SCHOOLS OF THE SISTERS OF MERCY, PONSONBY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8926, 15 December 1887, Page 6

SCHOOLS OF THE SISTERS OF MERCY, PONSONBY.

Thb annual distribution of prizes in connection with the sohools of the Sisters of Mercy, Ponsonby, took place yesterday afternoon. A goodly number of the parents and friends of the pupils were present, though the attendance was not so large as on previous occasions of this character. Amongst those present were His Lordship Bishop Luck, Kev. Dr. Egan, Very Rev. Dean Leonard (who arrived from Sydney yesterday morning), and Rev. Fathers Leniban, Ttiomas, Gillau, and M. Egan. The Sisters of M ercy were present, and supervised the day's proceedings. The prizes were distributed first to the pupils of St. Joseph's School, and as the Bishop and visitors entered the schoolroom, the children, who were assembled on the platform at the northern end of the building, sang the hymn, "The Immaoulate Conception," and at its conclusion they rendered in chorus, " The Harp That Once Through Tara's Halls." An address of welcome having been delivered by Misß Lizzie Sobers, recitations were given by the children, and the prizes were then distributed by the Bishop as follows :—

Fourth Standard : Misses Lizzie Sobers, Lilly Arthur, M. O'Meara, Martha Harkin. Third standard ; Misses Mary Jane Francis, Bridget Tuohey, iCci.moline Edwards, Francis Swindley, Annie O'Meara, Kosle White. second standard : Misses Ellen Flynn, Ellen Edwards, Florence Sobers. Annie tlooney, Margaret Fo.t, Sarah McVeagb, Margaret Rathoone, Margaret Uofinoclt, Ann Gibbs, An. io Gillie*, Mar.aret MoCormick, Mary iiathbone, Mary Jtigan, Edith Fox.

Bishop Luck having distributed the prizes, he Addressed a few words to the children, wishing them a happy holiday; and the pupils then sang the chorus, "God Bless the Friends We Love." The visitors then proceeded to St. Mary's Hall, where the pupils of the select school were assembled. A platform at the southern «nd of the room was tastefully draped with lace curtains and hangings, and prominently displayed was the motto, "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam," and the inscriptions, "A Merry Christmas," and " A Happy New Yearwhilst ths walls were adorned with pictures, several of which were the work of young ladies attending the school, including a Swiss* scene, "Lake Thun," by Miss O'Driscoll; "Old Tower, near Chester,"Miiß Hackett; and "Bridge at Lucerne," Miss Brophy. Mantel drapes, toilet bags, mats, slippers, aprons, etc., also the work of the pupils, were on exhibition. An excellent programme was opened with a duet, three pianos, " Prince Edward's March" played with considerable taste and skill by Misses L. White, Dervan, L. Haven, Courtney, Whitsted, and Allanach; Miss M. Lanigau delivered a brief address, thanking Bishop Luck and the visitors for their attendance, and the remainder of the programme was proceeded with as follows Chorus, " The Mermaidsrecitations by pupils, "My Native Land," "The Arab'i Farewell/ "The African Chief," and "The Two Churchbuilders," whilst "The Spanish Champion" wan recited with charming taste by Miss Elsie Larkin,, a child of eight years, Miss Celestine Conway being also especially good in her recitation, " The Milkmaid selection, three pianos, "Caprice Espagnol ' 1 (Asher), Misses Brophy, Whit*, Willis, Lanigan, Whitsted, and O'Driscoll; song, " La Bouquetiere," Miss L. Thompson, very creditably rendered; instrumental selection, "Irish Diamonds,"Miss Willis; chorus, " The Sweet Wild Rose," Pianoforte selections were also contributed by Misses OVullivan, Brophy, Gallagher, White, McCabe, and Stead. Bishop Luck distributed the prizes as follows :—

Sink Standard: Misses Mary O'Driscoll, histary ; C. ILiokett, Arithmetic ; Annie Brophy, geography. rath Standard : Miss Florence Wnitsted, arithmetic; cecilia Allanacb, history; Mary bloana, geography ; Angelina White, grammar: Gertrude Urarati, dictation. • Fourth Standard : Miss Delia Dervan, recitation; Henrietta McCabe, religious knowledge ; Hand Larkin, Mar/ ..stead, grammar: Lily Sparrow, Margaret Lanigan, arithmetic ; Mary Morgan, reading ; Edith Simpson, spelling ; Catherine Hamni; writing. Third Standard : Miss Klsa Urktn, Florence Molloy, geography ; Mary Courtney, recitation ; Laura Haven, history ; Marion Lewittun, ari hmetic ; Lily Thomson, spelling ; Frances Hamlll, grammar ; Mary Bice, writing ; Maud Nolan, history; L«na Watson, regular attendance.

Second standard : Misses Margaret Nolan, grammar ; May Ralph, arithmetic ; May Stanford, reading ; Nettie liraratt, writing ; Annie Courtney, arithmetic. First Standard,: Miss Margaret Gallagher, spelling; Agnes Kuthven, recitation ; Celestine Conway, reading ; May Lanigan, grammar ; Daisy Stead, arithmetre.

A number of young boya are attending the school, and of these the following obtained prizes: —

Herbert Larkin, Bertie Haven, Horace Jones, Mi« chael I'erran. Henry vfoolUms, Eugene i) err an, Fierce Lanigan, and Arthur Uravatt.

Honourable mention was obtained by the following young ladies : —

Mines Allanach, Courtney, and Haven, music; Misses Brophy, O'DriscoU. and Allanaoh,fancy work ; Misses O Driscoll and Whltsted, French ; Misses oloane and Courtney, water colours ; Miss Courtney, wax flowers. '' At the close of the distribution of prizes, the chorus " Preoiosa " was rendered by the pupila, and the proceedings terminated with the singing of " God Save the Queen."