The Barmouth and County Advertiser and District Weekly News

BARMOUTH COUNTY SCHOOL PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. The annual prise distribution in con- nection with the Barmouth County, School was held on Tuesday afternoon at the Pavilion, Barmouth. The chair was taken by the Rev. It. Lloyd Roberts, M A., R.D. (chairman of the Governors) and was supported on I the platform by Principal Sir Harry Reichel, LI.D Miss Griffith, Arianfryn, Mr E. D. Jones, M.A. (headmaster), Rev. Z. Mather, Mr Lewis Jones, Mrs Gwynoro Davies, Mrs O. W. Morris, Rev. E. Jones-Edwards. The Chairman stated that letters re- gretting inability to be present had been sent by the Rev. Gwynoro Davies, Alderman T, Martin Williams, J.P., Councillor John Roberts, Mr R. Jones- Morris, J.P., and Mr J. J. Thomas. .I The meeting was opened with the singing of the Welsh National Anthem by the school pupiiSi CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS. The Chairman (the Rev, R. Lloyd Roberts, M.A.), in the course of his opening remarks, said that the last school year bad been a critical one in the history of the school. Things looked very black last summer and autumn. Two members of the staff- left-one to join the Army and the other to a munition factory, and it seemed, at first, that the work of the school would materially suffer. But the Governors were very fortunate in securing tho ser- vices of two mistresses to do the work of the men who left. Parents could rest assured that everything humanly possible was being done to secure efficient education to the children. He would like to add that the staff had worked splendidly and loyally through- j úutthe year. Some Oti them had to teach subjects, lwl-iieh wl-re more or less new to them, but they had faced the .difficulties bravely in order to cope with the situation. HEADMASTER'S REPORT. The Headmaster (Mr E. D. Jones, M.A.) submitted his anoual report as follows In my last annual report I stated that in spite of the war the num- ber of pupils had not fallen off. I am I pleased to be able to say that the School year covered by this repoÝtJ shows even an increase. While the average number, on the registers for the rjvvioos 'year was 97, last year ib was lf)J. Of tihëse BarmouUJ supplied 31, 18, Pen- rbyn.lcudraeth 18, Arjhrg L2. Dyff<-yn 9, Llanbedr, 9 Llanfair, 7 Talsarnan, 2 Boatcdu, 2; and Fairbourne, 2. In the course of tbt3 year aril a-ii; close J'o pupílB loft. Of th: v? i C p ,to 11'C"1''¡f!.1 Colieg- 2 obtained .uncertifi- c??'d teachers in elementary schools, 2 5 took upl farming, and 1 took up engineering. Like most schools our staff has I been considerably affected by the war. Mr Beddows, our Mathematics Master, obtained a commission last July, and the Governors released him from his duties far the duration of the war, but we hope to welcome him back safe and sound when the war is over. Early in the following term, Mr W. B. Williams, the Science Master, was appointed to a permanent post as a chemist at Nobell's Explosive Works. The place of Mr Beddows has been filled up by Miss Roberts, an old pupil, who readily volunteered to give what help she could to her old school. Mr Williams' post has been temporarily filled by the appointment of Miss Holmes of Aber- ystwytb University College. In view of the great difficulties experienced by some schools in filling up vacant posts, we should consider our 'school very fortunate in securing the services of two earnest and capable teachers. I should also like to express our indebt- ness to Mr Mather for his kindness in undertaking to give instructions in Woodwork to one of the classes. I need scarcely say that we are doing our utmost to maintain and even to raise the efficiency of the school during this time of crisis. Bat while we realise that it is more important than ever that the instruction which the pupils raceive should be as efficient for their future oareers, we did not forget the supreme importance of their learning the right moral lessons of trial and suffering we are passing through. It rests with the parents and the teachers-working in close co-operation—to see that the war reaots beneficially on the characters of the pupils. It was with the object of fostering the right spirit in this direc- tion that a Boy Scout Company was formed in school under the leadership of Mr Lloyd. Seventeen boys have already joined and all have passed their first examination. Several friends of the School have taken a keen interest in the movement and subscribed in aid of its funds. In spite of the distractions of the time, the pupils did very good work during the year, and the examination results have been very encouraging. More pupils entered for the Junior Certificate last year than has has been generally the case. This was probably due to the fact that parents thought that owing to the unsettled state of the country the possession of this certificate might be of use in ease the school career of their son or daughter might be suddenly cut short. But while