The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-05-13

ANIooNEh, MAY otii, lOoU.
There were twenty-five applicants at the
examination held in this place on Wednes-
day of last week, and it was one of the most
pleasant gatherings of the kind that has
ever been held in this place. Aside from
our practical teachers, students from Holy
Angels College, st. Luke's Parish school
and the private school taught by Mrs.
Straw were present, acquitting themselves
in manner that reflects credit upon the
course of discipline they are undergoing
The examination was somewhat protracted,
but the questions were simple and practical.
The average standing is good. The exami-
nation involved ten branches. The answers
to the questions in physiology showed a
general familiarity with that branch, being
far in advance of that indicated at former
examinations. But there are more failures
in arithmetic; and as the regulations forbid
the granting of certificate to any applicant
whose standing is below 90 per cent. in this
branch, about half dozen failed who would
otherwise have got through. But the ques-
tions were not difficult, and as arithmetic is
a branch of primary Importance in our
schools, the wisdom of such regulation
will be apparent to all. A few tried the
method of coming at the eleventh hour, "
but it never works we'll at teachers ex-
aminations and the result in this case was
no exception to the rule. But the day was
passed very pleasantly, and We have reason
to believe that all left feeling that fai
trial had been given.
There were twenty-five applicants, fifteen
of whom were licensed, one receiving lst
grade; seven I'd grade, and seven Sd
grade certificate. In this examination the
writer was assisted by w. II. Peters of La
Center, and Miss Brown of this city. The
former dismissed his school a week that he
might spend Wednesday with us, and on
Thursday act in the same capacity in Cow
litz county He is an ardent friend of the
public school, a successful teacher, and just
the kind of an individual needed in COM
munity to keep the wheel of progress roll
ing. 1t is safe to say that our summer
schools will open with bright prospect of
improvement. Public opinion seems to be
arousing gradually to the Importance of our
good schools. We are moving onward in
this direction, and soon we'll be keeping
pace with the true spirit of the age. r.
THE government is making many improve
ments about the corner of Reserve and 9th
streets. A fine new shop has been built for
John McMullen, the government black
smith, and the old one will be torn away
after the carpenters are done using it tenn
porarily. The old carpenter shop in the
rear of No. engine house has been torn
down, and is being replaced with larger
one, entirely new and more convenient. The
After while the engine house will he raised
and enlarged to correspond with this row Of
buildings. Reserve street has been widened
and Strengthened northward from 9th street,
adding much to its appearance. The old
turn.stle has been removed, and steps sub
stituted for . gate. The old timers will
hardly know that corner when they return
to Vancouver.
Early Rose Potatoes for sale, several hun
dred bushels, raised on gravelly upland soil,
frat quality. Inquire OF G. A Landis or OF
Mrs. N. Schofeld.
Old papers for sale at this office.
For sale--a few bushels of Garnet Chill