CONVENT SCHOOLS, ONEHUNGA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 264, 24 May 1878, Page 9

CONVENT SCHOOLS, ONEHUNGA.

(2T.Z. Herald. May 9th.) The annual examination of the Roman Catholic schools at Onehunga has been in progress during the last two days, and the interest manifested by the inhabitants, shewn by the large attendances of parents and friends on each occasion, must have been excessively gratifying to the Rev. Father Paul and to those interested in the progress of this branch of education. The grounds surrounding the church and convent are planted with choice trees, and contain flower-plats, &c. The paths are in excellent order. In fact, it is a perfect pleasure ground, evincing cultivated taste and constant attention, and the surroundings, as well as the buildings, reflect credit on Father Paul, the pastor, who has been in charge of the parish for the last twenty years. J

The examinations were commenced on Tuesday morning with the boys' school, which is under the charge of Mr. Honau. There are fifty boys attending this school, and in order to meet requirements, an assistant teacher has been appointed. At the examination, the Very Rev. Father Fynes presided ; and there were also present the Rev. Fathers Macdonald, O'Hara, and Paul, besides a very large number of friends of the pupils. They were examined on subjects of Christian doctrine, geography, grammar, arithmetic, &c, and specimens of their writing were exhibited. Recitations and readings were given by the scholars, and all present seemed to be pleased with their proficiency. A presentation of prizes followed. Every pupil received a prize in order of merit. The examination of the St. Joseph's Girls School, which is conducted by the Sisters' of Mercy, fpllowcd in the exhibition hall, a large building erected in front of the old school-room. (This school las an attendance of 60 pupils.) The examinations of the various classes, which were interspersed by vocal and instrumental music, were very satisfactory, and a distribution of prizes, in which each pupil participated, followed. The pupils were neatly dressed, and the general effect was not only interesting but ! picturesque. The rev. chairman highly complimented the pupils oa tne manner in which they had acquitted themselves. The examination was resumed yesterday in the Select Softool. The same clergymen were present. The number of pupils attending the school is 35 of all denominations. The exhibition hall was decorated with paintings, needle and crochet-work, and other useful and ornamental materials, the work of the pupils, and the paintings especially were of a high order of merit. At this examination there were numerous visitors from Auckland present, including Mr, J. A. Tole, M.H.R., Mr. D. A. Tole, and otheis. The pupils exhibited a marked degree of intelligence in the ordinary courses of education — history, arithmetic, geognphy, grammar, &c, — but in the higher scientific branches they showed a proficiency which was remarkable. i One course in which the pupils have paid careful attention to the advice of their instructors" is scientific knowledge.' The subjects of electricity and telegraphy have received careful attention, the instructor being the Rev. Father Paul. The rev. pastor has, at his 6wn charge, provided a complete electrical machine and a full telegraphic apparatus. The examination, yesterday, was illustrated by a description of the various parts of those machines, and, at the close, about half-a-dozen of the pupils exhibited their proficiency by reading messages by sound transmitted by an Auckland operator. At the examination a drama was performed by the more advanced scholars. The care and art evinced in make-up and dress were highly 'creditable, and the elocution was by no means faulty. The intervals were filled up by musical selections. Sojic of the six-handed performances — two pianos and a harmonium — were really excellent, So also were the songs and solos. The prizes contributed by Mr. J. A. Tole included two handsome silver crosses and an illustrated edition of Moore's poems. Mr. Mclntyre gave prizes to the value of £2 ss. and the Mayor to the value of £1, with the promise of increased prizes for next examination. The rev. chairman gave an encouraging address to the pupils, making special reference to the incessant labours of Father Paul, and distributed the prizes as follows :—: — Fikst Class. — Miss Dickey, Ist prize, conduct and composition ; Miss Donovan, 2nd prize, catechism ; Miss McMahon, work ; Miss Williams, general improvement : Miss Shaldrick, writing ; Miss Broadfoot, geography ; Miss Bolen, parsing ; Sfiss Honan, mental arithmetic ; Miss White, biography ; Bliss Dalv, history ; Miss Moran, mechanics. Second Class.— Miss Mulkcre. music ; Miss A. Mulkere, arithmetic ; Miss Worsp, grammar : Miss F. Dickey, tables ; Mies J. Worsp, general improvement ; Miss Berry, English history ; Miss C. Berry, Christian Brothers' geography ; Miss Keahan, .arithmetic ; Miss Cullen, regular attendance ; Miss Keane, reading ; Miss Gall, obedience ; Miss M. Moran, spelling; Miss Hutchinson, encouragement. Third Class. — Miss Hand, general improvement ; Miss" Piccard, neatness ; Miss O'Brien, encouragement ; Miss Pittar, neatness; Miss E. Pittar, obedience. The first prize for telegraphy, a handsomely bound encycl,opnedia^ of science, was presented to Miss Dickey ; and the second, Moore's poetical works, to Miss Williams. In regard to the electrical telegraphic instruments used, they are all of New Zealand workmanship, and are very efficient.