Sacred Heart School.

Hastings Standard, Issue 508, 22 December 1897, Page 3

Sacred Heart School.

A SUCCESSFUL ENTERTAINMENT.

It is »i note-worthy fact th \i all entertainments promoted by our Catholic friends arc of a high class, and invariably prove successful, and the one held last evening in connection with the ILmiisss Sacred Heart School proved no exception to the rule. The scnoolhouse was packed to overflowing, the seating accommodation being altogether inadequate. The entertainment opened with an instrumental quartette by the Misses Shatkv, O'Reilly, Church and Shanly, for which they received well-merited applause. A chorus, " Sweet "Wild Rose," by the senior boys and girls, was a very pleasing item, which would have done credit to any body of adult singer*. The children's voices blended splendidly, and the enunciation was capital. The club swinging exercise by two little maidens (Ivy Cribb and Kate Quinhvan) was a revelation, the pretty evolutions being executed with wonderful precision. Another chorus, entitled " A Wonderful Musician," was nicely sung by six of the senior boys, and revealed the doings of a gentleman who could play a list of instruments which would reach from Hastings to Wellington, lie died. An instrumental item, ''lrish Diamonds," No. 6., was well executed by Miss Doherty, and Master Gregory Lee followed with a capital recitation, " A Leap for Life." Every word was spoken with distinctness, and the little fellow was loudly applauded for his effort. Miss Doherty's solo, " I remember tliy voice," was well received. The singer was rather nervous, however, and was heard to better advantage in the song and chorus items. The dumb-bell inarch and drill by the junior girls was undoubtedly the best item of the evening. The even and regular march of the children, with eyes front and heads erect, and the manner in which they marched into innumbcrable positions, was certainly a worthy object lesson for the Hastings Volunteer corps. The pretty exercises with the dumb-bells added to the effect of the scene, which was a typical fairy one, and the applause which greeted the performers was loud and prolonged. The song and chorus, " Murmuring Sea,'' pleased the audience immensely, the part singing of Miss Theresa Yiekers being much admired. The floral greeting," in which a number of school girls took part, was an item in good taste. The humorous element was introduced by Miss Nellie I'oppelwell, quite a little dot, with the recitation '• Slightly Mixed," and we have no doubt the grocer had considerable difficulty in dispensing the order given. An action song, " We are Joiners," brought forth about a score of smiling boys and buxom lasses, the dress of the former reminding one of bakers' assistants, whilst the latter in their summer dresses with flowing sashes appeared to bo all prepared for the Boxing Day festivities. They received much applause for their sweet singing. Other instrumental items were a quartette, " Orazione," by the Misses J. Turves, Doherty, G. Moroncy, and Church, and ''lrish Diamonds," No. 2., by Miss Doherty. The accompaniments were played by Miss Rose Lee, whilst Miss Annie Sell teller acted as interlocutor.

The second part of the psogrammo took the form of a farce, entitled Tha birthplace of Podgers." Space will not permit of a detailed account of its eccentricities, suffice to say that it caused 110 end of amusement. Characters were taken by the Misses Lily Yickers, Mand Shanly, Jessie Purves, G. Moroney, A. Doherty, and C. Church, and Masters Breen, Lee, Kelly, Parker, and Brausehe. Love, photography, forcible ejections, pugilistic encounters, and roast fowl were in conglomeration, and the birthplace of Podgers " has not as yet been definitely located. It would be unfair to individualise, but we must confess that we admired the style in which Tom Cranky, " the working man," disposed of the roast fowl. The concert was in every way enjoyable, and the promoters must be more than pleased with its splendid success.

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES

At the conclusion of the entertainment, the presentation of prizes took place. The Hev. Father Smythe, in a few introductory remarks, referred to the work done by the school during the past year. A percentage of 9-3 of passes had been obtained under an Inspector approved by the Government, and this, all would admit, was extremely creditable. Many difficulties presented themselves in the conduct of the school, but the practical support of their friends had been spontaneous, for which he now desired to return his heartfelt thanks. He had much pleasure in calling upon His Worship the Mayor (Mr C. A. Fitzßoy) to present the prizes. Mr Fitzßoy said it was indeed a pleasure to him to be called upon to make the presentations. From the reports read they would see that the work done at the school compared very favourably with that of the best schools in the colony, and reflected the utmost credit upon the teaching staff. To pupils who had not b,een successful in securing prizes, he would say, do not be discouraged, but enter upon the New Year with the determination to be among the successful ones on the next occasion. They were now entering upon the festive season, and he wished all present a Merry Christinas and Prosperous New Year.

The prize list is as follows : Special Prizes.

Christian Doctrine (presented in memory of the late Eddie Cullen by his parents) first division, Lily Tickers and Andrew Cassin; second division, Lily Stack third division, John Heeney ; fourth division, May Conway ; fifth division, George Portas. Highest marks in all subjects, (silver medals presented by Mr McCorkindale) ; awarded to John Heeney and Annie Schteffer; regular attendance, Adelia Doherty, Jessie Purves, Agnes Reams, Aillen Shaw, Willie Stack ; discipline, Annie Lynn ; amiability, Lucy Ellesley ; vocal music, Adelia Doherty ; instrumental music, Adelia Doherty ; fancy work, Josephine Stack ; plain sewing, Eileen Shaw. (The last four prizes were presented by Mr O'Bourke, of Otaki.) C'i vss Prizes. Standard T " Jessie Purves, Andrew Cassin. Standard Y. : Ist, Genevieve Maroney, 2nd, Julia McCarthy; Gregory Lee. Standard IV. : Minnie Breen, John Maggiu. (Presented by Mi-s Hurley, of Otaki).

Standard 111. : Annie Scbceffer, Francis Doherty, John Heeney, Clifford Church. Standard II.: Maggy Hickey, Whilhelrnena Allison, Verlie Tasker, Michael O'Brien, Thomas Heeney. Standard I. : Ruby Shattky, Annie Diamond, Nellie Musgrave, JohnDownes, Frank O'Reilly, Harry Harker.