CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 14, 2 January 1891, Page 21

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.

(From the Taranaki Herald.)

The annual entertainment given by the pupils attending tbe convent ichooln, New Plymouth, attracted a large number of visitors on Wednesday, December 17, the large class-room in the building being crammed. The Sisters who undertake the work of instruction, whether ia the higher or lower branches and with children of all classes, possess in a marked degree the faculty of well grounding their scholars ia the ustful branches of knowledge, and at the same time cultivating those m re brilliant and useful talentg which many of our New Z -aland girls are gifted with. Everything that is done at the convent entertainment is distinguished by perfect ta9te, and by strict attention to details. The great desideratum in entertainments of this nature is that the musical performances should be Bound as well as showy— an index, in fact, to what the pupils really know in their hearts ; and that tbe " dramatic pieces " — if we can apply to them such a term— evince no tendency to stagy effict, but are merely practical examples of the progress made by the young ladies in their pronunciation, gesture, accent, and deportment. The industry of the pupilß is also shown by the roomful of work displayed to the visitors. Pictures in oil and water colours, crayon drawing, Poonah painting, and shading in ink, all of which are artistic, and whilst in them the diligence of the scholars is shown, the painstaking instruction by the Sisters is most marked in everything that is exhibited. Not only are there ornamental articles, but useful and serviceable work as well is everywhere to be seen. It might be thought, perhaps, that the children s minds are diverted from their other studies, but the Sisters never allow fancy work to be touched except as a pastime, and the examinations o. the pupils in their other studies show that the " useful " is never neglected for the " oruamental."

The work of the pupih is very tastefully displayed in one of tbe convent rooms, and which, on entering, looks like a bazaar, so full is it of goods. Wo should like to mention every article we saw, and give the names of all the makers, but we are afraid our space will not permit us doing so. However, we will mention a few of the things that struck us as being worthy of notice :— Miss Lizzie Stevenion, of Rahotu, a boarder at the convent, makes the largest display, she having more than fourteen pieces of work : A chair back and seat, banner screen, mantle drape, P-jonah painting, wool work, embroidery, and stitching, all of which are really excellent. Miss May Dingle comes next in number of anicles exhibited, showing a binoer screen, cushions, black satin apron worked with coloured flowers in silk as a border, a beautiful piece of roacrame work as a mantle drape, a crayon drawing, etc. Mise Clara Hammond has a gipsy table, the top being splash work, with a draping of satin worked with timers, some bead-work pincushions, a macramc- bracket drape, Poonah painting on velvet, etc. Miss Stella Cunningham has a large beadwork cushion, mantle drape, carpet slippers, etc. Miss Ada Coldwell hai several cushions (wool-w^rk on canvas.and ilo«B-silk on satin) bracket-* and mantles ; and her sister. Miss Floss Coldwell, has star frames in wool, silk-woiked cushions, oracket drapes, etc. Miss Beatrice Mills' work consisted of useful articles in wool-work, sjeks, children's petticoats, slippers, daisy mats, batin apron with forget-me-nots worked as a border. Miss Jeffries had a handsome cushion, macrame bracket drape, etc. Mhs Mary Cowan showed some cruel work on velvet and satin, muslin flowers, Bmoking caps, etc. Miss Searle, a little girl of ten years of age, showed great skill wuh her noedle, both in her fancy and plain work. Misa Gill's work consisted of a neatly-finished cushion and embroidery work and stitching. Misa Ethel Ryan, amongst other things, showed a tea-cosie, crewel-work on velv j t, etc. Mieß Josephine Mo<>re had four bead pincushions, a crewel-work bracket, also one made of wool. Miss Parker exhibited a very handsome mantle drape in arasce <c work. Miss Reynolds exhibited several prettily- wrked cushions, bannerets of blue silk, etc. Miss Rosalind Wood bad a piece of sampler work, which is only partly finished, being the date of the birth aud death of her grandmother, the late Mrs. Inch. All the pupils bad specimens of " white-work " to show, which consisted of ordinary needlework and embroidery on linen. The neatness of the stitching wa9 the admiration of all the lady visitors present. The drawings and paintings on the walls show a marked improvement on last year's. We would like to mention them all. but regret our limited space prevents us doing so.