rejoicing in the academical successes of old pupils wc, do not forget the Old Boys who are distinguishing themselves in the service of their country. There are now considerably over 80 Old Boys with the forces. They offered their services in various parts of the British Empire—some in Australia, others in Canada, and others in South Africa. A largo number of them have been promoted since they joined-the best possible proof that they are acquitting themselves nob!y. Several of them have been wounded,, and one are missing. The many letters I have received from them show that they remember their old school evert in the j stress, of war.. •. I It is my sad. dutv a u to record the loss of two Governors. Mrs D. C. j Edwards was for years a most faithful and energetic Governor whose I interest in the school never flagged. Mr John Morgan also was a Governor for a large number of years and was ever ready to do his utmost to promote the welfare of the school, and he gave evidence of his sincere belief in educa- tion by making a bequest of £100 to provide scholarships for deserving boys and girls to Barmoutb. In the course of the year we received several gifts for the school which I gratefully acknowledge. A framed portrait of Robert Owen, the poet, was presented by his nieces. Books for the school library were given by Mrs Lister and Rev. T. Lloyd Jones. I I also wish to thank all the friends who so kindly gave prizes this year-at a time when there are so many calls for subscriptions. And in conclusion I desire to thank my Governors for their ungrudging help, and my colleagues in the staff for their loyal co-operation in all matters pertain- ing to the welfare of the school. Chorus by the pupils, under the leadership of Miss Mary Davies, B.A. ) SIR HARRY REICHEVS ADDRESS. j In the course of an excellent address, Principal Sir Harry Reichel, LI.D.,said "We have reached a critical point I in the development of our education I system. Ever since I crime to Wales 34 years, education has been, one might almost say, the prime object of Welsh enthusiasm, and that enthusiasm has been a great asset. Schools have been working for 20 years, and our colleges for twice as long. We must not be surprised if the voioe of the pessimist is beard in the land, and it we are told that our schools and colleges are in a perilous state. A Royal Commission will shortly be sitting to review the machinery and work of the University and its colleges, and after the war the schools in their turn will be subjected lo a similar enquiry. But thero is another consideration which lends special importance to ihe question bow we can improve our schools and what dangers we should specially endeavour to provide against. We are in the midst of the greatest and most terrible war that has ever afflicted mankind. Alike in extent; and character, there has been nothing like it before Never has the world witnessed tho spectacle of the policy and methods of Nebuchadnezzar put forth into the practice by a highly educated and professedly Christian nation, backed by the passionate benediction of its High Priests and professors. There were many in this country who foresaw the German peril 'I before the war, but Id" unt if there was one nmoag them then who bad remotedly conceived the pn^ibilifcy of such a horror. Such a war must effect the life of our people far more poigantiy than any we have been engaged in before. We have fought great wars before, none to prevent the domination of Europe by a single Power. We were the soul of I the alliance that bumbled the pride of Louis XIV, and again of that greater alliance—the overthrow of Napoleon but. through those wars our men felt that tbey wo<<< fighting honourable and ch!u*hoi.kop••otiunts. Now ?bey fee 1 thoin'eiv to hr up against a new kind ¡ themsel vesto be np agi''¡I1stl tll]eW kina I anile. to sci?nMuc J j equ.pmeul kn'j\v;( {c. W^-nerncivilisation, j j the ç;ran, c?aetby? ?nd treachery of the Ptd lud 'an. Bt'H;h;b soldiers bi'?vG never > Aji id his ';ind c; t?' m front of them j bGforo, and thf own .spiritihas in ) coasequ. ,a.v been ternpered to a new and, keener edge. Observers tell us that while they have not lost the old gay, shouting tone, there is a new idealism amon them they have a touch of the Crusader about them who feels he is fighting for a transcendent world cause, in comparison with which nothing else matters. And remember it is the pick of our male population who are going through this ordeal; they will come back with characters developed and out- look profoundly changed, and they will come back some two or three millions strong. At bottom, education is a personal question, and the problem for the governing body of a school is to get the right headmaster, the rest is little more than leather and prunella. I presume there are some members of the governing body here to-day, I would say to them in your case this problem has I been already solved, you have got the right headmaster; give him your loyal and ungrudging support and Barmouth