After four years, Mistress Higham
moved on and was superseded by a Headmaster with the most English of' names,
John Smith. He was ably assisted by his wife, Emma Louise. This partnership
really impressed Her Majesty's Inspector, who wrote in his first report s-
"The children are in good order and since Mr. Smith has had charge
of the school, he has brought about a remarkable improvement in the
attainments."
This was received on
December 25th, 1885, so perhaps a little Christmas generosity shone through.
There was no Christmas
holiday that year, but on 28th December Lady Harris invited all the scholars
to tea on New Year' s Eve. Seventy-nine of the children accepted Lady Harris'
kind invitation and came home laden with presents off a large Christmas tree.
Her Ladyship gave Emily Marsh a most magnificent doll, and George Raines a
handsome writing-case, as extra presents on account of good attendance at
school, they having made the highest number of attendances during the school
year.
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