CONVENT OF ST. MARY'S.—EXAMINATION DAY IN THE SCHOOLS.

Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1489, 18 November 1874, Page 3

CONVENT OF ST. MARY'S.—EXAMINATION DAY IN THE SCHOOLS.

The yearly examination of the pupils of the Select and Orpkan Schools, in connection with the above named Institution, took place to-day. Favoured by the fine weather, there was a good attendance of the Mends of the pupils ia both schools, and the proceedings passed off most successfully. The institution is well known as one of the most useful in Auckland. Although in connection with a convent, the schools are established on a liberal religious basis, and among the pupils are to be found children of various denominations Ihe management is of a very efficient kind' The nuns are indefatigable in their different spheres of usefulness, while Dr Croke, Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland, and the clergy, are constant in their attention to the well being of the convent. Aa is well known the grounds are extensive and well laid out, due regards being had to use

and ornament the position—on the brow of the hill overlooking Freeman's Bay from the West, is one of the healthiest in the neighbourhood ; and the building itself m the judicious arrangement of the-interior with its splchnid ventilation constitutes a most desirable home for children. The proceedings to-day were under the presidency of the very Rev Father Fynes, V.G., assisted by Fathers Walter McDonald, Paul, and Simpson. The examination of the orphan school took place in the morning, and that of u,he select school in the afternoon. In the orphan school some of the pupils were little mites of children, and their general intelligence was most surprising. The ready way in which they answered all the questions propounded by the man who examined thorn was evidently the result of careful teaching. Father Fynes presented the prizes, congratulating teachers, and pupils upon the proficiency displayed. In the select school, the knowledge 3hown was more advanced. Here also the room was decorated with vatious works of arb executed by the students. Most of these showed signs ot considerable talent. We regret that the necessity of time and space compels us to give such a short report. The ful lowing were the programmes gone through : —

Solo, Miss Canning. Vocal duet, "O Sainted Mother," Misses Halstead and Byrne. Catechism class. La fille dv regiment, Misses Minstti, A. Bryne, Lynch, S. i ''Sullivan. Ist. class : Domestic economy, science, history. Corn Flower Waltzes, Misses Curtis, Ed wardes, Eubic, Eodgei-3, Minetti, Corcoran. 2nd class : General knowledge, biography, natural history, grammar. Chorus, " I'd mourn the hopes." Overture (Mozart): Misses Halstead, O'Suilivan, Canning, Minetti, Wendel, Christopher. French dialogue : Misses Lynch, Byrne, K. Cannicg, and Corcoran. ?.3rd class: Ceograpny, spelling, politeness. Quadrilles : Misses Smith, Byrne, Walker, O'vSuUivan, Christopher, A. Walker. Vocal solo, " I'll follow thee," Miss Halstead. 4th class : Common subject?, arithmetic, recitatioa. Vocal duet, '■ Hymn of the Moravian mins," Misses Byrne and Edwards. sth class : Eecitation, reading, subject lesson. Gipsy chorus from Weber. (Here followed the distribution of prizes.) Chorus, "God biess the friends we love."

Programme of the Orphan School :—Singing, address, Ist and 2nd class, catechism ; 3rd clats, reading and spelling ; 2ad class, reading and spelling; Ist clats, readin", grammar, geography, domestic economy, singiug, recitation. God save the Queen.