CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' SCHOOLS, DUNEDIN.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVI, Issue 36, 28 December 1888, Page 25

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' SCHOOLS, DUNEDIN.

The annual distribution of prizes in connection with these schools took place at the Choral Hall on Thursday evening, in the presence of bis Worship the Mayor and a very large assemblage, consisting far the most part of the friends and relatives of the boys, but also containing a goodly number belonging to other sections of the citizens and different denominations. Sir Robert Stout and Dr. De Zoucbe, whose presence had been invited, were unable to accept the invitation, owing to piior engagements. His Lordship the Bishop, who was accompanied by ihe Rev. Fathers Vereker and O'Donnell, presided on the occasion. The hall had been tastefully decorated, and the religious character of the Brothers' schools was evident in the sacred pictures that occupied prominent positions, one of our Lady of Perpetual Succour holding the chief place on the centre of the wall behind the platform. The devices that covered the walls were both pretty and ingenious. " Home Kule," so worked, surmounted a portrait of Mr. Parnell, and " God bless New Zealand," formed a combination that attracted much attention, a map of the country on which the blessing was invoked being substituted for the name. There was, as well, a picture of St. Patiick, around which were the words, "God Save Ireland." Ihe banner of the H.A.C.8.5., the Sag of Ireland, and various others of various significations, were also brought into requisition in filling up the decorations, in which the green was well respected. The Young Oecilians, too, who took a leading part in the entertainment given, had each his handsome green rosette, over which he poured forth his notes ai gaily and sweetly as any thrush in the green-wood tree above the verdant branches. The programme began with a hymn of Marian us to our Lady of Perpetual Succour — a sweet and solemn melody, sung with all reverence by the Young Ceciltans, and followed by another chorus, ''L^ng Parted," by Russell, to which the choir also did full justice. The choruses were in every instance harmonised, and the boys took their respective parts wi h the utmost correctness and precision, as well as following without a flaw the conductor, one of the Brothers, in his guidance as to expression and time. The third item on the programme was Griffin's recitation, " Arguments from the love of God, derived from cieation." This performance was prefaced by a few words from one of the Brothers, who said that ho had a little time ago seen a statement in some colonial paper to the effect that simultaneous recitation had been the invention of a Mr. T. P. Hill, of Melbourne. He, however, begged leave to say that before Mr. T. P. Hill was born, or his father, or his grandfather, simultaneous recitation had been practised in the schools of the Christian Brothers, It had been introduced there by the Blessed de la Salle, their founder, who had died in the year 1719. How then could it have origiuated with Mr. T. P. Hill, of Melbourne? The performance then was proceeded with by a number of boys, who spoke at once and all together, and so distinctly and so well in time that every wor I and every syllable pronounced by them could be clearly heard, and no one among the audience was at any difficulty in following them, The chorus in unison, if we may call it so, was interrupted