Tbe large class-room was very prettily decorated for the entertainment, of which the following is the programme : —

Duet (4 pianos and organ), " L'iiahana," (Diabelli), Misses Rickerby, J Oldfield, Cunningham, X Oldfield, J Moore, Hammond, Gill, and Dingle ; sang, " View from tbe Beacn " (Moore), the pupils ; iecitati< v, "Lochiel's Warning," Misses E Oldt\r-U and Cow.«n ; solo (i pianos, organ, and violin), " Orazione ' (Thome), Mis»ea Gill, Hammond, Rickerby, Cunningham, (organ) MissJ Moore, ( violin) Miss M Furlong: ; glee, " Gitana,' (Boot), ttie pupils ; duet, (4. pianos and organ), " Isle of the Sea " (Thomas) Misses Griffiths, B Julian, G Rickerby, F Ju ian, Stevenson, Mills, X Duffio, and Uoldwell, (org-in) Miss Cowan: r* citation (comic), Miss Cowan; boo, (piano and organ), "Irish Diamonds, No. 6 " (PapeJ, Misses Moore and J ddfield ; song, " The Japanese Fan " (Cowley), junior pupils ; sjlo (4 pianos and organ), " Whispers from Kriu " (Rockatro), Missea CunDingham, Hammond, J Moore, and Rickerby, (orga.O MiasJ Oldfield ; Cantique Franrais, "Amour :i J^sus " tbe pupis (accompanied on the violin and organ by Misses Furlong and Olufield) ; duet (3 pianos and organ), " Little Leaves No. 15 " (Leslie), Misses Ambndge, F Coldwell, Ethel Oldfieli, C Cock, G Rickerby, and Bearle, (organ) Miss Cowan ; recitation, " Thi Arab's Farewell," Miss Patterson ; solo (1 pianos and organ), 'Silvery Waves" (Wyman), Misses J Moore, G 11, Bickerby, Cunningham, (organ) Miss Dingle ; duet and chorus, "The Music of the Birds" (Glover), the pupils; duet (4 pianos and organ), "The Morning Pearl " (Blake), Missea Hammond, J Moore, CuDiiinjjham, Diugle, Western, Rickeiby, Gill, and Paul, (organ) Miss J Oldfield ; duet aud chorus, " Tuu Wild Wavis," (Glover), the pupils ; solo (piano, organ, and violin), " Tnc Bohemian liirl " (Balfc;, Mißßct J Mooic, J Oldticld, and M Furlunij ; dialogue,

Dame Durrten s New Year's Visit," Misses Oowan, X Oldfield, J Moore, Cunningham, and Dingle. Finale, " The Holiday Duet " (Glover), the pupils. After the programme had been gone through, Mr. Smith, M.H.8., m thanking the ladies of the convent, and the children for the pleasant afternoon they had spent, expressed his pleasure at seeing the work exhibited in the adjoining room, which had been done by the children. He said he would make it his business to get the Jubilee Exhibition Committee to write to the ladies of the convent asking them to allow the anicles to be shown at the Taranaki Jubilee Exhibition in Mirch next. He said it was very evident that the children were being very carefully trained, which reflected great credit on the ladies of the Convent. The prizes were then distribuby Mr. Smith, who was assisted by the Bey. Fattier McKenna and the lady Superior. The company then separated, all expressing themselves as pleased with the entertainment they had been present at. The annual entertainment and distribution of prizes in connection with St. Patrick's Boys' Sshool took place in the large classroom in connection with the convent on Friday, and, as usual, th« attendance was so large that it was impossible to find sitting accomodation for all. The walls of ihe ro>m had been very prettily decorated with wreaths and festoons of flowers. His Worship the M«yor (Or. J. Belrmger) occupied the chair; on his left was Mr. Smith, M.H.R., and to his right the Bey. Father McKenoa. The litttle boys, none of wuom were over ten years of age, went through their pieces with praiseworthy correctness, showing great intelligence. The distinct pronunciation and emphasis with which they delivered the recitation? were most creditable, and ia some instances deserved stih higher praiße. Master W. H*rt's comic recitation, •• Vat you please,' ' was given with con-nderaole humour. " The Man and the Monkey," by Masters A. Hart and J. O'Neill, a most amusing and welldelivered piece, which caused much laughter, and in the scene between " Hubert and the Prince," both Masters O'Donnell and Ryan showed considerable abiliy. Master M O'Neill also delivered his recitation, '• Beroado aud Alphonso," extremely well. The performances by the young ladies showed toeir great proficiency as pianiati. The following programme was gone through :—: —

