ST. JOSEPH'S SCHOOL, DUNEDIN.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVI, Issue 16, 10 August 1888, Page 29

ST. JOSEPH'S SCHOOL, DUN EDIN.

Thk annual distribution of prizes took place in this school on Friday, his Lordship the Biahop officiating. There were also present the Rev. Father Yereker, and a number of the mothers and lady friends of the girls. The show of neeJle-work was particularly good, embracing almost all branches of the art from plain sewing to the most intricate developments. The more useful articles were abundant , however, and displayed a remarkable neatness and perfection of finish. The fancy-work was most tasteful and beautiful|; indeed, in some instances it was remarkable for its richness, and would bear comparison with the furnishing of any bazaar stall to be found almost anywhere. The exercise books of th.« girls wore also most deserving of praise. They comprised exercises of all kinds including Latia, and were samples of neat and skilful work in every respect. A quantity of mapping was displayed as well, anl it is impossible to speak too highly of it. To the uninitiated it might saem that the attention of the school had been concentrated on this a'one, but that such was not (he case, there was plenty of evidence in the excellence otherwise exhibited. The proofs of paios taken by th «. teachers, the Dominican nuns, and of meritorious attention on the part of the girls were striking in the extreme. — The following progra mme was performed by the pupils in a very pleasing manner, both musical selections and recitations being given wit.b the utmost intelligence and precision. Chorus, " Merry Springtime "; recitation, "All Things Blight and Beautiful " ; pianoforte duet, " I Knowa Bank." Certificates to sth and 4th Standards. Pianoforte solo, " Wearing of the Green " ; recitation, " A Model for our Faith " ; chorus, " Merry Peasants." Certificates to High and Low Third Standards. Pianoforte solo, " The Danube " ; recitation, "The Appeal "; chorus, "Beautiful Golden Sunshine/ Certificates to High and Low Second Standards. Pianoforte solo, •• The Murmur of the Stream " ; chorus, " A Prayer for Ireland." The Bishop said he saw he was expected to make a speech, but he had been accustomed to spiak to the children so often that he had not anything new to say. He must, however, say he had been veiy well pleased with their music and recitations, and although h; could ot.ly speak for himself, he thought anyone who would not be pleased must be difficult to please. He was very well satisfied with the children this year, as he had no complaints from anyone about them. Of course little girls were not expected to be badly behaved ; that would be a shocking thing, but tbeie might be different degrees of good conduct among them. Some might be very good, some good, and some only middling. They had a most excellent school, providing them with all they coali require, and he thought that they recognised their advantage. If they did their duty they would profit by it. They must be attentive to tneir studies, without which it would be impossible to teach them. He recommended them to be regular in their attendance. If not they would make no satisfactory progress. They would fall behind others who were regular, and would become dis. spirited and careless. His Lordship exhorted them to commence anew with the deteiminati. n to improve still more and to do all they possibly could to profit by the care and instructions conferred upon them by Iheir excellent teachers. — He added, in conclusion, that he was glad to find they were learning Iriah history and singing Irish songp, and being taught to love and honour the dear old land whence their parents had come. The following is the prize list : — Catechism.— First prize (presented by Eev. Father O'Neill); competed for by Mary Trinder and Martha Deane ; won by Mary Trinder. Second prizj, competed for by M. Wall, A. M'Namara, P. Edmonds, L. RosbDtham.iM. Pearson, M. Girvey, M. M'Hugh, M. fiator, X, Drumm, M, Hallinan, and 0. Bosbotham ; won by Martha

Wall. Special Catechism priies (presented by his Lordship 'the Most Bey. Dr. Moran) were awarded to M. Deane, A. M'Namara, and Julia Trindor. Writing.— Priie, a handsome writing desk (presented by Rev. J. O'Neill), competed for by M. J. Bl'Namara, N. Humphrey ,|M. Trindtr, L. Crawford ; won by M. J. M'Namara. Needlework.— Competed for by L. Crawford, If. J. tfcNamara, M. Trinder, N. Humphrey, and M. Ooetelloe ; won by Lissit Crawford. Transcription.— Competed for by N. Humphrey, If . Trindcr, B. BrowD, E. Connor, M. Deane, L, Crawford, M. Francis, M. Carter, M. Costelloe, and L. Bosbotham ; won by Nellie Humphrey. Regular Attendance.— Awarded to L. Bosbotham and If. Ber* neoh. Irish History.— (Presented by Rev. J. O'Neill), competed for by E. Connor, Rose Brown, and M. Deane ; won by Ellen Connor. Good Conduct.— First prize, awarded to Maria Franois; 2nd prize (presented by Rev. J. O'Neill), awarded to Mary Oostelloe.