CHRISTIAN BROTHERS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Evening Star, Issue 21286, 15 December 1932, Page 16

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS’ HIGH SCHOOL

PRIZE DAY FUNCTION The annual prize-giving ceremony of the Christian Brothers’ High School was held in the School Assembly Hall this morning, His Lordship Bishop Whyte presiding. Also among those on the platform were the mayor (Mr R. S. Black) and the mayoress, Rev. Father Collins (administrator), Rev. Father M'Devitt, Rev. Bro. Magee (a former principal of the school), and representatives of the Old Boys’ Association, including Mr T. Pound, who, until his departure from Dunedin recently, was president of the association. Before rending the fifty-sixth annual report the principal (Rev. Bro. M. M. O’Connor) extended a warm welcome to Bishop Whyte and other kind friends who had attended, and thanked His Lordship for presiding and the mayor and mayoress for coming along to the function. At an interval in proceedings a bouquet was presented to the , mayoress (Mrs R. S.. Black) bn behalf of the pupils of the school. A short but well-chosen and appreciated musical programme was presented prior to the prize-giving _ function, and a feature was the singing of the school choir, which rendered ‘ The Music of the Birds ’ (Glover) and ‘ Oft in the Stilly Night ’ (Moore). Another choral item that was well done was ‘ Killarney ’ (Balfe). Master P. Glen gave a tenor horn solo, ‘ Has Sorrow Thy Young Days Shaded? ’ (Moore) roost pleasingly, and the old favourite ‘ Mother Machree 1 was tunefully rendered by Master J. Kane. An attractive programme was completed by the pianoforte solo ‘ Hungarian Rhapsody, No. 11 ’ (Liszt), well played by Master 0. R. B. Pringle. ANNUAL REPORT. In presenting his annual report, the principal (Rev, Bro. M. M. O’Connor) stated:— The roll call this year reached a maximum of 374 —149 in the secondary department and 225 in the junior school. These are the' highest numbers recorded in the history of the-school. The enrolment in the sixth form (nineteen) was encouragingly high, and we know of but four members' of this form whoso return to school this year was decided by the stress of prevailing economic conditions. We commend the wisdom of those parents who, sensing the danger of allowing their sons while awaiting employment to_ enter on a period of aimless inactivity, insist on their remaining at school. The present stagnation in all channels of business must be relieved within measurable time, and then the first and best positions will surely fall to the youths that have the highest educational equipment. Boys whose parents cannot pay fees will be granted free places to enable them to continue their studies.

One of the highest aims of a Catholic school is the fostering of vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. Indeed, a continued succession of these vocations may be taken as a trustworthy index of the healthy tone of a Catholic school. In February C. F. Duggan, dux and captain of the school last year, entered the Marist Fathers’ Seminary at Greenmeadows; and J. N. Pound, another of last year’s prefects, enrolled at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel; Letters from ex-pupils in our Training College, Sydney, give evidence that those young aspirants are successfully pursuing the course of training that is to equip them for the vocation of a Christian Brother. _ Rev. Father M. Scanlan conducted his annual examination in religious knowledge. His report reads:—“ln the annual examination in Christian doctrine, held in October, the pupils in the primary classes manifested a very sound knowledge in the subjects examined, and showed that very great care had been bestowed by the teachers in imparting religions knowledge to the pupils. A very high standard ‘ was maintained throughout the primary school. The teachers in the secondary classes deserve very special commendation for the results shewn in the papers submitted. The papers were of a very high standard in all the forms, and the high efficiency of the past years was well maintained. It was a very great pleasure to find such excellent work being done in the whole school.” Rev. Brother J. C. M'Cann, representing our Provincial Executive, inspected the work of the school and examined in detail the various primary classes. He reports:—“The earnestness of the teachers, the spirit of work, and the general tone of the pupils aro most commendable. The conduct, manners, and deportment of the hoys are deserving of unqualified praise.” On March 14 Messrs E. Caradus and J. B. Mawson, of the Education Department, conducted an exhaustive inspection of all the secondary classes. By department regulation their report is confidential. I may, however, state that it was most satisfactory. Owing to pressure of work, the Otago Education Board inspectorate found it impossible this year to hold its annual inspection of non-State schools. Higher leaving certificates have this year been, awarded to the following nineteen students:— J. F. Corcoran, C. J. Cummings, W. A. Cummings, J. B. Cull, J. L. Hartstonge, J. R. King, H. T. Maloney, A. L. Manion, J. A. Meade, S. E. Mee, T. J. Miles, J. J. O’Dea, B. W. O’Malley, L. F. Percy, J. R. Phelan, 0. R. B, Pringle, M. V. Ryon, C. D. Toomey, R. J. Wilkins.

