SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS.

(cOitSTONICATED.) Ox Friday last, the v.sue.l Christmas examinations took place in the various Catholic schools for boys inthis city- The examinations were presided over by the venerated Bishop of Auckland, the right Hev. Dr. Prmipallier, assisted by the Vicar-General, veryRev. Dr. McDonald, very Bev. Walter McDonald private secretary, and Eev. Hugo D. A. Hermann* 'i he interesting proceedings were opened by suitable* addresses being presented to his lordship by the pup-.l?, to which ho replied in a very moving and institutive manner. Amongst those present were some of the clergy and some also of the parent* of the children.

The iirst place visited by hi? lordship was St. Francis* Select School, in which English instruction, Latin, and living languages arc taught, and which was very tastefully decorated for the occasion with evergreens. There were two addresses in this school, one in English and the other in French. After the distribution of estimable prises of books, religious pictures and crosses, by the Bishop, his lordship then visited St. Patrick's lJarocliial School, which was prepared in a very becoming manner for his reception. An address by one of tho senior pupils of the school was presented to his lordship, to which he replied in terms of the most paternal feelings. The Bishop then distributed prizes also to tho most deserving pupils of this school. II aving imparted his episcopal benediction, he proceeded to St. Peter's School, where his lordship' received a filial address of the pupils, to which lie responded in very appropriate term?, inculcating, in his usually zealous manner, the principles of religion. Iu this school as well as in the two former ones merit received its reward at the hands of the Bishop.

Wo could not but admire the order and neatness which were observable in the schools and amongst the pnpils. We feel assured that these examinations, presided over as tliev have been by a venerable and distinguished prelate of the Church, will produce lasting and salutary effccts, by acting as a stimulus to the future exertions of the youth of this city an<£ suburbs.

My Lord, —It is with unfeigned pleasure ancf satisfaction that I, Cn the part of my fellow-students,-have the great honor to express to your Lordship our" deep sentiments of devotedness and filial affection, on' lhe occasion of your kindly presiding at our examinations. We remember with gratitude the rc";ny benetitsconitrred l>v your Lordship, not only upra us, ths" students of'this school, hut also upon other irligiouscstablishments throughout the diocese. You have, my Lord, by your energy and pastoral solicitude, provided colleges and schools for the education of the youth of both races throughout your Lordship's diocese. We hope that the proficiency -which ws have made in oar studies since our last examinations may be pleasing to your Lordship, our beloved first as well as to our dear parents. We sincerely j ray that Saint Francis de Fales, the; holy patron cf this Select Sehoolandof your Lordship-,, will obtain for yen every blessing in this passing; world, and an unfading it own of gloiy in the* heavenly Jerusalem. Most respectfully requesting your Lordship's holyepiscopal benediction, we hare the honoi to remain, my Lord, with the most profound respect and venera.tion, your Lordship's most affectionate children.(Signed on behalf of the students of St. prancisT Select School) Edward Mauo2> v, Auckland, N. Z., December 16th, IS6I. i\ty I.ord, —The great honour your lordship has conferred on this school, liy kindly presiding thisday at our examinations, will be ever remembered by us with sentiments of gratitude" The many trials and difficulties endured by yoTtr lordship, not only in J'ew Zealand, but likewise in many parts of the South Seas, for more than twentysix yo:t:v, have been frequently narrated to us by our dear elcrgy and our affectionate parents. The many colleges and schools now established in. this dioccse for the education of tho youth of bothraces, owe, we are happy to say, their origin to your lordship's pastoral zealous care. "We hope, my lord, that the progress we have madesince our last examination, may be a little source of pleasure to your lordship. Stay St. Patrick, the holy patron of this school, obtain for you a long and happy life, to feed with your usual pastoral solicitude and holy zeal tha lambs and sheep of your dear diocese. May also the rewards which we hope to receive this day from your lordship's holy and venerated hands, be the rich cause of Christian emulation amongst us. Most humbly requesting your lordship's holy benediction, we have the honour to remain your lordship's most devoted children. Signed on behalf of the pupils, by George Mobris. St. Patrick's Parochial School, Auckland, New Zealand, lGth December, 1564. To the 1 ight Beverend Dr. Pompallier, Bishop of Auckland. Sty Lord, —We beg leave to thank your lordship for presiding at this, our first examination, and we trust that the progress which we have made in our studies will meet with your approval, and also of our parents. We feel assured that your lordship's approbation will prove a stimulus to our future exertions, and that next Christmas (with God's blessing) will find us much farther advanced, not only in our secular studies, but in the great study you so strongly recommended to our attention on your late visit, namely—" The study of God's laws and those of His Church." We conclude, begging your lordship's apostolic benediction, and wishing you a merry Christmas and many happy New Tears. Signed, on behalf of tho Pupils of St. Peter's fc'chool, L vurence LobigA2<". Auckland, December 16.