Ann Jones, Abertillery (National), 5s; Jane Job, Blaina, certificate; Martha Edmunds, Blaina, 5s Louisa Evans, Blaina, 5s; Catherine Lloyd, Blaina, 5s; Charlotte Church, Blaina, 5s; Martha Stephens, Blaina, 53 Eliza- beth Griffiths (1), Blaina, 5s; Elizabeth Griffiths (2), Blaina, 5s; Emma Smith, Blaina, 5s; Maria J. Evans, Blaina, 5s; Sarah A. Williams. Blaina, 5s; Sinoe Chinnock, Blaina, 5s; Martha Marriott, Blaina, 5s; Mary Harris, Blaina, 5s; Ruth Edmunds, Blaina, 5a; Elizabeth Waters, Blaina, 5s Jane Davis, Blaina, 5s; Jane Holley, Blaina, 5s Louisa Price, Courtybella, 5s Elizabeth Morgan, Courtybella, 5s; Mary Walters, Court- ybella, 5s Ann Jones, Courtybella, 5s; Margaret Jones, Courtybella, 5s Ann Rees. Courtybella, 5s Elizabeth Watkins, Courtybella, 5s; Rachel Rees, Courtybella, 5s; Eleanor Morgan, Ebbw Vale, 5s Martha Lloyd, 5s S. A. Owens, 5s; Eleanor Meredith, Rhymney (National), certificate; Mary A. Davies, Rhymney (National), 5s; Ann Davies, Rhymney (National). 5s; Mary A. Lewis, Sirhowy, 58 jjoan Owens, Sirhowy, 5s; Margaret French, Tredegar, 5s; Harriet Salt, Tredegar, 5s Annie Davies, Victoria, 5s Fannv Harrison, Victoria, 5s; Emma Harrison, Victoria, 5s; Mary Harris, Victoria, 5s. GIRLS-JUNIOR DIVISION. [The knowledge of religious subjects, as well as in reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic, needlework and knitting.] FIRST CLASS. -Hannah Davies, Sirhowy, 21 and book. SECOND CLASS.—Elizabeth Whitby, Blaina, 10s and book; Elizabeth Parfit, Ebbw Vale, 10s and book; Elizabeth Bevan, Ebbw Vale, 10s and book; Annie Richards, Ebbw Vale, 10s and book; Mary Ann Price, Sirhowy, 10s and book. THIRD CLASS-Ann Hoskins, Blaina, certificate and bool?• Catherine Davies, Ebbw Vale, 5a and book; Jane Lloyd, Ebbw Yale, 5s and book Ann Rees, Ebbw Vale, 5s and book; Sarah Williams, Ebbw Vale, certificate and book; Mary Williams, Ebbw Vale, Ói and book; Ann Evans, Ebbw Vale, 5s and book; Margaret Jones, Ebbw Vale, 53 and book Gwenllian Smith, Gellygaer, certificate and book Sarah Ann Daw, Newport (National), 5s and book; Selina Ellis, Newport, (National), certificate and book; Mary Ann Beer, Newport (National), 5s and book; Emma Griffiths, Newport (National), certificate and book Elizabeth George, Pontypool, (Town), certificate and book Kate Wagman, Pontypool (Town), certificate and book Ann Eliza James, Rhymney (Nationalt, certificate and book; Sarah R. Davies, Rhymney (National), 5a and book; Mary A. Jones, certificate and book Louisa Aubrey, Sirhowy, õs and book Sarah A. Fox, Sirhowy, 5s and book; Margaret Roberts, Sirbowy, 5s and book. [We understand that the comparatively small number of prizes awarded to the scholars of the Newport Natioual School is attributable to the fact that several of the best scholars having during the past year re- ceived a trifling remuneration for their services as monitors, were on that account precluded from com- peting.]