, 1882-06-23
Our Public School.
CLOSING EXERCISES LAST WEEK.

Inc exercises au tlle ClOse VI oul pun
lie school on Friday last were of most
gratifying character. The pupils, hav-
ing had week of hard work, were
scarcely through with examinations be-
fore they were called upon to brace up
their nervous energies and prepare for
that grand contamination day-pieces
to prepare, rooms to decorate and attire
to arrange-yet no one looking around
upon those merry faces, bright with
youths fair bloom and appearing as
bouquet of newly cut flowers, would
have imagined that such week OF anx-
iety and turmoil had just come to a
close. The recitals we're executed with
excellent precision, and showed consid-
erable progress compared with the pre-
vious year. The choruses and songs, led
by Miss BigelOw upon an organette, en-
enlivened the proceedings. while such
favorite pieces as paddle Your Own Ca
noe" elected hearty Appreciation Prof.
r. G. Kerr gave one Of those thorough
" humorous declamations into which he
can put so much force and drollery, re-
specting youths attempt to fly, the re-
suit being that the whole audience was
convulsed with laughter. The Prof.
then sobered down into pleasing chat as
to the events of the past year. He had
been fortunate in his ten years expert
ence Of teaching, never having had a
death in his department till this year
when three had passed beyond studies
and teaching, He spoke of the depart
ed little ones very kindly, and then re-
ferred to the increase in his family this
year, there being seventy-twO in his de-
partment, for whom, with all his father
ly care he could scarcely provide
room. He limited at a probability of a
spacious school building being erected
at no distant day. He had enjoyed the
past session very much, and when the
holidays were over would be happy to
resume his avocation. He considered
that the school as a whole had made
good progress during the past term, and
closed by wishing each pupil an enjoy
able holiday, after which he called upon
Rev. Jno Reid who, having expressed
his satisfaction that the proceedings COM
pared most favorably with last years ex-
animation, said that the boys and girls
should aim at the possession of such
knowledgeas would be of practical value
in their own lives; that it was not the
abundance Of our knowledge so much
as the right and practical use made OF
it that benefited people. After compli-
menting the Prof. and his genial man.
ner, he urged the pupils to seek not only
the "well-done" OF earthly teachers but
of the great Creator. Mr.. f. w. James
Zone OF the directors) was next called on
to speak. The theme Mr.. James took
was "The priceless value OF knowledge"
He said nearly all things in the world
could be bought but knowledge couldon-
ly be acquired by application; and having
wished the children every joy, he resum-
ed his seat. The Prof. then dismissed
pupils and visitors. 1t was noticeable how
the pupils specially the girls pressed
around Miss Bigelow to bid her farewell,
showing how much she had endeared
herself to the school She carries with
her the universal respect and goodwill
Of all the residents in Port Townsend.
Miss Dolly" has gone, and it is rumor-
ed that Miss h. may soon go the same
road. May each find the reduction OF
their pupils to the singular number q
pleasant change.
We would respectfully suggest that
hereafter all school exhibitions and OK
aminations be held in one of the large
halls in the lower part Of town, until
new and suitable school building is
erected. The close and heated school
rooms are not favorable to the best re-
suits, and do not present accommoda-
tions for many visitors.
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