Duet (2 pianos aud organ), " Toe Shepherd's Evening Bong " (Blake), Misses Hammond, Gill, Sullivan, and Paul— (organ) Misa J. Oldfijid ; song, "Ring the Bell, Watchman" (Root), the pupils; recitation, " Vat You Please," Master W. Hart ; solo (2 pianos and organ), " Moonlight on the Lake" (Mack), Misses Hammond and Cowan ; (organ), Miss Gill. Sjng, " Tney Write me a Letter from Home" (Hayes), the pupils; scene between " Hubert and Arbur," Masters O'Uonnell and Ryan; song, " Life on the Ocean Wave" (R)ot), the pupils ; recitation, "The Man and the Monkey," Masters A. Hart and J. O'Neill ; solo (2 pianos and organ), " Silver Trumpets " (Viviani), Misses Rickerby and Cunningham; organ, MissJ. Moore. Duet, " The Harp of Tara's Hall " (Moore), Masters O'Donoell and Hart ; recitation, " Bernado and Alpnonso," Master M. O'Neill ; song, " God Save Ireland " (Roo'), the pupils ; solo, " The Danube," Miss J. Moore ; drama, " Let Ha Laugh who Wins," Masters O'Donnell, McLacnlan, Moore' O'Neill, Hart, Callaghan, Finn, and King ; finale, " Celestial Home," the pupils.

At the conclusion of the pertormance his Worship the Mayor rose and said he could not remember the time when he had passed snch a pleasant couple of hours a 9 on that afternoon. The boys h*d all gone through their parts, he might say, without a " hitch," whilst the yodng ladies wita their music had tended to make the time pass in a most agreeable manner. Wnat he had seen and heard that afternoon had raised nis estimation of the institution very high indeed, and convinced him that the pupils were being taught wiih care, which reflected the greatest credit ou the ladies connected with the establishmeut. He had always taken a great interest in the education of children, and tbe first public position he held was on tbe School Committee of the town. Since then he ha I devoted considerable time to the subject, and therefore was ii a position to pass an opinion on the working of an institution like the one carried on by the ladies of the convent. He congratulated them on the success they had achieved, and was pleased at everything he had seen. Turning to the boys, he said be hoped that they would not rest satisfied with what they bad accomplished, but would go on and persevere wi h their studies, because on them would depend the future welfare of the colony. They should make a determined effort to get to the top of the ladder. There were already in the Parliament men who bad been born in New Zealand, and in the future the whole of the government of the colony would be in the hands of those who were native born. It was, therefore, very necessary they should prepare themselves for that position by studying hard, so that if any of them should be called to take part in the government of the country they would be able to undertake the duties entrusted to them. He hoped they would continue to pay attention to their studies, to be diligent, and endeavour to be a credit to their teachers and parentb, and they then need have no fear bat that they will be sure io Bucceed in this life. He thanked the youthful performers for entertaining them that afternoon in such a pleasant manner, and again complimented tbe ladies of the institution on the proficiency of their pupils.

H's Worship the Mayor, assisted by Rev. Father McKenna and the Lady Superior, then distributed the prizes to the boys.