at intervals to permit individuals to give illustrations of the argument separately, which they did in a most telling manner, and, aa a whole, the performance was not only curious and interesting from an educational point of Tiew, but extremely pleasing to listen to. Nothing bat the most perfect training: could have produced such results. A sc?ne from Shakespeare's Richard 111. followed. Masters W. Connor, as the Lieutenant of the Tower ; N. Moloney, as an officer ; J. Cantwell, aa Lord Stanley ; Eugene O'Neill, as King Henry VI ; and Edward Dnffey as Tressel ; each sustained his part with intelligence and spirit. Lover's " Fairy Boy." sung as solo, duet, and chorus, came next, and it is not to much to say that it was delightfully given. Nothing could exceed the touching sweetness and pathos of Master F. Murphy's solo, and when it is said that the duet, in which Master George Pearson took the alto part, and the chorus ■▼ere in lhair several ways quite equal to the solo, no higher praise caa be expressed. Next came a 6cene from Knowles' ' Tell," in which Masters F. Murphy, as Gesler, and D. Buckley, as Albert, deservedly won enthusiastic applause, being obliged to return and bow their acknowledgments. The simple and naive manner in which the little fellow, D. Buckley, did his part was especially charming. Master J. Cantwell then gave a spirited rendering of Morris's " Leap for Life." Root's " Don't Fret," a part aong by ihe Young Cecilianß followed, and was rendered in a very pleasing and appropriate manner, all the musical requirements being well observed. Some of the elder pupils and ex-pupils of the school gave their assistance in the bass parts,which contributed much to the success gained. The " Quarrel scene from Douglas," was next most stirringly given by Masters J. Delaney, as Glenalvon ; E. Duffay, ad Norva.l ; and J. Cantwell, as Lord Randolph. Root's " Beautiful Spring," harmonized as a chorus, was then sung with their k usual success by the Young Cecilians, and wbsJ followed by a competition recital ion of " Shell's Reply," by Masters F. Murphy and J. Buckley, These competitors had been judged by their teachers so nearly equal, that no decision had been arrived at, and they had agreed to " fight it out," c* one of the Brothers explained, before the audience. Ihis tney did with great spirit, in each case the elocution being extremely creditable. On its being put to a bench of judges, 1 however, consisting of some representatives of the Press and other gentlemen present, it was decided that Master Murphy bad won by about the tip of hie tongue, if it was a very small tip. Master A. Hall then recited in a feeling and expressive manner, Keegan's Eathetic "Holly and Ivy." "The Green shores of Erin," by •uvallia was next sung as a chorus and solo by Master N. Moloney, who did his part very sweetly, and the Young Cecilians singing in their best style. The celebrated " Fontenoy " was then glowingly declaimed by Master Edward Duifey, and so highly appreciated by the audience that the trumpet-toned orator was loudly recalled. He responded by a humorous and spirited rendering of " Tiperary." The young Cecihaas afterwards most appropriately made their melodious claim to a full share in the patriotic sentiments ot the hour by singing with all due fervour, " The wearing of the Green." AlcGee'a " The ancient race " next found an able and intelligent exponent in Maßter F. Heley, and then the Young Cecilians made one of their most effective and successful efforts, in. T. D. SuDivau'd " Dear old Ireland," as especially adapted to New Zealand. The dear old country as celebrattd by the poet, was sung in chorus, in bass solo, iv treble solo, and again ia choius — full justice being done to it ho far as the fresh joung voices and brave youug hearts of our New Zealand boys could do it, And that we may hope and believe was fully and truly. Herr Otto Schweers acted throughout the evening with his usual ability as accompanist, the piano used being kiudly lent by t be Dresden Company. A chief attraction ti the- evening in the shape if a calmthemc wand exercise to music — by the boys of Professor Oscar David's gymnastic cla^s, was next introduced— and while the boys were preparing ciii of the Brothers gave a few explanations to the audience. The class, he said, had been commenced under the instruction of Professor D.ivid during the year. It had been held once a week, and, as the audience would recollect, at a competition lately held iis members hai acquitted themselves with great ciedit. He desired to direct especial attentioa to the nature of tnu movements, which weie not intended merely for show but for useful purposes — (Ist) to strengthen the arms and me upper parts of the body ; (2ad.j to strengthen the trunk and the central musclea ; (3rd ) to strtng hen the lower parts, the knees and legs. It was evident that with such a course ot training regularly persevered in, the boys must develops into strong and mu s calar men. The Brother went on to acknowledge the lndebtudaess of hid community t> the Bishop, who had the interests ot educaiiou thoroughly at heari. His Lordship liad ever been most ass.duous in his attention to their Bchooiß, and had unceasingly given them all possible help and encouragement. Howevei they might themselves labonr all theii work would bear but little fruit were it not for his Lordship's able and constant support and encouragement. The speaker added thatheha'l also to thank the lev. clergj , the rtv. Fithers Ly uch and Vertktr, to whose kind afcsistauce and devotion they weie much indebted. The Brothers bad also to thank all those people geneially who had helped them duriug ttie ytar. Ibey had thus beeu enabled to asphalt an area of over lOUOIt and to eitct a gymnasium ot 50 feet in length, and furn.sh it with rtquisiteF. A sh t ht balance ot debt still remained due, but. he boj b, wLo were anxious to do everything they cuuld in this matter, had undertaken to collect sufficient to pay the balance during the ho.idays. A boy, lor instance, would call on his friends, and ask each if he bad a pin about him. Because, says be, if you have you can make a hole in this little caul and that will be woith three pence to me. The sum needed would thus be easily made up, and they hoped to la Iree from debt by the new year Itie Biother then wtnt on to return thanks to those wtiu had contributed to the prize fund. His Worship the Mayor, he sanl, apart from other donations given by turn and quite uDbohoited had sent in the baudsomesuin of £2 2f. Mr. James Oaldwell lud dove the same, anl several others whose names he coul i not just now recall had a so given effectivo assistance. HowpieAly tucy haii contributed to help the school would be known when he mentioned that the value of the pi-zea given

