PUKEKOHE WEST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 5016, 13 December 1877, Page 3

PUKEKOHE WEST.

j An examination of tho Roman Catholic school of this district hm held yesterday. I ami passed off with much e.clal and to the J thorough satisfaction of all concerned. The j weather, though of a threatening asiK-ct. did ! not appear to have had any deterrent effect ; upon the villager* and their children, for ■ hotli adnlis and young people as-cmhled at [ the place of examination in large numbers. ! (hi the arrival of tho Very l- ; ov. Dr. Mac- ; donalcl anJ Father Walter Macdonald (the latter of whom came by train from Auckland}, they found the children gathered together at Sir. Hogan's residence, where the teacher, Mies MnJqueeny, dwells. A procession was at once formed, and, headed by a gentleman who discours.ed moat sweetly I several inspiriting tunes on the violin, marched ofl" to tho schoolroom, which in due time was reached. The children carried neat and pretty bannerettes in their hands ; and this feature, taken into conjunction with their smiling facec, holiday dresses, and evident joy, made up a lout enf iithUpleasant and agreeable in the extreme. It may hero be stated that the building has recently been considerably enlarged, and now affords ample accommodation for the large number of pupils who receive instruction within its walls an average of 54 we believe, though there are 03 on the roll. The proceedings were commenced by the reading of two nicelyworded adresscs -one by Miss Kate Ivinneally. and the other by Master Joseph Kiuneally. They contained expressions of deep gratitude to Dr. Macdonald for his zeal aud devotedness in having established such an exi-elleut school. Reference was also made to the kindness of Father Walter Macdonald in coming from Auckland to assist at the day's proceedings, and also to the care which Miss Mulqueeny had invariably taken in their (the pupils } education. The following were the subjects in which the children were then examined by Father Walter and the teacher :—■Catechism, reading, spelling, arithmetic, geography, grammar, elocution, &e. In all of these brandies of study the youth:ul examinees exhibited a gratifying degree of proficiency. At intervals during the examination, selections of vocal and instrumental music were rendered with much acceptance by the pupils, the teachers and some kind friends, and especially Mrs. Miller. Dr. Macdonald took occasion to deliver a short address, expressive of the merits of the teacher, and the hearty cooperation which lie had received from the following members of his school committer :—Messrs. J. Hickey, M. Tobin, T. lloceui, and 'P. ICinneally. He also adverted ill terms of gratitude to the good Sisters of Mary, under whose careful tuition the teacher, Miss Mulqueeny had received her education. Father V\ alter also brielly add rested the assemblage, lie spoke of the pleasurable sensations he had experienced in listening to the accurate answering of the pupils, particularly iu that most necessary bratieh of instruction, the christian Doctrine. The whole concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. A number of suitable prizes were awarded to the most, deserving pupils. The remainder of the afternoon was given over to recreation, the most enjoyable part of which was the feast, prepared by the parents. A word of praise is duo to Mr. T. Kutler for the artistic manner in which he had decorated the schoolroom for tin: occasion. At 4.30 p.m. the children reformed in order of procession, aud marched to the railway-station, accompanied by the clergy and a goodly number of parents and friends. At the railway-station, cheers were given for Dr. Macdonald, Father Walter Macdonald, and the teacher.