THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS, ONE HUNGA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 4900, 31 July 1877, Page 6

THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS, ONE HUNGA.

On July 26 the pupils of the above schools made some handsome presentations to tlio Rev. Father Paul. The day being the anniversary of his birth was fixed on by the school children as a favourable opportnnity for giving expression to the feelings of affectionate gratitude which they all entertain towards him. There was great rivalry among the throe schools--St. Joseph'.?, the Select, 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, aud tho children, after enjoying plonty of play aud refreshments, marched under their teachers into the large exhibition hall, where the ceremony was to take place. After all hsd taken their places, tho young ladies of the Select School played some pieces of music, and then tho presentations were made in the following order:—Two boys came forward, aud bowing to the rev. gentleman who was sitting in front, pro sented, on behalf of the Boys' School, a blotter inlaid with mothcr-o'-pearl, and a magic ink-bofctle. Then two yountr ladies representing St. Joseph's, presented a very beautiful writing-desk, the grift of their school, accompanied with an address, which was well read. Next four young ladies came to tho front, and after reading i».n appropriate a<ldrc3s, presented in a very graceful manner a splendid fern-album—the gift of the Select .rchool. But 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, and each in turn presented a flower with a wish attached. The wishes and sentiments were varied and original, and .-.• they were repeated some of them pro"oked a little merriment—especially, " May you live to the nge of Mcthusalem," by ;i little brightfaced child, and "May the :>■ igels take you up to Heaven " by another interesting-look-ing little girl, the rev. gentleman then thanked the children for their presents, and for the kind sentiments and wishea they had given expression t'i. T'hu w1i01 ,, . prooiicliiig was very interesting. Tlic remainder of the'evening up to half pa:it eight o'clock was spent very pleasantly, whon all dispersed for home ii: high glee.