Corn Exchange, when on Wednesday a number of parents and friends were present. It is hoped to make the event an annual one.
Mr. H. I. Piper, the Principal, said it had been a very eventful year, and there had been a gratifying increase in the numbers. The Preparatory Department, which was re-opened at the end of 1930, had filled rapidly. An additional classroom for the Senior boys had been provided, and further accommodation was now available for another 20 boys. The lighting, heating and schoolroom equipment had also been brought up-to-date. Private study, with a library of nearly 2,000 books, had been provided for the Upper boys. He also hoped that before the close of the year additional space would be available to provide a larger playground.
He was happy to report good progress in work. In addition to the School Examinations, outside public examinations were taken, and seven boys had taken certificates, chiefly for shorthand and typewriting. The success in type-writing was due to the tuition of Miss Filmer. They also had two boys reading for the London Matriculation. Thanks were due to the Staff, who had worked so loyally. They welcomed Mr. Williams in place of Mr. Wallace. They were making an innovation in the teaching of music, and some of the boys had already taken up pianoforte.
Another innovation was the starting of school journeys and outings, which had taken the form of visiting factories and offices in the district.
During the year they had found suitable posts for 12 or 13 boys in office, workshop and business.
Mr. Piper, introducing Mr. W. J. McCabe, of Gravesend, said his father carried on the School on the present premises since 1901. The School opened with five boys on the first morning. Mr. McCabe then presented the prizes.
Also on the platform were Mrs. Piper, Miss Filmer, Miss Slubbs, Mr. A. M. Williams, and Mons. Ardontz.
THE CONCERT.
The Concert began with a selection from " The Mikado" by R- Ashby and R. Harle, 1st and 2nd violins, and S. Reynolds, piano. The last-named was also applauded for his pianoforte solos, which included Sibelius' "Finlandia."
The School Choir sang the "Border Ballad" and "The Angel," while Mr. V. Whibley, an old schoolboy, contributed the solos, " When the Sergeant-Major's on Parade," " Nirvana," and " You are My Heart's Delight." The orchestra played the " Blue Danube." Humorous numbers were given by W, Beale, G, Burgess, B. Finn and R, Bodiam.
The Preparatory Department presented a sketch, " Land of Christmas," written and produced by Miss D. Stubbs, those taking part being W. Beale, S. Farman, D. Reynolds, W. Tucker, G. Griffen, D. Spencer, P. Spencer, B. Westover, D. Winder, R. Westbrook, P. Fulljames, P. Randall, D. Colinese, E. Skinner. A sketch, " The Clock Watchers," was performed by R. Yuill, J. Piper, E. Locke, W. Apps, E. Bowler, E. Butler, W. Spurgeon ; and a play, " Hopkins' Burglar Alarm," by W. Beale, G. Burgess, B. Finn, R. Bodiam, and A. Baxter.
THE AWARDS.
The prize-winners were :-Form prizes : Va, S. Reynolds, Beale, D. C. Potts, F. H. Tolputt, R. H. Bodiam, A. Baxter; Vb, P. E. Hinton, Elbourn, E. Butler; IVa, H. Philpott, R. J. Harle, K. H. Whibley; IVb, S. Beale, H. Pearce, H. Piper, G. H. Goodchild, L. Beale; III, I. Beale, R. W. Randall, E. Shaw, L. Morgan, R. Brett. Map prizes: Senior, D. C. Potts and P. E. Hinton; Middle, H. Pearce and R. Harle; Junior, R. Yuill, E. Austin, G. H. Stone, and J. Pearce. Magazine prize: F. Vidler. Specials : L. Reynold (Pitman's Shorthand, theory), R. E. Bushby, F. H. Tolputt and W. Beale (elementary); H. Philpott (typewriting, 1st class elementary), T. C. George (typewriting and shorthand). Prep., Upper Division : D. Reynolds. Form prize and top of examination, S. Farman, history ; P. Spencer, arithmetic; W. Tucker, spelling; K. Bonner, reading; and D. Spencer, all general improvement. Preparatory : R. Westbrook, form prize and top of examination ; D. Colinese, geography ; B. Westover, English ; P. Fulljames, reading; D. Winder, mapping; M. Sturt, writing ; G. Griffen, all subjects, all general improvement. Certificates : D. C. Potts, E. B. Bowler, B. W. Finn, Reynolds, F. Harman, A. Baxter, F. Vidler, H. Philpott, S. Beale, R. Harle, G. Goodchild, G. Stone, R. Randall, L. Beale, M. Betts, A. Horn, J. Pierce, and C. Jessup. Prizes were also awarded to E. Skinner and N. Ashton.
THE TREASURES AT OUR DOORS.
Maidstone Museum has lately received a fine Stone Age axe. It is a chipped flint, nearly nine inches long and about 5,000 years old.
The most interesting thing about it, perhaps, is its discovery. It was lying under a hedge in a lane. To most people it was just a stone, but a schoolgirl knew it for a hand-worked flint, and carried it home in triumph.
Only the day before she had had a lesson on the Stone Age, and had set out to look for flints. We can imagine her