PRIZE DISTRIBUTlON AT ST. PATRICK'S COLLEGE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 32, 17 December 1897, Page 4

PRIZE DISTRIBUT l ON AT ST. PATRICK'S COLLEGE.

(From our Wellington correspondent.)

December 1 1. 181)7. PRIZE day at St. Patrick's College is one of the nio«t popular functions in connection with that institution, and it was no cause of wonder that the Study Hall was filled to overflowing on Tuesday night long before the hour appointed for the distribution of awards for the years" work. It is only natural to expect that the parents and friends of the students should be in evidence on such an occasion, when the college authorities take the public into their confidence and tell thjm of the su'icesso and failures of the year's hard study. It is an event, too. in the lite of the boys, many of whom are about to sever their connection with the college, and go out into the world to fiirht the battle of existence shoulder to Bhoulder with others equally as well equipped. Many are to return for another term and aie anxious to know if they are among the lucky number who have secured prizes, a sort of certificate to show their relations that their time has been put to the best advantage. In passing it may be here remarked that it does not necessarily follow that because a boy does not succeed in getting a gold or silver medal, or a useful volume, he has not done well. It fact it often depends on the n unber (if competitors in the form, and their qualifications. I believe it i-, the »vneral experience of those who make a study of surh matters that it is not the brilliant boy who secures the largest number of awanK but rather he, who docs the most solid work in all branches. m,»k?s the greatest success in after life. But to come bvok to our starting point, the a-semblage at the prize distribution on Tuesday was the largest gathering of the general public which was e\er within the building. For some time be lore the arrival of his Excellency the (!o\ernor. who drove up punctually as the clock struck ei^ht, the hall was packed to ovei flow ing, and those who were unable to find oven standing room, were ylad to avail themselves of the corridors and the adjoining rooms. As Lord Ranfuily and suite drove up to the college the band played the National Anthem, and as the \iei rej^al paity alight 'd they were received by his Grace Archbi-hop Redwood and the Very Rev. Dr. Watters. The nppe ir.uice of his Excellency in the hall was the signal for an enthusiastic welcome by the students, in which the public joined with grout cordiality. Among those present T noticed Very Rev. Father Dewy, V.C., Very Uev. Father Kirk, Very Re\ Fathjr Lane, Very Uev. rather I'.itterson. etc.. the Count and Countess Joiih-oy d'Abbaiib. Lady Stout, Hon. Dr. Grac, M.L.C.. Hon. Major fctewart, M.H.R., Hon. J. G. Ward, M.11.R., Mrs. Socdon and the

Misses Seddon, Inspector Pender and Misses Pender, Drs. Marti Cahill, Mackin and Ewart, Messrs. O'Regan, O'Meara and Gilfedde M H.R.s, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Devine, Mr. and Mrs. T. G. McCarthy, Messrs. R. O'Connor, M. Kennedy, Amelius Smith, N. Reid, Kenny, O'Sullivan, Lawlor, Ross, McParland. McArdle, etc. Apologies for non-attendance w^re received from Sir Maurice O'Rorke, the R'ght Hon. 11. J. Seddon and Hon. H. D. Bell, Mayor of Wellington.

The corridors looked exceedingly pretty with a lavish display of Chinese lanterns, whilst palms and other greenery set off to advantige the lecture hall, the stage of which was artistically drapsd, the splendid banner of the College Football Club making an effective centre piece. Immediately on the arrival of the Governor the programme was begun by the college orchestra playing a .selection from " Lucrezia Borgia," under the conductorship of Mr. Thomas Trowell. The following items then succeeded : — Song, with orchestral accompaniment, " Ora Pro Nobis " (Piccolomini), Francis J. Holley ; octett (strings and piano), " Caliph de Bagdad " (Boieldieu), Masters Loughnan, Yenning, Watson, Dorset, Brady, Jouffroy D'Abbans, and D. Kenny (piano). The distribution of prizes next took place, the recipients being warmly applauded by their fellow-students a 8 they received the prizes from the hands of Lord Ranf urly. Just preceding this part of the ceremony the Very Rev. Dr. Watters gave a short resume of the work of the year, and the success attained by the students at the public examinations. He said his message that evening would be a message of good tidings and peace on earth to men of good will. He was pleased to see so many present at the end of their academic year, and more especially his Excellency the Governor. They had placed before them during the year of 1897 a long and arduous programme, and he conld fairly say that good, sound, solid work had been done. The boys had undergone a searching examination, and although all had not been successful, still a very high percentage had secured passes. During the year one student had passed, with credit, the junior scholarship examination (New Zealand University) ; five had matriculated ; one had passed in the senior Civil Service, and twelve in the junior Civil Service examinations. The passes in the Trinity College, London, musical examination, were : — Senior grade, 1 ; intermediate (honours), 2 : intermediate (pass), 2 ; and junior (pass), 3. In the drawing examination, held under the auspices of the Government at the School of Design, sixteen passed the various grades. The bill of health of the college, during the year, had been good, and out of a household of over 130, he was pleased to say that not a single person was then suffering from a cold. The musical department, which has always been a feature of the college, had maintained a high standard during the year. Another department in which excellent work, too, had been done, was the debating society, which had just closed its session. The time has come for the enlargement of the college annual, so as to have space to embody more of the work of th# college than they had been able in the calendar, and so it was issued this year in an improved form under the title of " Blue and White." Again he thanked all for their attendance and their interest in the labours of the college, which was an encouragement to them to persevere still more in carrying on the work of turning out good citizens of this great and growing Colony (applause). At a later stage in the proceedings the Very Rev. Dr. Watters announced that on the commencement of the next term technical classes, under a competent instructor, would be inaugurated at the college. The announcement was received with warm approval by the parents and friends of the students. At the conclusion of the prize distribution his Grace proposed a hearty vote of thanks to his Excellency for his kindness in being present, which he was at considerable inconvenience, and he (Archbishop Redwood) was satisfied the professors and students highly appreciated the honour conferred upon them. He was pleased to hear from the Rector that the year had been a prosperous one. First of all the students had enjoyed excellent health, which was in a measure due to the" excellent sanitary arrangements of the college. He was happy to be able to congratulate the students on the diligence displayed in their studies, whilst their conduct and the tone of the college generally had been excellent. The aim of the college was to bring out and develop, as far as they could, all the qualities and talents of the students, to form their minds and generally fit them out tor the future, by the strengthening of thobe faculties which were necessary to carry them successfully through life. It wus not so much the quantity of instruction imparted to the boy which fitted him out but rather his industry and his desire to acquire knowledge. He was pleas-ed to see that "An Old Boys' Association "' had been formed in connection with the college, and hoped it would prosper, tor in our days association meant strength and a concentration of talent. The proposal to start a technical school in connection with the college was one that had hi.s hearty approval, as if they desired to have their boys fully equipped for the battle of life it was requisite that they should h .ye the benefit of a technical training. In conclusion he wished the boys "A Merry Christmas." and having thoioui>hly enjoyed their holidays he hoped, they would come bai k to the college full of strength and vigour, with the determination to a> hievo still greater successes than he had to congratulate them for on the present occasion (applause). The Hon. J. (j. Ward, m seconding the vote of thanks to His Excellency, said that they all appreciated the honour conferred on the College by the presence of Lord Ranf urly that evening. It Wus with pleasure he heard the remarks of Dr. Watters of the progress of the College, and they should til ieel proud of such an. institution, and of the valuable work it was doing. With such accomplishments as the pupils were receiving at St. Patrick's he felt sure they would be in a position to take their part in whatever sphere of life they would eater into when they left their alma mater. He had every confidence that in after years 'he students would do credit to the College, to the Very Rev. Dr. Waters, and to themselves. His Excellency, in acknowledging the vote of thanks, said he would not inflict a speech on the audience but merely content him H'lf with a few words to the boys. He was very pleased to have been present, and enjoyed the excellent musical programme. He

