The annual distribution of prizes to the scholars of the Shanghai Public School took place in the Astor Hall on Wednesday evening. After a few introductory remarks by the Rev. Dr. Stevens, a. well-chosen musical programme was gone through by the scholars, the kindergarten class carrying off the honours in the shape of an enthusiastic encore. A trio for violins and piano by the Misses Haimovitch and Miss E. Goodfellow was a really enjoyable number, the two former girls showing a remarkable knowledge of their instruments for such young musicians. Another exceptionally good item was the pianoforte solo Froksinn, by Miss Agnes Smith, who shows great promi-e and should become a really brilliant pianist. The. programme being completed, Dr. Stevens, in asking Lady Hannen to present the prizes, said, Ladies and Gentlemen—As.chairman of the Public School Committee for the time being I have first of. all to say how glad we are that Lady Hannen is with us to hand the prizes to the fortunate winners them. This is not the first time by any means that her ladyship has-kindly responded to calls which have been made upon her of this description, and it is not too much to say that when she takes the ing the parents and friends of our scholars. The large attendance which we have here on this occasion is a distinct encouragement to the members of the Committee and Iam sure I may say also to the mem-bors of the School staff. Daring the time that the committee have had charge of the school they have endeavoured to make themselves: throughly familiar. with every part and particular of its working. They have had pleasure in doing this, because they feel that nothing is of greater importance to the Shanghai of to-day than the education of the boys and girls of Shanghai. (Applause.) As a consequence of their investigations and their experience of what the school is doing they are impressed as'former committees have been impressed with the need which exists for an iraproyement in the appliances of the school and for an addition to the teaching force in the shape of another certificated assistant master. I will not go into tedious details just now, but will simply express the satisfaction of the committee because of the fact that the Municipal Council have decided to include in their budget for 1898 'a special grant, which, if voted by. the Ratepayers, and we do not doubt that it wil be voted, will enable the committee to. make the school more completely efficient. The most economical thing Shanghai can do is to be generous in their support of their own school. Ill-educated boys and girls are always a burden and a danger to society. On the other hand, if they are well educated they are available for positions of usefulness which could only otherwise be filled at the cost and risk of bringing persons out from the home-lands. The committee feel that they cannot speak too highly of the services rendered by the school stag, Mr. Lanning is not merely the head-master, but ought rather to be termed the father of the school. (Loud applause.) Witlt painstaking diligence and promptitude and with real ability he devotes himself to the duties of what in the nature of things must, often be " difficult and trying position.. The smoothness with which the school work is carried on proves clearly that he and his colleagues on both sides of the school are deserving of the confidence and gratitude of all Shanghai. Ladies and gentlemen, I will not further detain you. "Again thanking you for your presence here to-lay, I have the honour to call upon Lady Hannen to kindly distribute the prizes. (Applause).
Mr. Lanning—Lady Hannen, and ladies and gentlemen, before reading out the list of prizes I would like to make my annual appeal to fathers and mothers of those children who do not get prizes. Our list is fairly comprehensive; there are no names on it so far as I know that ought not to be there, but a good many names are not on it that I should like to see there. In the largest and longest list that it is possible to give, some deserving boys and girls must be left ous. It is our misfortune, it is not our fault. I would ask that those parents who receive reports that are considered satisfactory will make it up to their own boys and girls, (Applause)
Lady Hannenthen proceeded to distribute the prizes, the following being the list
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.