ENTERTAINMENT AT THE OAMARU CATHOLIC SCHOOL.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVIII, Issue 33, 10 December 1886, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENT AT THE OAMARU CATHOLIC SCHOOL.

At the conclusion of Bishop Moran's examination of the classes, a most pleasing and interesting entertainment was given by the pupils of the Dominican Convent school. As, through the medium of the local newspapers an announcement had been made that any ladies or gentlemen who felt sufficiently interested in the work of the school to desire to be present would receive a cordial welcome, is was no surprise to see a wellfilled auditorium. The large, light and commodious schoolroom had been prettily decorated for the occasion with wreaths and garlands of flowed. On the entrance of his Lordship, proceedings commenced by the singing of a " welcome " song, adapted from the popular glee " Let the Hills Resound "—A piano solo, " Irish Airs," by Master Harming was carefully rendered and followed by a chorus " Let Erin Remember " by the school children, after which Master Martin gave with good effect a piano solo " The Signal March "—Lilly Byrne's recitation " Somebody's Darling " was remarkably well done ; her enuciation being clear, and her demeanour simple and easy. The " Cuckoo " chorus by five girls and two boys was given with much sweetness and precision, and followed by a gracefully rendered piano solo by Miss Dooley. " Visions of Erin," a recitation, was given with much delicacy of feeling by four girls each of whom took up the theme in turn, imparting individuality to her undertaking, and each giving evidence of careful and conscientious training. Mary Maxwell, Lilly Byrne, Annie Power, and Ellie Donovan deserve much credit for their touching and careful rendering of this piece. " Come back to Erin " was well treated by the children, and Miss L. Hanning's piano solo, " The Meeting of the Waters " displayed a delicate and brilliant toucfc, combined with considerable executive power, and was a very enjoyable item. The recitation, " Waterloo," by Michael Power, was rendered with intelligence and spirit, and betokened thoughtful study. A selection from " Oberon " was played on the piano by Miss L. Richmond, with much elegance ; while the " Cat's Complaint " fairly carried the house by its novelty and comic situations. A word of special notice is fairly merited by Miss Nellie Martin, a tiny lady, who took the principle part in this amusing dialogue, and dis-played marked talent, eliciting bursts of laughter from the audience, and evoking a rouni of applause. The Misses Proctor gave a very exquisite rendering of the vocal duet " Sul Campo Delia Gloria," their voices blending in sweetest harmony, and their thorough appreciation of each other s powers making this item a real treat to listeners. The graceful ease with which this difficult duet was rendered spoke volumee for the careful training these ladies receive at the hands of the nuns. A duet was nicely played by Miss Richmond and her little sister, who came to accompany the piano with her violin. The last item on the programme, a \ ianof orte duet by Miss L. Harming and Master Harming was well received, and closed what had been a very successful entertainment. At the conclusion of the concert, the Bishop said he desired to convey to the pupils the p'easure they had given him and those who had been good enough to attend, by the excellence of their efforts to please. He felt satisfied at the result of the examination. There was an apparent improvement on the results of last year. The examination was a most satisfactory one, and if the comparative failures were few this year, he hoped they would be fewer next. To become proficient they must attend regularly, and give proper application to their lessons, as it was by this means they would gain knowledge. Tnere was no need to overtax their energies in doing this. He was pleased with their copies, not alone because the writing n them was nicely done, but also because they were free from blots and indicated a care and attention which promised well. Their conduct also had been good ; a fact that must have been gratifying to their parents and teachers. They had been well-behaved, but even this left room for becoming better. They must either be going forward, or going back ; there was no such thing ns stauding still. They should not be content with the knowledge already pained, but strive to acquire more. He might state the prizes would not be distributed that day but they would get them about Christmas time. He had come sooner this year than usual to examine the schools, but this was owing to many other engagements of a similar kind he had to attend to (Applause). Archdeacon Coleman, in a few wards, expressed the pleasure they had experienced at the Bishop's visit, and hoped when he came again he would still have reason to be pleased with the progress The ladies and gentlemen, who had formed a pleased and interested audience, now dispersed in groups about the schoolroom examining the specimens of work done by the scholars. This alone formed a most remarkable exhibition of skilful paintings in oils and water-colours ; crayon and pencil sketches ; studies in sepia; painted mirrors ; mantle drapes in arrasene ; cushions, aprons, and brackets in crewels ; bannerettes, pincushions, watch-pockets, and jewel cases in applique and raised bead- work ; and some handsome specimens of point, and Honiton lace. Among the more homely and useful pieces of work we noticed a white linen shirt, band sewn: under-clothing sewed knitted and crotcbeted; indeed, almost every variety of work was represented, giving unbounded practical evidence of iudu9try and patient perseverance on the part of both children and teachers. The copies and maps were much admired, and the book-keeping highly approved of. We cannot tresprass on your valuable space Jonercr" than to give a list of the principle exhibitors in what we may we)' t >i the " art " department, as the paintings and sketches were cvi y the work of those who have learned to love art, and who bnug to their aid intelligence, freedom of execution, delicacy of colouring, and singlehearted enthusiasm. Miss Dansey merits a first place for her efforts which consist of four landscapes in water-colours (amongst which we m»ke special mention of the " Terraces " ; 1 sepia painting " Dogs heads " ; 1 waterfall scene in oils ; 4 crayon studies ; 6 pencil sketches and 1 painted mirror.

Miss L, Harming received great praise for her large mirror painted with swans and water-lilies, which, though unfinished 1

attracted general attention, and was indeed a " piece de force " sne ftiso showen sepia paintings ; 1 crayon study ; 1 floral card, and a table beautifully painted in oils. Miss Richmond's work consisted of 4 pencil sketches ; i. crayon studies ; 2 sepia paintings (one of them " dogs heads ") 3 landscapes in water-colours, 1 mirror, and an exquisite table in oils, all of which reflect great credit on her. Miss P. Richmond shows two landscapes in oils ,and two in watercolours ; also one water-colour design, " The True Vine." The sketch, books of these young ladies were laid on the tables, and much pleasure was experienced in nothing the gradual progress of the youthfula rtists. We close this notice of a most successful school entertainment by calling attention to the remarbable skill displayed by some of the pupils in enlarging and reducing drawings and paintings. We were assured that the very accurate specimens on view were produced entirely by eye study, and without the aid of lines or proportionate scales of any kind whatever. We heartily congratulate the Nuns on. the highly efficient staje of the schools, and the parents and scholars of Oamara on having such skilful, patient, and energetic teachers as the Dominican Nuns. The works on view, whilst showing the diligence and taste of the children, give ample evidence of the rare abilities of those teachers under whose care they have the happiness to be placed. The conduct of the children calls for expressions of much satisfaction. Their appearance also was highly creditable, neatness and cleanlinees being characteristic, whilst tawdry ornaments and gaudy dressing were happily conspicions by their absence. A VISITOB.