ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC SCHOOL, NASEBY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume II, Issue 88, 2 January 1875, Page 9

ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC SCHOOL, NASEBY.

+♦ AN JrUAL EXAMINATION. The labors of this school for the past nine months, during which time it has been under Mr H. Sproule'a management, were brought to a very enjoyable close on Tuesday, 22nd ult., by the distribution of prizes, which were of a usef id and instructive nature, consisting of handsomely bound books, etc. 'We were glad to see that the prizes were so judiciously awarded, according to the respective merits of the pupils.The Rev. Father Eoyer, the president of the school, opened the proceedings by stating that, during the past week, the pupils underwent a very close examination upon the various subjects taught. He also stated that the final examination was concluded on Monday, 21st inst., in presence of many of the parents, and other friends; but regretted that, owing to the election, the number of visitors was not as numerous as probably would have been. The rev. gentlemen then read his report (which we append) upon the working of the school, and expressed great satisfaction at the result of Mr Sproule's labors. Mr de Lautour, M.P.C., having been requested to preside, and present the prizes, addressed the pupils in a few appropriate words, and particularly expressed the great pleasure it afforded him at being present on the occasion. After pointing out the great benefits afforded by a good common sense education, and the necessity for continued study, &c, referred particularly to the creditable specimens of writing, &c, displayed before him, which reflected the highest credit both on the teacher and on the taught. The writing of Misses Brooks, Donnelly, and Sproule were deservedly commended. The presentation of prizes was then proceeded with. The successful prize takers were called in succession, beginning •with the junior classes. The chairman, in a pleasing and encouraging manner, expressed his pleasure in handing them their awards. The radiant smiles that preceptibly crept with such ecstacy over the remarkably healthy, chubby-faced juveniles, as they watched the wished-for treasures, was quite amusing. The only objection to bookprizes, &c, is the difficulty and annoyance experienced in trying to please, not the children, but some of the parents. "We are however satisfied that there could be no reasonable cause to grumble in this instance. The prizes, we believe were, the voluntary gift of the rev. president — Father Royer, -whose indefatigable efforts in the cause of education are well known. After the distribution of prizes, Misses Catherine Millar, Elizabeth King, Mary Cogan, and Margaret Doorley, recited some very pretty pieces. We were much pleased with Miss Catherine Millar's rendering of Goldsmith's " Deserted Village." The teacher (Mr Sproifle) thanked Mr de Lautour for his attendance, and also reminded the children of their duties, &c, during the vacation.

Masters Brookes and Bleach, in true British style, summoned' the tarj'piercing hurrahs of their schoolfellows, and gave three hearty cheers as only boj9 can for their pastor, Father Royer and accorded a like ocmpliment for Mr de Lautour, ond. the other visitors present. After being liberally supplied with buns, &c, the children separated, all much pleased with the day's proceedings. The following is the rev. president's report : — BEPOBT.

The annual examination of the pupils attending the St. Patrick's

School was concluded on Tuesday. The scholars were put through exercises in all the leading subjects in which they have received instruction during the past nine months. In every, case the result was of the most satisfactory nature — the pupils snowing considerable advancement in the various branches of education ; but more especially in the Christian doctrine — reading, arithmetic, grammar, writing, history, and geogpraphy. The Catholic portion of the pupils have a very excellent knowledge of all the leading tenets of the Christian doctrine — reading, spelling, &c, being most satisfactory. In the mathematical department, viz., elements of algebra, euclid, square root, and mensuration, the senior pupils (both boys and girls) showed accuracy in their answers, and seem to hare a fair knowledge of the essential principles of this science. In grammar — parsing, construction and analysis of sentences — there was almost general correctness. The caligrapliy was of a very good description. In ancient and modern history, the pupils appeared to have a sound knowledge of what they evidently studied with care. Geography appeared to be a favored study, especially among the junior classes. As to the New Zealand geography, the children familiarly pronounced the Maori names of the various rivers, mountains, lakes and bays in a manner that would really astonish the greatest linguist in the Maori idioms, and were as much at home in physical, political, and mathematical knowledge of it as if they had been residents in the Colony since its foundation. The number of scholars on the roll is sixty ; the daily averge attendance is fifty-four. I cannot close this, my notice of the examination of St. Patrick's School, without expressing my entire satisfaction in witnessing the order and good management, united to the excellent proficiency, of the pupils. From what I have seen of Mr H. J. Sproule's capabilities as president of this school, I willingly on this occasion award to him my humble meed of praise. The school duties will be resumed on the 18th January, 1875. — I am, &c, ESIANTTEL ROYEB, ' Chronicle.' Catholic Pastor.