A ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL AT COROMANTEL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10426, 26 April 1897, Page 6

A ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL AT COROMANTEL.

BISHOP LEXIHAN ON RELIGIOUS

EDUCATION. j [FROM our OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Coromandhl, Saturday. For some time past the schoolrooms at the Convent School here have proved altogether inadequate for the increased number of pupils attending, with every prospect of a continued influx of new scholars. It was therefore doomed wise that a school hall should bo erected on the Convent school grounds. This would supplement the spaco for school purposes, as well as afford a spacious hall for Church nodal purposes. On the occasion of the opening it was decided to celebrate tho same by a social ; a special invitation being sent to the Right Rev, Dr. Lenihan and the clergy of the Diocese of Auckland, His Lordship consecrated tho bnildinjr, which was christnnod St. George's Hall. In the course of his address during the ovening he made somo very pertinent remarks on the education question. He had no word to say against tho Government system; bub he with many others maintained that something more was wanted than bare secular instruction. He considered that the children should be trained to a knowledge of our Creator and Redeemer. It had been said that this work should be left to the Sunday-schools, but what could be learned during the short afternoon losson one day in the week ? As well expect, he said, a pianist to become proficient with ono practice of half an hour a week. Children who novor hear the name of God cannot learn much about Him, Thus there were growing up around them thousands without the restraining, ennobling influences of religion. The Roman Catholic Church was determined, so far as it lay in its power, to do its part in filling this great want in the public educational system. Their teachers for tho most part had consecrated their lives to the work, and with the help of God they would persevere, The present occasion marked another step in advance. He must congratulate Father Egan and the members of the Coromandel congregation on the zeal and judgment they had displayed in the erection of the ornate and roomy building in which they were met to commemorate the opening. He felt sure the building would be speedily filled by pupils. The object of their system was to bring up the young people in the fear of the Lord, in fact, as upright, honest citizens. His Lordship also thanked all who had assisted in making the social a success, and congratulated tho teachers on the excellent performance given by the pupils under their charge. During the evening the school children gave the first part of the programme, consisting of choruses, solos, pianoforte pieces, also a violin solo given most excellently by one of the boy pupils. The young folk justly deserved the hearty applause which greeted their efforts. The second portion of the concert consisted of items by various old Coromandel favourites. Mrs. Swindley gave some old-time gems on the piano, Irish airs. Miss Mc Arthur a song, " To the Woods;" Mr. Trudgeon, "Tho Hansom Cab;" Mrs, McGuire, "Aileen Alannah." The gem of the evening was a duet by Miss McCormick and Mr. Hackett, "Life's Dream is O'er."

Special thanks were accorded to the Hauraki Band for assistance during the evening.