ST. PATRICK'S SCHOOL, ROSS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIV, Issue 40, 28 January 1887, Page 7

ST. PATRICK'S SCHOOL, ROSS.

On Friday, Dec. 10, the Secretary (Mr. Collins) and a few of the committee visited the St. Patrick's school— the resident priest (Father Abern) being absent on bis annual visit to the southern part of his parish — and distributed a number of prizes presented by the teacher (Mr . Stuart) to the children . The Secretary congratulated those who had been successful in gaining a prize, and hoped that those who did not would work hard and be successful next year. He went on to speak of the very efficient manner in which the school had been conducted for the past year, and concluded by calling on the children to give three hearty cheers for the teacher, which were heartily responded to ; three more were given for the committee and Mr. Collins, when the school was formally closed for one month.

Father Ahem returned from the South, after an absence of one month, in excellent health. On the 20th an entertainment was held in the Totara Hall in aid of the St. Patrick's school funds, and was a decided success. The following programme was most creditably carried out. Part I. was introduced by the Misses Kate and Mary Healy performing a very difficult pianoforte duet, gaining for the effort great applause. Mr. Hedge then sang the comic song, " If you only knew how it was done,.* and gained an encore. Song, " Elghteenpence," by Mr. Missen (in character) caused much appreciative laughter, and an encore. Vocal duet, " Juanita," by the Misses Ellen and Jane Sharkey was tastefully rendered. Mr. Coughlin appeared and WHdered effectively that stirring sea song, " Sailing," in good tune, and was well received. Mr. Hedge re-appeared and sang, " O Stter My Barque to Erin's Isle "; was warmly applauded and encored. Miss tillen Sharkey also reappeared and sang " O Sing to Me the Auld Scotch Bangs," very sweetly and with fair accent. Mr. Dixon apologised for not being able to keep his promise for a Bong and dance owing to the number of summers he had seen, which were not improving him. Mr. Coughlin rendered another popular air, " Our Jack's Come Home." Mr. James Sharkey, who had acted as stags manager, thanked all those present on behalf of the committee for their attendance, and also the ladies and gentlemen who had given their services. This concluded part first and, after an interval of ten minutes, seven young lady amateurs opened part second by introducing that charming four-act drama entitled, " The Reverse of the Medal." Dramatis personae : — Countess Erraud, Miss E. Sharkey ; Isabel (her daughter), Miss M. O, Gorman ; Madam Marville (governess to Isabel) Miss J. Sharkey ; Philips, (lady's maid to Countess, Miss Sim ; Ellen (housemaid to Countess), Miss M. Healy ; Mother Alarm (farmer's wife), Miss K. Healy ; Jane, (Shepherdess to Mother Alarm), Miss E. O'Gorman. The young ladies deserve great prais* for the very able and creditable manner in which each performed her part. The very pleasant and enjoyable scene closed by the young lady amateurs forming a semi-circle and singing "Home, Sweet Home," and all went home satisfied that they had a very pleasant evening's amusement. Thursday, the day set apart for the annual picnic in connection with St. Patrick's School, was very wet, and promised very badly for the day's enjoyment up to 2 p.m., when the weather cleared. The band which had been engaged arrived from Hokitika about 9a. m., under the able leadership of Mr. Lenin. The procession formed at the church grounds headed by the band, and marched to the school reserve where a very enjoyable evening was past. A platform which had been erected for dancing, and a booth where refreshments could be had, were both liberally patronised ; also the various sports were well contested. Jt is needless to mention that justice was done by the children to all the good things usually proscribed for such occasions. At about 7 o'clock the children and band formed a procession and marched back to the church grounds, where the band finished up with " Auld Lang Syne," and all dispersed. The band was entertained at Mr. Healy's Junction Hotel for dinner.