TEMUKA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 27, 3 April 1891, Page 20

TEMUKA.

(From an occasional Correapondent.)

Temokt, March 30, 1891. The treat which is held annually in connection with the Temuka and Kerrytown Convent Schools on. St. Joseph's Day vu this year a greater success than ever. A subscription list waa taken round, with the result that a handsome sum was collected, and besides this there were many donations of cakes, butter, etc. Tbe weather, as has always been tbe case on this day, was extremely fiae, and the attendance was very large, ab-mt three hundred children being present, besides many adults. Tbe holy sacrifice of Mass was celebrated by tbe Rev. Father Fauvel at 9 o'clock, tit. Joseph's altar wag beautifully decorated — the work of the Sisters. Thiß year, as on previous occasions, the First Communion of children took place, the number being about forty. The boys wore a broad re 1 Bash, and the girls the symbolic white. The choir had been specially trained for the occasion by Father Aubrey, and its selections were of special merit. Webb's Mass in G was sung, and at the Offertory and after Mass a hymn to the Saint of tbe Feaßt was rendered. Mass being over, the children were marched to the school, where a sumptuous feast was in store for them. There were five long tables, and on these were eatables of every conceivable description. These were set off to perfection by a profusion of flowers, which were in handsome vases on the tables, and the room was also decorated with evergreens, etc. Grace having been said, every child was feaßting to its heart's content, and as there were fully three hundred present, the Sisters, as well as the large number of Young ladies who assisted them, were kept busy in attending to their wants. After they had been satisfUd, and grace after meals said, the children adjourned to the play-ground (boys into one paddock and tbe girls into another), and the adults had their turn. Father Aubrey took charge of the boye, and the Sisters of the girls. Games of all descriptions were indulged in, and a long programme of races, etc., gone through. Father Aubrey was assisted by Father Fauvel, Mr Twomey, and one or two young men in getting up the races. Nearly every child present won some little toy or other. Tbe priocipal events in the boys' division resulted as follows :—: —

Boys' Races — From 10 to 12 years of age • J. Lavery 1, J. Barry 2 ; over 12 years : Bart. Horgpn 1, M. Nolan 2 ; 8 to 10 years : J. Flaherty 1, Bamuel Connolly 2 ; under 8 years • Maurice Connell 1, T. Horgan "2.

Running High Jump- Under 12 years of a?e : M. Demuth 1, H. Broanahan 2 ; over 12 years : J. Mcore 1, D. Connell 2.

RunniDg Jump — Over 12 years : J. Spillane 1, J. Barry 2.

Three-leeged Races — Unii-r 12 years : Edward Lavery and J. Dunn 1, J. Kelly and R. Buike 2 ; over 12 years : D, Heffernan and B. Horgan 1, D. Connell and C. Toby 2. Sack Race— J. Stack 1, B. Horgan 2. Walking Handicap— Under 12 years : R. Burke 1, J. Barry 2. Hop. Step, and Jump — Over 12 years : C. Spillane 1, B. Horgan 2 ; under 12 years : M. Demuth 1, D. Murphy 2. Vaulting with Pole— M. Demuth I,T. Spillane 2. Wrestling — Over 12 years : T. SpiUane 1, D. Heffernan 2 ; undtr 12 year? D. Murphy 1, D. Hoare 2.

Besides these, a large number of events were gone through. No records were kept of the girls' races. Tbe various events were contested in a very spirited manner, and in many a good deal of substance was shown. Daring the afternoon the children were regaled, and it is needless to say their appetites were rendered keen by their various modes of recreation. At four o'clock the programme waa diawn to a close, and h^ar'y ch 'era w?re given (or Fathers Fauvel and Aubrey, the Sisters. Mr. Twomey, and those who had contributed to their enjoyment. The children were then marched into church and the Benedic'ion of the Blessed SicrameDt brought the day's fetes to a close. Tae choir excellently ren lerel St. Mary's " O Salutaris " and " Tantum Ergo." The Litany was one which is composed in four parts, and which the Rev. Father Aubrey his taught the choir. The blending of the boys' votes with thos-i of the others was very effective, and this is one of the most impressive litanies I have heard. While the congregation was dispersing the choir sang a hymn to St. Joseph. This brought one nf the most successful feasts to a close. It might be mentioned that Father Aubrey is popular to an unlimited extent with the boys. At play -time he can generally be seen with them, which is a very commendable thing.

The offices of the Holy Week were carried out with great solemnity, an accjimt of which will appear in our next issue.