In the public examinations the achievements of the students have been singularly noteworthy. C. F. Duggan passed with credit the University entrance scholarship examination, and qualified for the Lissie Ratnbonc scholarship. Eighteen candidates were successful in the University entrance examination. Six others added Latin to qualify for solicitors’ general and medical preliminary. W. T. Henaglian, our only candidate for the Public Service, obtained third place in Otago. Twenty-four secured intermediate certificates, fifty-two were successful in the recent proficiency examination, and three gained competency certificates. Bearing in mind the praiseworthy spirit of study that has been a feature of the classes during the year, we hope for a fair measure of success for our candidates in the public examinations just recently held. The dux of school this year is W. A. Cummings. This is the sixth successive year in which he has led his class. To give his full valuation I must add that he is the winner of His Lordship the Bishop’s prize for Christian doctrine, captain and head prefect of the school, head prefect of the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, N.C.O. of the School Cadet Corps, and captain of the first eleven. Ho has gifts of heart that match well these high attainments and achievements.

I refer with especial pleasure to the marked success that has attended the work of the Literary Societies (four) of the school throughout the year. Directed in the opening term by Mr A. W. O’Reilly and subsequently by Mr

W. J. Meade, the four grades made marked progress. Representatives from the senior society debated twice witli the Dunedin Hibernian Social and Debating Club and once with St. Patrick’s Club. The season closed with a public speaking contest in presence of a representative gathering of parents and friends. The best speaker, J. L. Hartstonce, was awarded the Rev. Brother Hughes Cup. Tlie thanks of the school are duo to Messrs F. R. Thompson (adjudicator) and W. J. Meade to whoso tuition members of the society owe so much. The school’s athletic meeting, boxing tournament, swimming carnival, and tennis tournament, held April G, August 8, November IG, and December 2 respectively, excelled previous standards in cacli case. Detailed accounts of these events have'' already appeared in the Press, hut it is noteworthy that in athletics five school records were broken and three equalled; and in swimming eight new records were established. For the first time the school was represented by a senior and a junior team at the secondary schools’ athletic sports. This meeting was held at Invercargill, and I must thank the Marist Brothers and those who conducted the meeting for their kindness and courtesy to our hoys. Nine teams engaged in Rugby football. Our first XV. had a very successful though strenuous season in the O.R.F.U. fourth grade competition. Our second annual match with John M'Glashan College, though played under unfavourable weather and ground conditions, provided an exhibition on a level with the best traditions of secondary school Rugby. The first XV.’s visit to Invercargill was memorable for the splendid hospitality of the Marist Brothers and the friends. Upwards of twentyfive boys played Association football. Five teams represented the school in cricket. The first XI. has done well in the O.C.A. third grade competition, and our second XI., playing in the senior division of the Otago Boys' Association, won the Hudson shield. We have eight representatives in this year’s Otago Boys’ Association senior and junior elevens. Fifty seniors and 100 juniors competed in the annual crosscountry. In connection with the foregoing sporting activities I sincerely thank the trustees of the “ Mullaney Fund,” the C.B. Old Boys’ Cricket Club, the 0.R.F.U., the Dunedin Football Club, St. Patrick’s and Nga Maara Tennis Clubs, the 0.8. A., the Otago Centre of the N.Z.A.A.A., Messrs J. Bond, Walter Strang, R. Maxwell, D. M. Beard, W. J. Duff, J. Kilmartin, A. Goodman, D. Boreham, W., Coward, J. Marshall, P. Mnthieson, and W. Hindmarsh. Under the distinguished patronage of His Lordship the Bishop a Scout troop was formed in the latter half of the third term. The Scoutmaster and As-sistant-Scoutmaster, Messrs J. O’Keefe and J. L. Hartstonge, directed by a strong and enthusiastic committee, have been doing effective work. _ The uniform has been selected, and in the new year the organisation will be well forward in its training.