Tha Si&Ws beg to return their sincere thanks to the following persona who have kindly contributed towards procuring the prizes: — Rev Fa her McKsnna, Dr O'Oarroll, Mr and Mrs Seffern, Mr MacDonald, Mr Corkill, Mr J Hughes, Mr Parker, Meesrs Diogle and Corke, Mr Walsh, Mr Walker, Mr and Mrs O'Neill, Mr Fischer, Mrs S P King, Mr Hart, Mra Fishleigh, Miss Murphy, Mrs Rafter, Mrs Francis, Mrs Read, and Mra Claffjy.

Mr Seffern having made his annual distribution of sixpences amongst the boys, the proceedings came to a close.

(From the Thames Advertiser, December 10.)

An entertainment in connection with the Convent Select School was given in the Oddfellows' Hall, Richmond street, last night. Thcr« wab a largo attendance, each part of the hall being filled well

nigh to the utmost extent of its seating accomodation. The programme was began with a waltz, which was spiritedly played on two pianos, the pianistes being Misses Me Dona d and Connelly and the Misses Twohill. Several tableaux were exhibited daring the evening and were exceedingly pretty and successful. In tbe first a group of prettily dressed liitlc girls, symbolised "Jacob's Dream," and (be second exhibited, in a way suggestive of coasiderab c pathos, a little orphan engaged in prayer. The best of the three tableaux, however, was, beyond doubt, the one called " Our Holiday," tbe disposition of the dramatis persona?, the surroundings, and the light thrown upjn all, admirably representing a delightful outing in the woods. One of tbe pleaeantest items on the programme consisted in tbe rendering of " Fairie Voices " in which Miss Cissy Garvey and eig'it o'her little girls sang an 1 danced with captivating prettiness. Ihe pianoforte playing of Mist-es McDonald, Fortune, Garvey unJ Lawless gave considerabl: pleasure, and showed that tbe rig it ki id of care bad been taken with their musical education ; while Miss J. Koefoed and Miss B. Twohill acquitted themselves well in their respective solos. " The Old Countree," and " Caetanetta," Tbe chorus " Friendship " was very creditably given. Recitations were given by two of tbe younger pupils ; '• Papa's Letter," by Miss O. Walsh, and " The Music Master " by Miss J. Humphreys. For children so young, both did very well indeed; ''The Music Master " especially was given with an amount of piquancy and dramatic action not often exhibited by a child before a public audience. A dramatic piece entitled the " The Peasant Queen " filled the second part of the programme, and was carried through without a hitch worth noticing. The parts tha* gave most scope for dramatic talent were those of Madame Migmago and Bettina — the latter especially ; and it is quite within tbe mark to say that touches of realdram%tic talent were exhibited by the performers. The following was the cast of the piece : Countess de Bslville, Miss O'Sullivan ; Maaame Migmago, Miss IS. Palmer ; Madame Boncoeur, Miss B. Twohill; Adele (hergrandaughter), Mis* Maggie McDonald ; Marguerite, Miss S. Connelly : Claudine, Miss Twohill ; Jeannerton, Miss Garvey ; Louison, Miss Payne ; Maitine, Miss Lawless ; Eie, Misa Williams; Bettina (Madame Boncaeur's servant). Miss McDonald. Tbe singing of "God save tbe Queen" appropriately brought a pleasant and successful entertainment to a harmonious close. There was one thing which we observed with especial pleasure while the ht'le drama was being played — namely, the excellent enunciation even of foreign words and the purity with which Englishjwas spoken. There was no vocal slurring, aod the speakers also showed that they had a clear apprehension ot the meaniug of the words they used.

(From the Wairarapa Daily December 20 )

