MARIST BROTHERS' SCHOOL, WANGANUI. (Herald, 21st December.)

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 37, 11 January 1895, Page 21

MARIST BROTHERS' SCHOOL, WANGANUI. (Herald, 21st December.)

Oar Roman Catholic friends certainly have the happy knack of making everything they attempt a brilliant success, and last night's effort was no exception to the rule. Every item bore the indelible mark of careful and painstaking rehearsal on the part of the puoils and equally vigilant by the Bro-hers themselves. To Brother Alfred is due a large share of praise for the state of proficiency to which he brought those whom he chose to provide tbe musical part of the programme, and that his efforts were crowned with smiling success was all evident by the clamorous applause with which eacb musical item was received. Where merit shone through the whole list of items it is perhaps unfair to particulars, but extra notice should be given to three of tbe junior pupils-namely, Masters Pnrcell, Turner and Wixcey-who, in several solo part?, qui.e delighted their hearers with the rendition of their severftl pieces. In the case of the three boys mentioned-and, indeed, in all the others-there was evident musical aptitude noticeably in every item. The c^orusas demonstrated their ability to harmonise tbeir voices, and strict regard was also given to time, the leading and secondary parts being treated in a manner which came as no small surprise to tbe auiience Of th* recitations, etc., we m*y truthfully say that they were up to the Btaodard of merit that could reasonably be expected of boy s A Scotch reel by Master B. McGregor won for him an enthusiastic reception, and in their phybical exercise Masters Cullea, McGregor

and Turner gave an exceedingly clever and precise exposition of the art of club-swinging ; indeed, so accurate were their movements that the two in tbe rear ground appeared to reflect the motion of their leader as in a mirror. One of the most enjoyable programmes it has been our privilege to listen to was brought to a close by an excellently-rendered chorua by the junior pupils entitled " The Bella." Prior to the distribution of prize*, the Very Bey Father Kirk took the opportunity of referring to the marked progress the school had made during the past year, end of thanking Brother Alfred for the good results that h»d been attained through bis and hia asiistants* nntiring energies ; this was evidenced by what the children bad treated them to that evening, and particularly the result of a severe and searching examination.