The Old Boys’ Association continues to show healthy vitality. No better evidence of its vigour could bo shown than the largo number that attended tire annual general Communion in St. Patrick’s Bascilioa, South Dunedin, on June 12. At that function Rev. Father 0. J. Collins celebrated Mass and Rev. Father Buckley preached the occasional sermon. ' I thank Right Rev. Monsignor Delany for faciliating the holding of that sacred function. The transfer to Wellington of the president, Mr T. Pound, removed from the executive an active promoter of the aims of the association and alpyal son of the-school. Regret for his departure is tempered by a sense of pleasure at his promotion. His place as president has been taken by Mr H. K. Poppehvell, whose devotion to his school and to the association has well deserved the compliment paid to him by those who chose him as president. , It is our pleasing duty to congratulate Rev. Fathers T. O’Brien and F. Colurab, who have recently been raised to the priesthood; Revs. A. Curran and W. Quinn, who received the sufadiaconate; Rev. Brother R. M. Moloney, who on Christmas Day made his final profession; and Rev. Brothers D. S. Mills and W. A. M'Crossan, who will have that privilege on the 25th inst. Mr A. W. O’Reilly, 8.A., B.Sc., Dip. Ed., ex-pupil and member of the staff for four years, accepted at Easter an appointment as teacher in charge of the secondary department of Kurow District High School. While with us Mr O’Reilly proved a conscientious and successful form master, and took a lively interest in the literary societies. To him and to Messrs B, A. Quelch, LL.B., and W. M'Alevey, LL.B., both of whom have this year begun to practise law on their own account, we tender hearty congratulations. With these wo associate tho following ox-students who have had success in various faculties at tho University:—Board, B. D.; Cahill, T. V.; Hall, G. F.; Hall, J. J.; M'Carthy, J. A.; M'Laughlin, J. U.; Meade, W. J., 8.A.; Mooney, T. B.; Mowat, J. C.; Pledger, C. E. H.; Skinner, P. R. Finally, I desire to express my whole-hearted appreciation of tho members of the staff, to whoso loyal support and devotion to duty I attribute the efficiency of the school. Following the reading of the report the prizes were handed over by the bishop. PRIZE LIST.SCHOLASTIC.

Form Vl.a.—Christian doctrine, W. A. Cummings (Right Rev. Dr Whyte’s gold medal); dux of school, W. A. Cummings (Christian Brothers’_ Old Boys’ Association prize);' captain _ of school, W. A. Cummings (Christian Brothers’ High School gold medal); Latin, W. A. Cummings; English, J. A. Meade; French, W. A. Cummings, J. A. Meado (equal) ; history, W. A. Cummings; chemistry, J. R. King; mathematics, W. A. Cummings; additional mathematics, 0. R. B. Pringle. Form Vl.b.—Christian doctrine, J. B. Cull (Right Rev. Monsignor Delany’s prize) ; dux, C. J. Cummings; Latin, J. L. Hartstongo; English, J. L. Hartstonge; French, At. V. Ryan, C. D. Toomcy (equal) ; history, S. E. Alee; mathematics, T. .1. Aides; chemistry, R. .1. Wilkins; book-keeping, J. B. Cull; company law, R. J. Wilkins. Form V.—Christian doctrine, AT. D. APVcigh (Rev. Father Buckley’s prize); dux, W. T. Henaghan (Dr A. J. Hall’s gold medal) ; Latin, W. T. Henaghan; English, D. F. Ross; French, AI. J. Michael, .1. R: Roddcn (equal); history, AI. D. APVcigh, M. j. Alichacl (equal) ; arithmetic, J. D. Richardson; algebra, E. A. Byrne; geometry, W. T. Henaghan; chemistry, P. J. Wilson, J. S. Alalthus (equal). Form IA r .—Christian doctrine, J. E. Hartstongo (Rev. Father ’ Collins’s prize); dux, J. E. Keane, R. F. Hall (equal) ; Latin, .1. E. Ha rtstonge, .1. E. Kcano (equal) ; English, -I. N. O’Connell; English essays, B. G. Goughian; French, IT. P. Ives; history, J. N. O’Connell: arithmetic. T. E. Porter, R .1. Doughortv (equal) ; algebra, I. J. Bn rgess, R. L. AFAllen; geometry, R. F. Hall; public speaking, .1. N. O’Connell. Form TlT.—Christian doctrine, W. E. Anderson (Rev. Father J. Hally’s prize); dux, P. J. ADAlanus; prox. Ace., P. G. O’Dea ; Latin. J. A. Bacos; English, D. F. Creed; French, R. L. Vlietstra; history, E. R. Dawkins; arithmetic, .1. P. Wilson; algebra, AT. P. Lovell; geometry, At. A. O’Connell and C. R. Doherty (equal) 1; physics,