The children of the St. Patri k's school assembled yesterday afternoon for the a mv il distribuiio i of prizes pr^vi >us t > breaki .g up for the Christmas ho'idays. Kv. Father McKenn >, in a short address to the children, saii thit they ha i uoff reached the end of tbe year and were doubtless all looking forward to getting pnz s, bu' for two reasons only ibe most successful scholars would receive awaids. Tne fi st was that he did not believe in giving everyone a prize as it would nji be fair to the child of superior merit who had striven diligently to excel, and in tbe secmi place th* j y had hal some difficulty in raising money. Slill the pr/ j 9 sstv t re numerous, and they had not done badly, especially when they considered tha' the Government schools hid given no prizes because they were out ot funds. In bis opinion the fact that their unaided effjrt had been so successful was a btrong argument in favour of wha< they were striving for, namely, aid to Catholic Schools, and bethought that any tboughful person would see tbit strut-thing was wrong with the present system. He regietted that the Key. Dr. Watter-> »as unabetobe present, but Key. Father Bowden hid made a good representative and examiner. The result of the onze awarding must be quite unbiassed as Father Bowden was unacquainted wan any one of the children In the needlework judging, Mrs Bremner and Miss Himilion had kindly acted, as Father Bowden, knowing wh it importance is att >eh -d to this brarjeh, declined the responsibility. The report was then read as follows : — " I have examined during the past three days the pupils a'tending St. Patuck's School, and am pleased t) state that tbe ai swering of the various clashes, in the d rrVrent subjects presented, was eminently satisfactory. In the mxMi class a litte weakness was shown in English hi-tory, and the answering of two pupils in geography was not up to the standard of the others. The fiftu c ass on the whole passed a very creditable examination. Tne fourth class (two excepted), answered very well. Toe oral examination of the third class left nothing to bede«ired. 1 would, however, recommend several of this class to pay more aitention to writing. The second class likewise did very well, and obtained *» very good result, but tbe junior division of this class was a little weak in arithmetic. The first class answered very well in the several subjects p'esented, and tbe answering of the infants likewise was highly creditable. Summing up, I would say that the result of ihe examination on the whole was a highly creditable one, and gave evidence of a large amount of educational woik done during the year, for which their devoted teacher deserves the highest praise. The needlework — a rom .rkable display — was inspected by Mrs Bremncr aud Miss Hamilton, who expret^ed themselves surprised at the quility and quanny of the articles exhibited, the work of the junior division especially being hiptaly commended. In th.B department albo tho painstaking natuie of the teacher was fu'ly evident.

J. Bowden, S.M., M A."

After the report, Rev. Father McKenna said he hopod to raife the standard of the school still higher, and with thin object he intended appointing the scholar who progn s ed m >-t during the y^r as a pupil teacher, and he would eive £10 out of his own pocket towards remunerating that one. Tnie would b a kept up every year, and he hoped would help materially to raise the school to a s ill higher place than it now possessed. Prizes were then distributed. Father McKenna briefly thanked those who had given special prizes and aided in any other way, mentionirg especially the Town Lands

Trust. Mr. Stempa, who was present, then spoke in highly eulogistic terms of Mrs and Miss Carrick, and on behalf of bis daughters presented Miss Carrick with an ornamental bracket as a "light acknowledgment of the services she so devotedly rendered the school without any remuneration. Father T. McKenna r^soonded, and the gtttaring broke up with ringiog cheers for the Rev. gentlemen and the teachers.

(From the Nelson Colonist, December 20.)

The presentation of priz'sto scholars attending the High and Select Schools took place in tbe Girls' Orphanage building yes'crday afternoon, in the presence of a large number of ladies and gentlemen. Much pains had been devoted to the decoration of tbe large room, wherein the pupils of the schools named were seated on a raised platform at one end, the Bpac in front being devoted to a number of pianofortes, while the remainder of the room was occupied by the visitors. The chair was occupied by his W irship the M*yor, aad at the commencement of tbe proceedings the V.-ry Rev. Father \lahoney rose and said that for many years past the Mayor of the city, or failing the Mayor, tbe City member, had as a general rule been requested to preside at their annual prize-giving ceremony. Oa the present occasion they were fortunate in having Mr. Trask presiding over them, and as that gentleman had only been installed Mayor on tbe previous day, bis first official act was in taking the chair that day. They were also fortunate in having the City member, Mr. Harkness, with them. He then intimated that tbe scholars would present a programme which they bad prepared for the occasion (applause),