School will continue to flourish. If oar education is to encourage initiative, independence and originality, we must be content to put up with many things we do not like, lest in removing them we seriously impair the teaching power of the men who have devised them. Chorus by the pupils. The Chairman thereupon called upon Miss Griffith, Arianfryn, to distribute the prizes and certificates, which were as follows I SCHOOL SUCCESSES DURING THE YEAR 1914-15. I Cenral Welsh Board. ]Eiigber Certificate,-Edoila Wynne(in English, History, and Welsh). Senior Certificates. --J. Prysor Davies, Myfanwy Davies, Jane M. Garnett (with distinction in Welsb), Eleanor Hamer (with distinction in French), Aninit Morris, H. Glyn Thomas, David O. Williams. Supplementary Ce rti ficittes.-Ce rid. wen Ellis, Iris Pugh. Junior Certificates.-W. Baxter, J. A. Crompton, E. Davies, E. Ellis, David James, E. M. Jones, G. Jones, H. Morris, E. E. Owen, O. H. Owen, L1. Price, H. Pugb, E. 1. Roberts, John Roberts(with distinction in shorthand), E. L. M. Rocke, D. E. Thomas (with distinction in Welsh), G. L. Wynne. The Associated Board's Local Centre Examination in Theory of Music.— Ceridwen Ellis. Pitman's Elementary Shorthand Cer- t,ificate.Ed ward Price Richards. I PRIZE LIST. I Special Prizes. The Hengwm Scripture Prize— vVru. Jones. Buskin Drawing Prizes, given by the Guild of St. George—Bieddyn Roberts, Maude Rocke. Conduct prize for girls, given by Mrs Lister—Gwen Jones. Do for boys, given by Mr David. E. J ames-O. n. Owen. I Athletics prize for boys, given by Dr. Williams—Edward Price Richards. I Do for girls, given by Dr. Williams— Oiwec Owen. Personal Hygiene prize for boys.gi ven by Williams—locwerth Roberts. Do for girls, Grefcta L. Jones. Domestic science prizes—senior—given ? by Mrs H. Richards—Myfanwy Davies Junior—given by Miss B. C-vt-iffitt)- Gladys Rocke. | V/t tdwark prize, given by Mr W. A. I d 'o vs—Thom».s S. Owen. | Suurthand and book-keeping prize,. i given by Mr n. Llewelyn Owen -Gwylfa Wynne. Needlework prise,gi ven by Mrs Castle -Edil-I-ti M. Jones. Music prize, given by Miss Williams —Ceredwen Ellis. Gardening prize, given by Mr Griffith Robertm- Maude Rocke. FORM PRIZES. Form VI—1st prize, given by the Rev. R. Lloyd Roberts, M.A.—Arthur O. Roberts. 2nd prize, given by Mrs Hugh Evans—Edeila Wynne. Progress prize, given by Mr Edward Williams—Ceridwen Ellis. Progress prize, given by Mr William George—Iris R. Pugh. Form Va-1st prize, given by Mrs O. W. Mort-is-E. Hamer. 2nd prize, gi ven by Mrs 0. W. Morris—David O. Williams. Form Vb 1st prize given by Mrs J.N. Roberts Jennie Garnett; 2nd prize, given by Mrs J N. Robetts-J. Prysor Davies. Progress prize, given by Mr H. Jones-H. Thomas. Form IV. 1st prize, given by Mrs R. T. Jones — Hugh Pugh 2nd prize, given by Mrs R. T, Jones-O. H. Owen. Progress prize, given by Miss Adam-. L A Richards. Progress prize, given by Mr R. Jooes-1IotTis-David Anwyl James. Form III. 1st prize,given by Mrs Eyton Jones-William Jones. 2nd prize, given by the Rev. E Jones-Edwards-Wilfi-ed Rickards. Progress prize, given by Mr Lloyd- Ellen J Owen. Do given by Mr Watkin Davies-D Emrys Thomas. Form II. 1st prize, given by Mr John Owen-Ceinwen Felstead 2nd prize# given by Miss Roberts-Jpnny Jones. Progress prize, given by Miss Davies- Kate Owen. Progress prize, given by Mr R. W. Jones- Gwennie Jones. Form I. 1st prize, given by Mr J. J. Thomas—Edward Price Richards 2nd prize, given by Mrs Armer— Martha Higgon 3rd, given by Mis Rbys Jones -R. J. Williams. Progrese prize, given by Mrs Castle. Do, given by the Rev. Z. Matber-Annie Foster. Do., given by the Head niaster-Albert Howells and Herbert Dempsey. Mr William George, Solicitor, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Principal Sir Harry Reichel and Miss Griffith. The Rev. E. Jones seconded, which was carried with acclamation. Principal Rhichel responded on behalf of Miss Griffith and himself. A similar vote of thanks was accorded. to tbe Recbor of Barmouth for presiding. The singing of « God Save the King" brought a most successful meeting to a close. I

I PROFIAD HEN WR YN EI I GYSTUDD. 'I Tra ya cstdciea trwy'r cysgodion, Ar'glwydd Ulafael yn fy Haw, Arwain fi trwy i> eymyl duon, I Seien gObèÜtb, seren gobaith, Fo'n tywynu araf fyth. Pan for storom yn fy agiJUVOf Liechu nghysod d'air a vvnaf, Gwyddosb tl' Luodj i ngbvsuro, A fy nwyn i hia3awdd braf, Poen a gofid, poen agütid, FYth ar ffY oddiwi:"Ibyf iliw. I Nertha f'enaid gWan i gredu, Dy barcdrwydd Di yu awr, ?y?S??iya,?,,?? YudyrMani?droif.? Nes bo v s?orom, nes bo'r stemm | Oiaf, wedi myod yn fade Olkii" WeLii yo fu(l. Llys Meirioa. JOHN DA M S

| Forthcoming Events i:: () .it hhCO" i n g Eve t'E:t s { j ??- col1:mn o al'I M?o ?,? ?, ???. Printing on all Forth-coming Events- APIUL. 5fch—Sale of Household Furniture at ro, by Mr Walter Lloyd Jones Good Friday—« Congress of Nations" Operetta at the Pavilion. zuiju.-zjale ()f Household Farnituw and Antique Collection at No. 8, Porkingfeon Terrace by Mr Walter Lloyd Jones.