A. J. Quelch ; chemistry, S. L. Kavanagh; public speaking, P. J. M‘Manus. Form II. —Christian doctrine, G. M. Ryan; dux, K. F. Kerr; second, J. W. Fogarty; third, C. T. Holland; fourth, G. M. Ryan; fifth, R. E. Kelly; sixth, K. J. Johnston; seventh, F. J. Marlow; eighth, G. B. Casey. Form I.—Christian doctrine, A. J. Dc Courey; dux, R. M. Moylan; second, A. J. Do Courey; third, J. J. M'Carthy; fourth, J. T. Robertson; fifth, E. J. Dolan: sixth, D. N. Ryan; seventh, J. P. M'Alevey; eighth, H. U. Lawson. Standard IV.—Christian doctrine: N. T. Ruth; dux, J. H. Holmes; second, N. T. Ruth; third, O. J. Gavigan ; fourth, F. J. Lahood; fifth, L. G. Mulqueon; sixth, T. M. Collins; seventh, M. A. Collins; eighth, A. V. Nevin; ninth, R. J. .Blair. Standard ITT.—Christian doctrine, A. P. M'Alevoy; dux, O. J. Ryan; second, 13. P. Fitzgerald; third, T. J. Ryan; fourth. J. H. Dougherty; fifth, P. D. Shiels; sixth, H. J. Murrow; seventh, A. P. M'Alevey; eighth, W. R. Watts; ninth, R. J. Glen. SPECIAL PRIZES. Athena;urn Prizes (membership ticket for proficiency in English and history).—W. T. Henaghan, M. D. M'Veigh, J. S. Malthus, M. J. Michael, D. F. Ross. Public Speaking (Rev. Bro. Hughes’s cup).—J. L. Hartstonge 1, J. A. Meade 2, A. L. Manion 3 (Dunedin Hibernian S. and D. Club’s prize). Cross-country. —Dr Ross Cup: Senior, P. F. W. Porter (winner and fastest time). Junior, T. G. Wallace (winner and fastest time; prizes donated by St. Patrick’s Harrier Club). Cricket.—M. V. Ryan, J. F. Corcoran, M. P. Spillane (prizes donated by C.8.0.8.5’ Cricket Club). Tennis (Rev. Father Collins Cup).— Senior: B. W. O’Malley 1, J. F. Corcoran 2, J. A. Meade 3. Junior: G. F. Curran 1, D. F. Jenkins 2, J. M. O’Sullivan 3.

