ST. MARY'S CONVENT SCHOOLS.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1208, 17 December 1873, Page 2

ST. MARY'S CONVENT SCHOOLS.

The annual examination of the children of the schools of St. Mary's Convent was held on Monday, under the superintendency of his lordship. Rev. Dr. Croke, the clergy, and many of the ladies and gentlemen of Auckland. The scholars of St. Mary's orphanage were examined first, and- their cleanly and healthy appearance reflected great credit upon the Sisters of Mercy, who invariably treat the children with kindness and consideration. In this school there are 45 orphans and 30 day pupils, making 75 in number. Among the clergy present, were the Right E cv Dr Croke, Bishop of Auckland, who presided, Rev W. Macdonald, Rev J. Golden, Very Rev Dr Macdonald, Revs Father Fynes, Paul, and Simpson. Amongst others of the audience we noticed the following :—Messrs D. Cruickshank, Wnterhouse, Stalker, J. Sheehan, M.H.R,; C. O'Neill, M.H.R.; J. Brigham, P. Darby, L. Cousins, M. Corcoran, J. Casey, Drs Wood, Gray, Walker, and D. Daly. We notice that the Lady Mayoress (Mrs Philips) gave two handsome prizes, which with numerous others were distributed among the children. We regret that want of space wi'l not permit us to chronicle in order the chaste, useful, and fanciful productions of the young lady scholars, which embraced a number of water-colour drawings and pencil sketches of flowers, and subjects of history. A dramatic piece, '' The Abdication of Mary. Queen of Scots," was performed by the scholars, and created a large amount of interest among the visitors. His Lordship,- with appropriate words of encouragement, distributed the awards :— First Class.—Catechism : Misses O'Sullivan, Curtis, M, A. Minetti, and Callaghan. Conduct : Misses Callaghan, Curtis, and Wiseman, the Misses Halstead. Science : Misses O'Sullivan, Callaghan, Curtis. Wiseman, Christopher, and Wendel. Composition and Writing: Misses O'Sullivan, Curtis. Callaafhan, and Bryne. Instrumental Music: Misses O'Sullivan, Minetti, and Wiseman. Vocal Music : Misses Halstead and Wiseman: Drawing : Misses O'Sullivan and Bryne. Needlework : Misses Callaghan, Curtis, and Slattery. Second Class.—Science : Misses Minetti, Edwards, Rodeers, and Slattery. Composition : Misses Minetti and Rogers. Third Class.—Catechism : Misses Darby and L. O'Sullivan. Conduct: Misses Darby and Lewis. Science : Misses L. O'Sullivan, Darby, A. Byrne, J. Corcoran, and E. rjarby. Composition : The Misses Darby. .Recitation : Miss Corcoran. Fourth Class.— Conduct : Misses -Moran and Cunningham. Science : Misses Moran and Lammick. Yesterday morning distribution prizes took place in the infant school of St. Joseph's, under the care of the Sisters of Mercy. His

Lordship distributed the prizes with appropriate remarks. The annual examination of St. Francis de Sale's select school took place also. The pupils of the school afforded much satisfaction to his Lordship, the clergy, and the ladies and gentlemen who witnessed tho examination. At intervals appropriate selections of vocal and instrumental music were < xecuted in a very creditable style and everything passed off in a very satisfactory manner.