The programme referred to, and which was a very pleasant one, was then g me through and heartily appreciated by those present. As usual on similar occasions a noticeable feature consisted in the several solos on a number of pianofortes, and harmonium, and a duet with five pianofortes, harmonium and violin. All were very successfully performed, the duet claiming special notice. The performers in these instrumental pieces were Misses, Scott, King Keoblf, Lempfert, Bourke, Pratt, Peters, (harmonium). Com r ie, Egan, Dickens in, O'Connor, Frazer, Hunt, Corcoran, Young, Stewart, Mmogue, Lempfert, (harmooium), and Peters (violin), A. Lempfert, DeVcre, L. Scott, Arnold, and Se tt (h irtnonium), and P ters. Toen, too, there were several songs and choruses, including " Angels whisper sweet good night" by the Juniors, "Let music and song be our pastime to-night " by the Seniors, ''Tread softly, the angels are calling " by the Juniors of the Select School, "The midnight moon" by the Seniors of the same school, and " Rock me to sleep mother "by the Seniors, all of these sh >wing careful teaching. The vocal solos by Miss Lempf-rt and Miss Pratt were well rendered, and some of the recitations were very good, Misses Young and McMahon two little dots, deserving muci praise for tneir recita'ion of " Tne dew drop and the stream." Miss Swneney and Miss Lempfert also deserve mention. Trie last item on this part of the programme was a remarkably well esecu'ed pianoforte solo by Miss Scott.

At this stage his Worship the May >r, addressing the Rev. Mother, the Very R v. Father lahouey, and those present, tail he had muc*i pleasure in undertaking the duty of presiding at such a very pleasant gatheting To sea so many smiling faces, he allu led, of course, to 'he younger ones, was extremely g-aufyindr, but before h • proceeded to present the prizes he should like to say a few wor is. He knew the girls must be very anx ous to take h ime their pnz^p, and he could assure them that nothing was more pleasing to parents than to have ihtir children com» running home with pnz ;s, for it filled their hearts with gladm ss. To thos" wio had not been fortun ite he said '•don't be downhearted, but strive and strive again, ani nee if you can't overtake those who have won prizes this time." He felt sure they would <io their best to do credit to tne good tuition rpceived at the hands of the good ladies of the convent, and the sound advica from Father Mihoney. Again he urged them not to be disouraged, but to try agaia and persevere. It was a great thing in this country to have so much education, and it was a grand thing t) see them growing up good men an 1 women. He had noticed the c ildren ut these schools under the la'e Father Gann and under the good ladies tor man» years He had watch 'd them for twenty year?, and had seen their (har friend Father Garin, who had been a friend of his, with t\\* orph in«, aud h». Raid G d bless those who take care of the oruhans (applause). H- remembjred going to Father (J ir n's s'u ly b'gging — for, like Mr. Hunt, he use! t ) be a g iod hand at be^gintr, an 1 he n 'Ver weut to Kacher Garin in vain — and had seen him with his oiphati biys. The late Archoriest was respected by all, in his Church as well asou* of it, and in Father Mahoney he had a worthy successor (applause) — who like him c ideavoured to train up tbe orphan in the way he should go. Those who heard the eloquent sermon preached by the Archbishop last Sunday might remember that t>>e Archbish ip was a boy under Father Garin, and he commen'el on the character built up on the foundation lad in that case. It was in childn >od, he eaid, the foundation was laid, and as it was laid so were they hko'y to grow up good men or women. He had intended referring to the Education Act, but us Mr. Harkncss was present he would leave that subject to that gen^eman. Before presenting the pnz> ahe would ask Mr. Magumity and Mr. HarkneßS to spi ak (applaust)-

Mr. Maginnity said the programme they had listened to that afternoon was enough to convince 'hem as to wh >t was being done in thes' schools. The pub ie system of education was not acceptable to thu Catholics, who had nobly undertaken tbe work of educating their children without assistance They were const quently entnl dto their sympathy, whiK- the good work done called torth their aimiration. He th n spoke to the childreu, asking those who irot pr.zes to let that fact be an i'ic 'nti ve to further e*f >r ts. They al, parents and children, oWi'd a gn a' debt to the teachers, and the least they c^'U d do ta show that th^y appreciated the kin«in<ss of their teachers was to ba g oil. They could not always be s icces>-ful,but if they were njt now successful, and they tried success would come.

