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Early treats and prizes at the Killinchy School
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TitleEarly treats and prizes at the Killinchy School
DescriptionThe Killinchy School treats and prize-giving waxed and waned through the 19th century.
The earliest record of a treat for the children of Killinchy School occurred just after Christmas in 1877 when the teachers and promoters of the Southbridge, Leeston, Killinchy and Irwell schools united and met at the “Māori pa” where “abundant refreshments and amusements” were provided. The Rev. W. Harper used every effort to amuse the children, and “the assistance of active and liberal coadjutors made the amalgamated school treat a decided success”.
The outing was marred when a boy was found to be missing, feared drowned as the children had been swimming in the sea. Fortunately the youngster “had preferred a means of his own choosing for his return home”.
No further reports of amalgamated treats have been found and for the rest of the century, the treats were solo events linked to prize-giving.
In 1882 a treat was held for more than 150 children and adults on the school grounds prior to breaking up for the harvest holidays.
The “usual games and sports” were held before refreshments were served.
After tea “an adjournment” was made to the schoolroom to distribute prizes. Mr Watson, the Master, distributed the prizes, then votes-of-thanks and the gathering dispersed, “all seeming thoroughly satisfied with the day's amusement”.
The treats of 1884 and 1885 followed a similar pattern, again around harvest time.
The committee decided to cancel a treat in 1886, and to put the money into more expensive books.
Milson Jones, Chairman, distributed £10 worth of books. Every child received something, but those who had passed their standard at the last examination received a more expensive book than those who had failed.
Lollies and biscuits were then distributed, and a half-holiday was taken in honour of the occasion.
On New Year's Day, the annual school treat for 1891 was notable for two reasons.
Firstly it was held away from the school grounds, in James Spence’s paddock, and secondly, the hall was used rather than the schoolroom.
Neither trouble nor expense was spared in making the gathering a success.
In spite of counter-attractions and threatening weather, a large number of children and their friends assembled, and a most enjoyable day was spent. Tea was served on a table, seating up to 50 people, at 5 o'clock, and the “company” sat down in relays.
Children’s sports, with “liberal money prizes” were provided and every child left with some memento of the day's proceedings.
One of the most noticeable features was the annual match between the Cricket Clubs of Upper and Lower Killinchy. The game ended in an easy victory for the Lower Killinchy team. A very enjoyable dance ended the day.
From 1892 to 1895 the pattern was similar although held in April.
In 1896 the committee had decided not to have the school treat or distribution of books, but took the children to the Exhibition instead.
The century finished on a wane, as the 1898 committee decided not to have any school treat or distribution of books, as the school prize fund was so low.
Mike Noonan & Sandra Opie
Ellesmere Historical Society
Date10 June 2021 SourceThe Ellesmere EchoLocationkillinchy
DescriptionThe Killinchy School treats and prize-giving waxed and waned through the 19th century.The earliest record of a treat for the children of Killinchy School occurred just after Christmas in 1877 when the teachers and promoters of the Southbridge, Leeston, Killinchy and Irwell schools united and met at the “Māori pa” where “abundant refreshments and amusements” were provided. The Rev. W. Harper used every effort to amuse the children, and “the assistance of active and liberal coadjutors made the amalgamated school treat a decided success”.
The outing was marred when a boy was found to be missing, feared drowned as the children had been swimming in the sea. Fortunately the youngster “had preferred a means of his own choosing for his return home”.
No further reports of amalgamated treats have been found and for the rest of the century, the treats were solo events linked to prize-giving.
In 1882 a treat was held for more than 150 children and adults on the school grounds prior to breaking up for the harvest holidays.
The “usual games and sports” were held before refreshments were served.
After tea “an adjournment” was made to the schoolroom to distribute prizes. Mr Watson, the Master, distributed the prizes, then votes-of-thanks and the gathering dispersed, “all seeming thoroughly satisfied with the day's amusement”.
The treats of 1884 and 1885 followed a similar pattern, again around harvest time.
The committee decided to cancel a treat in 1886, and to put the money into more expensive books.
Milson Jones, Chairman, distributed £10 worth of books. Every child received something, but those who had passed their standard at the last examination received a more expensive book than those who had failed.
Lollies and biscuits were then distributed, and a half-holiday was taken in honour of the occasion.
On New Year's Day, the annual school treat for 1891 was notable for two reasons.
Firstly it was held away from the school grounds, in James Spence’s paddock, and secondly, the hall was used rather than the schoolroom.
Neither trouble nor expense was spared in making the gathering a success.
In spite of counter-attractions and threatening weather, a large number of children and their friends assembled, and a most enjoyable day was spent. Tea was served on a table, seating up to 50 people, at 5 o'clock, and the “company” sat down in relays.
Children’s sports, with “liberal money prizes” were provided and every child left with some memento of the day's proceedings.
One of the most noticeable features was the annual match between the Cricket Clubs of Upper and Lower Killinchy. The game ended in an easy victory for the Lower Killinchy team. A very enjoyable dance ended the day.
From 1892 to 1895 the pattern was similar although held in April.
In 1896 the committee had decided not to have the school treat or distribution of books, but took the children to the Exhibition instead.
The century finished on a wane, as the 1898 committee decided not to have any school treat or distribution of books, as the school prize fund was so low.
Mike Noonan & Sandra Opie
Ellesmere Historical Society
Date10 June 2021 SourceThe Ellesmere EchoLocationkillinchyConnections
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Early treats and prizes at the Killinchy School (10 June 2021 ). Selwyn Stories, accessed 29/05/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/5333