T E M U K A.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 32, 8 December 1893, Page 6

T E M U X A.

(From an occasional Correspondent.) Thk Tenauka and Kerrytown Convent schools were examined about a fortnight ago. The inspector, Rev Father Bowers, spoke in flattering terms of the tfficiency of the schoolc, which he considered would compare favourably with State institutions. No donbt your readers will be pleased to learn of the success of a young Catholic schoolmaster. Mr James Gilleepie, in charge of Bangitira Valley school, obtained excellent results at the last exam - nation of schools by Inspector Gow. The report was as follows :— " Percentage of passes, 81 ; percentage of failures, 0 ; percentage on class subjects, 69; additional markf, 60. Tbe preparatory pupils make very good progress. The school has passed an excellent examination. The order, attention and manners are good. — J. G. Gow, M.A., Inspector." The report speaks volumes for the abi ity of Mr Gillespie. With grief I have to chronicle the death of a very young man — Mr William Davie— which occurred Borne time ago. Mr D*vie bad for many years been a member of the school of Freethougbt, and was intelligent and well read. He was also a vigorous debater. Some months ago he came in contact with two young men, and entered into a debate on matters connected witb religion. This was carried on between deceased and one of tbe young men to within a short time prior to Mr Davie being attacked witb inflammation of the bowel?, when he expressed a desire to have Father Fauvel sent to him, who baptised him. Though the poor man suffered most terribly, he followed the good priest's advice, and bore bis long agony with the patience of a martyr, and passed away in a most edifying manner, fortified by the rights of the Church. This conversion caused the Presbyterians much anxiety, and they tried all in tbeir power to obtain permission to bury deceased, but before his death this came to his ears, and be said to his wife, *'I wish to bs buried by the Boman Catholic priest." Even this aid not suffice, for the Bey Mr Dickson wished to say a few words to the people after the funeral, but the words had to remain untold. Deceased rejected all other religions with his whole heart, considering them mere sham. He always loved the Catholic Church, " Because," to use his own words, " it was striving to better the condition of the poor workman.'' — R.I. P. Preparations are already being made to fight the March elections. Committees are already being formed. The annual concert in connection with our convent school will be held on Anniversary Day. It promises to be a great success.