Mr Harkness, M H.R , de?red t> think Father Mahoney for having invited him ti be present. The Mayor had invited him to speak on the Colonial system of education, but although he thought they were blessed in having such an excellent state system, and that

the Catholics were to be congratulated on their very fine system, he bad net come to make a political speech, and if he wanted to speak on such a question he should like to have an hour or two. He would, therefore, pass this subject, simply saying he sympathised with them. The Catholics had <n their system that which would give backbone to tne C >lonial system. He then spoka to the girls, pointing out that knowledge is the greatest thing in this world' being far before fame or reputation or wealth, either°of which might be taken f.om them, whereas they would always carry knowledge with them, an i it would be always available. He concluded by wishing them a merry Christmas, happy holidays, and a prosperous year.

His Worship thea presented the prizes. The Mayor said he wa9 sure all who had received prizes would be grateful to those who had given them, and he waa desired to thank all who had assisted in giving prizes. la another room was displayed a variety of handsome work, and he hoped many would make purchases of that made by the orphans for the good of the school.

The Very Rev Father Mahoney said that on behalf of the Lady Superior and himself he wished to thank the Mayor for premding, and for the interest he had shown in their welfare, the good advice* and sympathy he had given, and bis words of respect to Father Garin. He also thanked Mr Maginnity and Mr Harkness, and he said all would unite in congratulating the Mayor on his having presided with so much ability on the occasion of his first official duty.

The proceedings were brought to a close by the girls singing the New Zealand anthem.

The exhibition of needle and fancy work, as well as of drawings, paintings, and penmanship executed by the pupils during the yeir was held in a large room, but which was all too small to enable visitors to properly inspect all that was to be seen. It was evident, however, that at all events the majority of tbe exhibits were parl ticnlarly good, and wonder was expressed by many at the diversity, the quantity, and the excellence of the work generally. Some of the articles, both plain and fancy, were on sale, and we have authority for saying that the work will be on exhibition for a few days yet, so that the public will have an opportunity of inspection as well as of purchasing some very desirable things, and at the same time helping the orphans.

(From an occasional Correspondent.) On Thuraday, 18th inst., the annual exhibition of plain and ornamental needlework was held in the Sacred Heart schoolroom, Wanganui, and very cheerful did the room appear to tne many visitors who took advantage ot the kindly welcome of the good Sisters to inspect and then admire the work of their apt pupils. It has been our happy privilege for some years p.at to mark the proficiency of the convent pupils in this fine art, but never have we been so struck by the talent displayed as on this occasion. It would baoutof place to particu'arise any young lady's work as specially attractive when all the exhibits were so highly deserving of praise We shall mention bnelly the kinds of work. The fancy work in the shape of rich mantle and bracket drapes, coseys, cushions, slippy smoking caps and Berlin wool work, was a feature in itself, all the articles beins; of the highest class, both in colouring and design. Ihe wool, bead, and braid work was beautifully finished. The drapes and brackets in macramr were excellent. Woman's sphere is c-rtaiuly the home, and the pupils of the convent sbouid be well fitted to fulfil the duty of making and repairing. The plain work w,.s acknowledged by all to exceed the expectaiions ot even the most exacting, and forced the visitors to admit tbe superiority of handwork over that of any rmchine. Coildiens' dresses, embroidered and braided, added an admirable variety to the numerous articles of underclothing which were, one and all, beautifully neat. Among the drawings were some rindy -executed crayon specimens, the subjects being well-chosen. Special mention may, perhaps, be made of Miss McGovern's " Ecce Homo," which elicited the warmest com mendation. In the evening St. Mary's Hall was crowded by an appreciative audience. An idea may be formed of the character of the musical part of the programme by the mention of such pieces as " Semiramide," overture to " Guy Mannering," Grand March Monnes "Blue Bella." Four pianoß and one harmonium were in use at the same time, and the performance of the many selections was quite brilliant. The crispness of touch and correctness of phrasing w d s specially admired. Nor were the Dupils backward in the vocal art. Many of the songs rendered were toucbingly and gracefully given, and all were remarkable for their delicacy and clearness ot tone. That the audience thoroughly enjoyed the music was fairly proved by the hearty applause. The recitations were faultless in ennunciation and expression. The play, "My Aunt's Heiress," was a very appropriate finish to an interesting programme The ponrayal of the several characters was all that could be desired, many of the performers showing a marked talent for the histrionic art. Rev. Father Braxmeier, Professor of St. Patricks College, Wellington, was present, and at the conclusion, Very R dV Father Kirk, distributed the prizes, before doing which the Very Rev. Father expressed hi— e'f h: S b'y pleased with the result of the examinations which had occupied Mr. Lloyd, Mr. O'Rourke and himbelf more than a week. In St. Joseph'a School there was a very noticeable improvement, as also in St. Mary's, with the exception of one class, the fourth, owing to the pupils being advanced rather soon The Sacred Heart Hchool was all that could be desired, in fact it always allorded him much pleasure to examine this school the child^n Bhowing an amount of knowledge far beyond that required in their respective classes.