amounted to over £20. The gy mnaa'ic class then entered in procession, at quick step, and singing a cheerful chorus, accompanied by Pro* fessor David on the piano. The boys were each dressed in a light and tasteful gymnastic suit, of white with a green rosette, and each carried over his shoulder a light pole or waad. They marched around the platform two or three times, and then in defile took up their placet: The movements with the wand were performed by them, still to Professor David's piano accompaniment, and the effect was extremely pleasing. When all the banding and stretching had been performed, they retired, as before with a quick step and a song. Nothing prettier thau the whole thing can be well imagined. It met with the enthusiastic applause of the audience. The chorus sung by the boys had, both words and mußic, been composed by the Christian Brothers. The music, which was very lively and pretty, we cannot give, bat here are the words : We tread our v native soil Like gallant cheerful boys, We dread no work or toil, No labonr e'er annoys. We strive for all that's good, With pen, and bat, and gun, When in a merry mood, We dearly like some fun. Chtriis. — So march brave lada along, With steady, steady tread ; Keep time with jovial song, And march brave boys ahead. From St. Joseph's we've come here, Our loving friends to greet, We meet them once a year, And then our joy's complete. We've come with merry rhyme, With blythe and gladsome song ; So now, brave boys, keep time. Keep time, and march along. Clwrus. — Now march, etc. The distribution of prizes was then made by the Bishop, Hiß Lordship said that as the hour was so late, and he did not desiie to keep the people, especially the boys, much longer from home, he could not speak at any length. He mast, however, explain that the reason why the number of prizes to be given were comparatively few, was because those'to the junior classes had been already given at the schoolroom. He must also take the opportunity of returning thanks to the Christian Brothers. They deserved hearty thanks for their labours. All the success of the school was due to their exertions, their ability, and their industry, He was happy to tell tt c boys that their conduct this year had beenimoit satisfactory. He had received no complaint about any of them. They had bean very industrious and had studied well. He had to congratulate the Catholic congregation on the success of their schools, of which they might be justly proud. And not only the Catholic congregation, bat the whole community might be pleased to have such schools among them. It was a great advantage to them to have such schools where, aa well as ihe literary, the moral training of the boys was effectually carried ont. Many cf the general community, added his Lordship, were wise and generous in recognising this. He felt sure that the loving care and labour that had been bestowed upon the schools that year would b 9 continued in the future, and that the schools would become better year by year. He had himself remarked in them such an improvement from the first. He would, therefore, tender to the Brothers his most sincere thanks, and congratulate them on their great success, and he was sure that in this matter he might also speak on behalf of the Catholic congregation. During the distribution, one of the Brothers who assisted bis Lordship took tbe opportunity of making some telling remarks. One in particular is deserving of report. It was made in relation to a prize for good attendance given to Bugene O'Neill, who had never for two years missed even one day. " Oh, the motherr," said tbe Brother. — ' Mather,' says a boy, ' may I stay ut home to-day, it's only reootitionday,' ' Ye9,|Johnoy darling,' «be says, 'you may stay at home.' " " But, continued the Brother, " whether it is only repetition day or not, come to school without losing a day if jou want to get on." *' Oh, the ' mothers,' "he again protested. — Proceedings teroiioated with tbe last harmonious word of the Young Cecilianß,givtn in their usual admirable style, " The Village Chorister." But, although the proceedings bad occupied fully three hours, no one •■bowed signs of impatience or fatigue, aad the interest all through was maintained with spirit. We append the prize list : — Prize List.— sesior boom. Civil Service ClaBS. — First in English, John Meenan ; first in Arithmetic, James Farrell ; first in Euclid, William Morkane. 6th Grade.— Benior Division — Best all round ; Eugene J. O'Neill, Arthur Hall; silver medal, awarded to Eugene O'Neill; general t xcellence, J. P. Delany ; prize for English, Ernest J. Philip ; prize for Arithmetic, Francis G. Murphy ; Christian Doctrine, John Geerin j Reading. John Buckley ; first prize for elocution, Edward Duffey. Bixth Grade. — Junior Divi.-ion — Attention to Home Lessons; Thomas Connellan ; Euclid, Joseph Cantwell ; Arithmetic, Jwhn O'Connor; Vocal Music, Nicholas Moloney ; History and Physics, David Laughland ; Reading, Francis Delany and Michael O'Connor. Fifth Grade.— Best all round ; Alfred Griffen, Charles Wilkins. Thomas Hnssey ; Special Excellence, Francis Healy, John Delthunty, and William Connor; Christian Doctrine. James Hughes; Writing, Joseph Drumm ; Home Lessons, Patrick O'Neill, and George Pearson. MIDDLE ROOM. Fourth Grade. — Senior Division — Best all round ; J. Rodger*, 1; G. East, 2. Writing.— J. Woods, 1 ; M. Kilmariin, 2. Arithmetic—P. Whitty. Most Progress. — A. Smith. Beading. — X, McCormack.

