ONEHUNGA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 215, 8 June 1877, Page 15

ONEHUNGA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.

From the N. Z. Herald.

The annual examination and exhibition at the Onehunga. Catholic Schools opened in the Boys' School on Wednesday, the 2nd May, by a searching examination of the boys, in the presence of the Eev. Father Fynes, V G., the Rev. Father Paul, Mr. J. Sullivan, and a number of the parents and friends of the pupils. The day was very fine, and the boys seemed overflowing with health and spirits. It was known that a gold watch presented by Mr. Sullivan, three valuable prizes given by Mr. James Mclntyre, and a gold pen and penholder from Mr. Tole, were to be competed for. To win the gold watch, a boy must take first place in the school for two consecutive years, and the first engagement for it was just about to be fought. Mr. Mclntyre's gifts were to be awarded to the three boys who took first place in reading and writing in their respective classes. The expected disposal of these prizes, in addition to those usually allotted to the school, created more than ordinary excitement among the scholars, and the master, to secure an impartial distribution, called in external aid. Mr Cronin, of Obahuhu, a trained teacher from home, was accordingly invited to attend, and take part; in the examinations. This gentleman examined the senior class in arithmetic, geometry, and algebra, and expressed himself well pleased with the result. Mr. Honan examined the junior classes, and they showed great expertness and intelligence in answering. The writing was then exhibited, and the books were carefully written and in good condition. In this branch there was a close contest between Joseph Cullen and James Leahy. The exercise hooks were next handed round for inspection, and were very good, containing original letters, exercises in parsing, maps neatly drawn, sums carefully worked, specimens of book-keeping, and invitations. There were various recitations, but "The Old Clock on the Stairs," by J. Leahy, and " The Charge of the Light Brigade/ by J. Cullen, were the be»t. One of the pupils here stepped forward and read, with a clear voice and correct expression, an address: — "To the Rev. Father Paul, Catholic Pastor and Manager of the Onehunga Catholic Schools. * * * " The Eev, Father Paul, who seemed to have been taken very much by surprise at this spontaneous expression of thanks, replied in a few wellchosen atid appropriate words. Then the distribution of prizes commenced, the watch being taken by J. Leahy for the present year, and to be held hy him till the next year, when, if won again, it becomes his property. Mr. Mclntyre's chief prize fell to J. Cullen, and his second to R. Lundon. F. Cullen carried off the gold pen presented by Mr. Tole. All the other pupils got something in the order of their merit, and all seemed happy and contented. The Rev. Father Fynes expressed himself higjhly pleased with the result of the day's proceedings. He complimented the pupils on then* correct answering j the good pastor, the Rev. Father Paul, on his successful efforts in the cause of education, and the master on the efficient state of his school. Three cheers from the boys, at the request of the rev. speaker, for those good benefactors who had presented prizes to the school, brought the day's proceedings to a close. THE CONVENT SCHOOLS. The following day (the 3rd May) was appointed for the examination of the young ladies attending these favourite schools in their various lessons, and for the exhibition of those Mgh attainments in music, drawing, fancy work, and singing — accomplishments which are so successfully cultivated by the good Sisters, and which form an attractive feature in the educational course of their schools. The day was propitious, and a great number of parents and visitors, including a good many ladies and gentlemen from Auckland, were present. The fine spacious hall in which the exhibition took place was well filled, and when the young lady pupils marched in at the appointed hour, dressed in white and blue, they looked remarkably well, and the visitors were at once impressed with the superior merits of the system of teaching which produced such happy effects on their health, spirits, and conduct.