Football.—The following have been awarded honour caps :—Cummings, W. A. Henaghan, W. T.; M‘Allen, W. R. ; Maloney, H. T.; Manion, A. L.; Miles, T, J.; Moloney, D.A.; Percy, L, F.: Plank, B, E.; Rodgers, J. P.; Ryan, M. V., Spillane, M.P.; Tarleton, A. J.: Troy, W. F.; Wallace, AY. S. Wilkins, R. J. Marksmanship (Lady Godley Cups). —Senior: P. F. W. Porter. Junior: J. E. Hartstongo. Athletics. —Dr A, J. Hall Cup': B, E. Plank 1, W. S. Wallace 2, W. R. M'Allen 3. W. H. Cole Cup: J. P. Scanlan 1, F. J. Miles 2, J. N. O’Connell 3. J, B. Callan Cup: B. T. O’Mallley 1, D. J. Connor 2, E. J. Wallace 3. Methven’s Midget Cup: L. V, Roy 1, R. F. Do Courcy 2, F. O. Grass 3, Swimming.—W. T. Henaghan Cup; J. D. O’Driscoll 1, W. R. M'Allen 2, B. W. O’Malley 3. J. M'Grath Cup: J. W. Barry 1, T, G. Wallace 2, J. N. O’Connell and D. F. Jenkins (equal) 3. J. N. Smith Cup: A. R. Kay 1, M. A. O’Connell 2, W. H, Dyson 3 T. J. Hussey Cup: L. C. Marshall 1, F. O. Grass 2, L. L. Woods and R, Johnston (equal) 3. Boxing.—W. S. Wallace (school champion, 0.8. A. Cup), 1; M. P. Spillane (second school championship) 2. E. J. George (best loser, Mr A. Goodman’s medal) 3, M. A. O’Connell (most scientific boxer, Mr J. Kilmartin’s medal) 4. ■ ADDRESSES TO THE SCHOOL. Bishop Whyte addressed the boys, and said tnat once more Bro. O’Connor had put into their hands an ■illuminating report on the work of the school. They could heartily congratulate Bro. O’Connor and his colleagues op the success of the year’s work. One ’ noted with pleasure' that the Catholic parents of the city were appreciating the value of secondary education. His Lordship urged those pupils leaving school to join in the activities of the various old boys’ societies. He placed before them the importance of being ui a society that took the pledge of loyalty to the flag of their country and also loyalty to their religion. He noted the inauguration of the Scout movement, and would look to see what would be the results. He thought there must be some great advantage to be derived from membership of the Scout movement, and they were determind to make it a triumphant success. The boys should bo grateful for the work the Brothers were doing. They had pledged their lives to the work, and the pupils should be grateful for what the Brothers were doing that they should become good Catholic men and good worthy citizens. (Applause). Ho congratulated the boys on their successes during the year, and he congratulated the Brothers that the boys had responded so well to their efforts. He trusted the boys and Brothers would have a very happy and bright Now Year. (Applause.) The Mayor (Mr R. S. Black) advised the boys to carry on the lessons they had learnt at school. They could not achieve success at running, boxing, or’swimming unless they trained hard after they had . learnt these things. They used the muscles of the body in these activities, and the Brothers had been teaching them to use “ the muscles of the mind.” Ho. stressed the fact that they should be loyal to their country, loyal to their church, and loyal to people around them, and said that they should cut out _ snobbishness. The man of most use in the world was the man who did something. They should work with pleasure, and remember that they themselves could derive joy from giving pleasure to other people. (Applause.) The Rev. Father Collins took the opportunity of tendering his congratulations to the Brothers and boys on the success of the year just closed. He was very pleased, as an old pupil of the school, that the school was still on the path of progress, progressing in numbers and in reputation. He congratulated the boys who were presented with prizes and cups, and sympathised with those who had not gained those honours, but he asked them not to be downhearted, and to remember that if they plodded along they would win through in the end. All the successes of the year 1932 could not have licen achieved without hard work, and the hardest workers were the Brothers themselves. Those who did not come into close contact with the school had little idea of the strenuous year the 'Brothers had, and ho desired, on liehalf of the priests, to thank them for what they had done for the boys and for their co-operation. In conclusion, he said that the Christian Brothers’ School had formed its own traditions during the past fifty-six or fifty-seven years, and bo congratulated the boys on tho fact that they were carrying on those traditions. (Aplausc.) Mr T. Pound expressed his appreciation of the great work that had been done by Bro. O’Connor as principal of tho school. Never at any time had tho tone of tho school been .so high, and he thought that this was duo to Bro O'Connor. (Aplausc.) Tho school had never boon more successful than it was under Bro. O’Connor. He had gone from one success to another. (Applause.) Bro. Magee (a former principal of the school) and Air J. ,). Alarlow also spoke briefly, and proceedings terminated with a rousing, haka by tho boys in honour of the dux of the school (W. A. Cummings),