THE MARIST BROTHERS' SCHOOL, NAPIER.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIII, Issue 36, 1 January 1886, Page 19

THE MARIST BROTHERS' SCHOOL, NAPIER.

On the occasion of the annual distribution of prices at the Marist Brothers' school, there was a very large attendance of the parents and friends of the children attending the school. The school-house in Shakespeare road was uncomfortably cntmmed, every available space of standing room being occupied. The children in attendance most have numbered over four hundred, and were all neatly dressed, while they behaved themselves in a very creditable manner, and appeared thoroughly happy and delighted with the proceedings. The programme was opened by Miss Browne, who gave a very creditable solo on the pianoforte, after which the children sang " God Bless the Pope " in a very hearty manner. A lad, apparently about fourteen years of age, Master T. Grace, gave a capital recitation, " Caoch O'Leary," after which one of the pupils, on behalf of those attending the school, presented Father Grogan with a very handsomely illuminated address. The work on the address is a unique specimen of the art of illuminating. The handsome border forms the letter G. (Father Grogan's initial). We have never seen a better piece of artistic work than that exhibited on this address. Master H. Curran read it in a clear, distinct tone as follows : " Address to Bey. Father M. Grogan, S.M. " Dear Bey. Father,— ln the glow of this glad day's rejoicing when you come to crown the labours of the closing year, we feel privileged in being allowed to give expression to the sentiments of reverence and affection we entertain for the devoted pastor to whose faithful keeping our heavenly Father has committed us. " We are deeply grateful for the untiring interest you have ever taken in ns, and highly appreciate your own genuine devotedness in the cause of religion and education, aB well as the earnest efforts you have manifested in fostering and developing the works of zeal begun in our midst by your venerated predecessor, the late Very Bey. Father Forest, and we gratefully rejoice to see all around us, luxuriant evidence of labour, pure and unselfish. " We feel we cannot better testify our gratitude to you than by renewed efforts to walk in the light shed upon our path by the brilliant eloquence in which you convey to us heaven's message of mercy and love. "In conclusion, dear Bey. Father, we wish you abundant blessings from the heart of our Infant Saviour, and trust the future will unfold to us many, very many years of your pastoral care and fatherly affection. We are, dear Bey. Father, your devoted children, '• The Pupils of thb Marist Brothers. " Napier, Dec, 1885. The rev. gentleman received the address in a fitting manner amid much applause, and replied at some length in well-chosen terms. He referred to the gratification it afforded him to see the children appreciating the efforts of their teachers and profiting by them, and he hoped the teachers and children would always value their schools. He further referred to the terms of the address, and paid several graceful tributes to the memory of the late Father Forest. He felt pleased to say that the children attending the school were good children, and good children to a certain extent were the result o f good parents, and he hoped the good people would continue to value their schools. Miss Milly Lee then followed with a nicely rendered selection on the piano, after which the following pupils gave the " Trial Scene " from the Merchant of Venice : -Shylock was represented by Master J. J. Smith, who certainly showed considerable ability, and obtained well-merited applause. Ai the Duke of Venice, Master J. J. Henn was also very good, speaking with much clearnesss and fair intonation, while Master C. Mandel was very effective as Portia. In the wellknown lines commencing, " The quality of mercy is not strained," he was a little hurried, but on the whole it was a very creditable rendition for so young a lad. The Antonio of Master Barry also was creditable ; he spoke out well, while Master Grace as Gratiano was very good in the little he had to do, and his brother effective as Bassamo. Masters Gorman and G. Potts were also fairly good as Nenssa and Solanio respectively. All the boys were commendably letter peifect, and entered into their task with thorough heartiness. At the conclusion, when tbe applauso had ceased, an address was presented to Father Kickham by the pupils. It was stated to be the work of Bro. Joseph, and did his artistic ability much credit ; a silver chalice also accompanying the address and a stand for it. These were handed up by diminutive youngsters, one little O'Grady, the other's name not transpiring, but tbe former managed quite a courtier-like bow on making the presentation of the cup. Father Kickham replied with considerable feeling, and referred to the pleasure it gave him to Bee parents and children appreciating the work of the good Brothers and Bisters. He would also more value the address beyond its intrinsic value as a souvenir of Brother Joseph's skill. He also referred to his work in establishing the first branch among the New Zealand lads of the Catholic Total Abstinence Society, which society he hoped would have many branches in the C»lony ere long. To the donors of the handsome cup he would only say that he would always valne their gift, and the first time he used it would be on the occasion of offering up holy Mass for the givers. A song by the children then followed, entitled " A Nation once again," that should send a glow through every Irishman's heart. Miss Henn next gave a selection on the piano in good style, after which Masters Mandel and Curran g *^ e i,*"* 118 ' ****? •ztnwt" from the speeches of Messrs. Grartan and Flood m the House of Commons. Both lads were very good, more especially Mandel, who brought down the house. The important business of handing out the prues was then proceeded with, Fathers Grogan and Kickham making the presentations. The following is the prize list :— Sixth Standard.— Good conduct, A. P. Gorman, J. Hall, W. Cunningham. Catechism, J. 3. Barry, T. Grace, W. Cunningham. Reading, H. Curran, J. Grace and C. Mandel. Writing, A. Gorman, J. Hall, andCunningham. Arithmetic, C. Mandel, A. Gorman, and Curran. Mensuration, O. Mandel, Hall, and T. Grace. Irish

History, H. Carran, 0. MandeL English History, A. Gorman, T. Grace, H. Carran. Attendance, W. Conniagham. Spelling, O. Mandel, J. Grate, Cnrran. General Improvement, Gorman, T. Grace, J. Grace. Fifth Standard.— Conduct, P. Holder, J. CBeilly, G. Potts. Beading, G. Potts, P. Malcon, B. Clareburt. Writing, T. Barry, J. Madden, G. Potts. Arithmetic, H. Gorman, Madden. Grammar, J. J. Barry, J. O'Reilly, J. Pearoy. History, G. Potts, J. O'Reilly, Pearcy. Geography, J. J. Barry, J. Madden. Spelling, J. Madden. E. OHanlon. . Fourth Standard.— Conduct, S. Mahoney, P. O'Borke, J. Brophy. Catechism, S. Mahoney, J. Brophy, Campbell Reading, P. Malcolm, 'Clareburt. Writing, P. Cunnigham, Mahoney. Arithmetic, 8. Mahoney, P. O'Ronrke,T. Barry. Grammar, Cunningham, Mahoney. Geography, J. Brophy, Mahoney, Cunningham. History, Brophy, Mahoney, Cunningham. Spelling, D. Moroney, Campbell. At the conclusion, after the children had given the song " Let Erin Remember," Father Beignier, of Meanee, in a few words expressed his feelings and regretted that he was too old to do much ; his remarks were received with every satisfaction. Father Grogan then gave a parting address — he thanked the parents for their attendance, and all who assisted to make the evening pleasant, and he thanked the teachers and the children for making the schools so creditable. The rev. gentleman then proceeded to point out to Catholics the benefits of their schools, which he contended gave a more thorough education than any other, and it was his pride to point to the work done by the Marist Brothers' school in Napier as evidence of its efficiency. He urged parents to value and Bupport the Catholio schools, and concluded by wishing all present good night.