WANGANUI CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVI, Issue 37, 4 January 1889, Page 31

WANGANUI CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.

(From an occasional Correspondent.)

Thk scholastic year just ended has been one of the most successful the good Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth have had since they came amongst Jus. The attendance, (56 pupils), the enthusiasm, and the general tone of the Stored Heart schools were tuch as to give the greatest satisfaction. But if anything were wanting to prove the excellence of the establishment, it was afforded by the work done by the pupils, as clearly shown by the particularly good answering at the examinations. 1 think the impartial and uninspired report of the local paper will bear this out. Speakin? of the examinations, it is stated that these lasted nearly 4 days. Ooe class alone, in the select school, took almost four hours to examine, and so clobo was the competition that in many cases the selection of the prise-taker had to be decided by " cutting " for first place. Thus writes the reporter of the Wanganui Herald in the issue of the 18th December : Last night the annual priz j delivery in connection with the Sacred Heart School took place in the parish schoolroom, which was rather inconveniently crowded with parents and friends. Prior to the delivery of prises a rather lengthy programme of music, both vocal and instrumental, with recitations, and a short play was gone through. Bach item showed careful preparation, the music (three pianos and an harmonium) being particularly good. The programme over, the Very Rev. Father Kirk mounted the platform and read out the prizelist, prior to which, however, he made a few remarks as to the efficiency of the scholars During their four days' examination they found in many cases great difficulty in awarding prizes, the abilities cf the pupils being so equal. He could say with pleasure that after an experience of many jearain school work he had never met with better results, and he would only be too glad to allnw a Government inspector or anyone else to go into the school and test it. In the Parish Bcbcola they found great improvement in Mr. Lloyd's classes cf which special mention ought to be made, but he regretted to say that the lack of interest shown by parents in not sending their children regularly to school militate 1 considerably against tne work. He warned them that they were neglecting a duty which was second only in importance to that of saving thtirown souls, ani trusted that next year he would not have to complain on this score. He mentioned that he had t&e assistance of the ttev. Mr. Tait, one of the St. Patrick's College Jabfcßsors, and of Mr. T. Lloyd, 8.A., in conducting the examinations. The prizes were then delivered to the Sacred Heart pupils, those for the Pariah Schools being postponed till this evening.

Yesterday afternoon we had an opportunity of inspecting some specimens of the work turned out during the year by the young ladies who have been attending the Sacrei Heart School. The excellence which we have observud in previous years was again apparent, and we have to congratulate the Sisters on the aptness shown by their pupils. Crewel work in the shape of brackets, maatledrapee, tea cosies, smoking cai s, slippers, and cushions, arrasene work of a similar character, macrame work in brackets and mantledrapes, crewel and tinsel combined, applique work, plain sewing, lace, Berlin wool and raised wool cushions, paper flowers, samplers, knitting, drawiag, painting, and writing were among the things shown. While congratulating both pupils and teachers on the efficiency displayed all round, we caonot help specially remarking on the writing, which contained some of the best-round hand specimens we have seen for years. The exhibition all round was one that did credit to the school, and must have been pleasing to parents and others who had an opportunity of inspecting it last night. The following programme was gone through : Song, chorus, " A wet sheet and a flowing sea," by Sacred Heart school children • pianoforte duet, " Little Lillas Quadrilles," by Misses Tutty (2) ' O'Neill (2), Thatcher and Brownley ; song, "Leaf by Leaf tne Uoses Fade," St. Joeeph's school children; pianoforte duet, "Toe Rats," by Misses Parker, Links, McDonald, Mslone, O'Neill and Derunga; recitation, dialogue, -'Wolsey's speech to Cromwell," Mafrteis McDoff and Hogan ; pianoforte duet, " Reminisenccs of Ireland," by Misses Malone, Mullins, Wixcey, O'Neill, and Beard (2); song, "Home, sweet Home," by St. Mary's schoolboys ; song, " Raindrops patter," by St. Joseph's school children ; pianoforte trio, " Gipsy Quadrilles," by Misses Mullins, Wixcey, Parker, Holcroft, Links O'Neill, Thatcher, Dempsey, and McCulloch ; song, chorus, " The

Reapers," by Bacred Heart school girls ; reciUtion,|" The Frenchman and the rats," by Master M. M'Culloch ; Song, "Home by the Hirer," by St. Joseph's school children ; recitation, " A naughty boy's lesson," by Mis» Bessy Tatty ; pianoforte duet, " Gaiety of Heart," by Millet Mallins, Wixcey, Malone, and McDonald ; song, " Wandering Minstrel." by Sacred Heart school children; pianoforte solo, " March," by Misses Wixcey, Malone, Mallins and Dernngs ; song, " Rhine maidens," by Mines Holcroft, Link?, McCulloob, Malone, Mulliae, McDonald, Wixcey, Withers, Bimpson, Coombs, Lafferty.and Dampsey ; pianaforto duet, " Chilperic," by Misses Malone, Mullim., Wixcey, Dempsey, Holcroft and Liaks ; song, " Fairies of the Sea," by Misses Links, Holcroft, McOalloch, Malone, McDonald, Withers, Wixcey, Mollias, Coombs, Simpson, Dempsey. and Lafierty ; recitation, " The Season* of the Year," by Misses Forder, Cronin, Fremont, O'Leary Loftus, Derangs (2), Ball, Kearney, Adams, and Reid ; pianoforte solo, " Homage to Ireland," by Miss Lottie Wixcey. Play : " School for Daughters." The examinations lasted nearly four days, and were made by the Very Rev. Father Kirk, the Rev. Professor Tait, from St. Patrick's College, Wellington, Mr. T. Lloyd, 8.A., and Sisters CUre and Rose. In the Select School one class alone took nearly four hoars to examine.