(From an occasional Correspondent.) The annual dietribution of prizes in cunuection with St. I'atrick'a School, Pilmeriton North, was a decided succor. There was a kr^e attendance of partDtn and children. There was a play after the conceit by tbe children, Miss K. M. Hollis deserves the highest praise

for the success she has achieved in the examinations and entertainment.ent.

The following is the programme :— Song, "The Morning SoDg," children ; recitauon, " When I am a Man," Masters Foley, Weight, and Rosinoski ; recitation, "Beautiful Snow," Miss Mary Graney ; song, ■' la Pride of May," children ; recitauon, " The Dying Cowboy," V!i33 Edith R >dg"rs ; recitation, " The Visitor," Master L. Weight , recitati >n, " The Little Cook," Miis Annie Foley ; song, " Say a kind w -rd when you can." chil iren ; recitation, " The Well of St. Keyne," Miss Strah Rogers; recitation, "Perseverance," Miss X Graney ; song, " The M juatain Song," childrea ; recitation, "The Mouse and the Cike," Miss^ H)dsr'on und Hickey ; recitation, "Keeping His Word, ' Master Joha Foley ; song, " Tbe Reapers," children ; play, "The Reverse of the Medal," characters— lsabella (daughter of the countess), Miss Mary Graney ; Jane (shepherdess), Miss Sarah Rogers ; Countess (mother of Isabella), Miss Jane Mansoa ; Madame Morville (governess), Miss Annie Foley ; Philipo Oady's maid), Miss Annie Hodgson ; Ellen (tne housemaid), Mias Katie Hodgson ; Mother Alarum, Miss Maggie Hickey ; d.stribution of prizes and crowning of the most amiable girl, selected by the children themselves, and rosette to be given to the most popular boy ; conclusion, " Auld Lang Syoe. '

(Aucklard Ecening Star, Dscember 16.) Tbe pupils attending St. Patrick's Bchool, Panmure, underwent a searching examination yesterday, in the presence of Monsignor McDonald and a large number of parents and friends. The scholars numbered about 55, and it is satisfactory to know that they acquitted themselves in a manner which reflected very great credit on their teachers, Miss Honan (principal), and Miss A Hogan (assistant). A number of valuable prizes were handed to them by the Monsignor, who accomoanied each by a fe«r encouraging words. At intervals several pretty "cnoruses and recitations were pleasingly rendered— some ne»tls-written capybooks and maps were shown which were much praised by those present, and the occasion was not allowed to pass without the usual distribution of cakes, lollie.s etc., to the very great delight of the youngsters. A well-wordsd address was read to Father Walter by Miss F. Fleming on behalf of the pupils, and in reply he thanked them very cordially for their feeling and grateful sentiments, and at the same time paid a well-merited compliment to the tt achers for the large measure of success which attended their valued labours during the year now about to clobc In conolußioo he wished one and all a "M-rry Carietmas and a Happy New Tear." Ringing cueers were then given for Ftther Walter and the teachers.