THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS, ONEHUNGA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 4899, 30 July 1877, Page 2

THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS, ONEHUNGA.

On Thursday the pupih of the above schools made some handsome presentations to the Uev. Father Paul. The day being the anniversary of Hie birth ms tixed on by tho school children as a favourable opportunity for giving expression to the feelings of affectionate gratitude which they all entertain towards him. There was great rivalrv among the three .schools--St. Joseph's, the Solect, and the Boys'—as to which would have the best gift and neatest address to present on the interesting occasion. In the afternoon of Thursday, a half-holiday was given, and the children, after enjoying plenrv of play and refreshments, marched under their teachers into the large exhibition hall, where the ceremony was to take place. After all had taken their place?, theyoung ladies of the Select School played some pieces of music, and then the presentation* were made in the following order:—Two boys came forward, and bowing to the rev. gentleman who was sitting in front, pre sented, on behalf of the Boys' School, a blotter inlaid with mother-o'-pearl, and a ; magic iuk-bortle. Th°n two young ladies representing St, Joseph's, presented a very | beautiful writing-desk, the grift of their school, accompanied with an address, which was well read. Xext four young ladies came to. the front, aud after reading an appropriate address, presented in a verv graceful manner a splendid fern-alburn —th' l gift of the Select -c'iool. Rut the most interesting feature of the whole proceedings was the presentation of flowers. Here all the pupils of the Select School formed into a semicircle in the open space in front, aud each in turn presented a flower with a wish attached. The wishes and sentiments were varied and original, and as they repeated some of them provoked a little merriment—especially, 44 May 3-ou live to the age. of Methusalem," by a little brightfaced child, and "May the angels take you up to Heaven"' by another interesting-look-ing little girl. Tho rev. gentleman then thanked the children for their presents, and for the kii:d sentiments and "wishes they had given expression to. The whole pro"was very interesting. The remainder of the evening up to half past eight o'clock was spent very pleasftutly, when all dispersed for home in high glee.