Proficiency in Fourth Grade.— J. Casey, H. Day, W. Garvey, M O'Rourke.

Fourth Grade.— Junior Division— Frank Woods, Christian Doctrine ; Richard Cotter, English Composition ; B. Wilkins, Arithmetic ; J. Drumm, Geography ; Andrew Murray, Beading ; C. Day, English ; B. Kennedy, Christian Doctrine ; W. Browne, Arithmetic ; John Fagan, Drawing ; Albert Hughes, Grammar ; J. Jones, Writing ; Patrick Mahoney, Reading ; W. Cahill, Mapping ; John McQuillan, Attendance ; T. Bennett, Arithmetic ; E. freacey, Home Lessons. Special Prizes.— Richard Cotter for Home Exercise ; Peter Drumm for Good Conduct.

Third Grade. — Subjects examined in : Christian Doctrine, Reading, Writing. Arithmetic, Gaography, Grammar, and General knowledge.—The following are the boys arranged in order of merit who obtained a good or very fair percentage in the above subjects. Senior Division.— H. Mile 3, Christian Doctrine ; Frank McKay, Arithmetic ; Alfred Trinder, Christian Doctrine and Geography ; George Stronach, Arithmetic; Stephen Bernech, Reading; Robert Dnffey, Writing ; Maurice Purton, Improvement. Junior Division.— l, Richard Pearson ;2, D. Buckley ;3, J. Black; 4, J. Grimaldia ; 5, W. Hannigan ; 6.T. Grimaldia ; 7, J. Liston ; 8, J. Fitzpatrick ; 9, E. Clarke ; 10, E. Keating , 11, George Nelson ; 12 H. Humphrey ; 13, M. Keyes; 14, Wm. Dunford , 15, T. Dunford ; 16, M. Meenan ; 17, J. Newman; 18, R. Wilson ; 19, T. Stewart; 20, T. Kilcoyne ; 21, R. Taylor ; 22, George Hesford ; 23, J. O'Brien ; 24, F. Hannigan.

Special Prizes.— Awarded to Edgar Busb, J. Giimaldia, and T. Dunford for neat execution of Home Exercises and General Improvement.

Home Lessons.— M. Keyes, M. Meenan, J. O'Brien, T. Kilcoyne, and R. Wilson. Writing. — Joe Bourke and J. Hallinan.

Regular Attendance.— George Hesford, Wm. Dunford. A number of boys in the junior class-room also obtained prizes from his Lordship, Bishop Moran, in addition to those named above. The special prizes presented by the H.A.C.B. Society were won by the following boys :— (1.) Regular attendance and good conduct combined : — Eugene O'Neill (present every day school was held for the past two years). (2.) Christian Doctrine : -Arthur Hall, Eugene O'Neill, equal. (3.) Irish History, (4.) Best lad witnic the bounds :— Not decided.

Name 9of persons who contributed to the school fund :— Most Rev. Dr. Moran, Rev. Fathers Lynch, Vereker, and Donnelly ; Hugh Gourley Esq., Mayor of Dunedin, £2 2s ; Mrs. Delaney, Arrowtown ; Mrs. O'Neill, Mrs. Connor, Mrs. Liston, Mrs. Bushe, Mrs. Kennedy, Miss Scollard, A Friend, Captain Bernech, Messrs. Gasquoine, Jas. Caldwell, £2 ; McKeay, Fitzgerald, Connor, McNamara. Woods, Eoche ; H.A.C.8.5., £2 5a 6d ; Catholic Literary Society, £1. Special thanks are returned to Mrs. Haydon, for kindly sending an abundant supply of tea and sandwiches for the lads (36) who took part in the gymnastic display, aa also to Messrs. E. T. O'Conuell ana M'Cormack, who presented the class with fifty pairs oE dumb-bells.