had heard with satisfaction the account of the good work done by the College, and he hoped the boys would have pleasant holidays and enjoy them. He learned with satisfaction, too, that the boys had not been burdened with holiday tasks as was the case when he was at College. He hoped they would come back at the beginning of next term full of energy, and putting their shoulders to the work, study with vigour, and so when the time came for them to enter upon a career they would be able to look the world in the face and take their place with confidence in the battle of life. (Applause.) On Lord Ranf urly leaving the hall hearty cheers were given for His Excellency by the ex-students. The orchestra and band were under the direction of Mr. Thomas Trowell, Mr. David Kenny presided at the piano, and the Rev. Father Hickson acted as master of ceremonies. The College will re-open on February oth. The following is the prize list :—: — Special prizes. — Good conduct — Intern students : Senior division — Prize medal presented by his Grace Archbishop Redwood, awarded to Patrick F. McG rath ; next in merit, Charles Graham, Patrick W. Quinn, Vincent Fitzpatrick, Frederic Evans, John Finlay, Peter J. McArdle ; hon. mention, Francis J. Holley, John F. O'Connor, Charles Yenning. Hon. mention is awarded to students, who, while entitled to place, yet from having taken the prize in the same conditions in a previous year, or for other reasons, do not enter into competition. A prize is given to students, who, though failing to obtain first place, have secured four " next in merit " mentions in classwork. Junior division — Prize, Daniel Sullivan ; next in merit. Michael Grace, Joseph McGee, Francis Cullen, Marcel Jouffroy d'Abbans. Extern students — Prize, Bernard J. Devine ; next in merit, Alfred Coleman. Charles Gamble, John Monahan ; hon. mention, Frederic Crombie. Diligence — The •' Buckley " medal, for highest aggregate of marks attained in class work during the year, awarded to Charles Graham ; next in merit. Albert Casey, Charles Yenning, Arthur Lynch, Patrick F. McGrath, Ignatius O'Boyle. Christian doctrine : Undergaduate's class — Prize medal presented by the Very Rev. Provincial, S.M., awarded to Patrick F. McGrath ; next in merit, John Madden, James Eccleton, Francis J. Holley. The '• Carolan " medal, for excellence in music, awarded to David Kenny ; next in merit, Robert Loughnan, Charles Yenning, Edgar Watson. Oratory and debate : Prize medal presented by Very Rev. Father Devoy, V.G., awarded to Bernard J. Devine ; second prize, James A. Eccleton ; next in merit, Patrick F. McGrath, Frederic Evans, John Finlay, Felix Campbell, Thomas Campbell. English literature and English authors : Gold medal presented by Mr. William B. Missen (ex-pupil), awarded James A. Eccleton ; next in merit, Patrick F. McGrath, John Madden, Francis J. Holley. English essay writing : Special prize presented by Mr. John Cumin, M.A., K.C.S.G., awarded to Francis J. Holley ; next in merit, James A. Eccleton, Patrick F. McGrath, Frederic Evans. Irish history : Gold medal presented by Dr. Cahill, awarded to James A. Eccleton ; next in merit, Patrick F. McGrath. Bernard J. Devine, Patrick McEvedy, Arthur Lynch : hon. mention, John Madden. Excellence in mathematics : Prize medal presented by Very Rev. Father McNamara, S.M.. awarded to Albert Casey. Excellence in Latin language : Special prize presented by the Hon. Walter W. Jolmuton, awarded to Patrick F. McGrath ; next in merit, John Madden. Peter C. Walsh. Silver medal for euphonium : Presented by Mr. G. T. White, awarded to Edgar Watson. Christian doctrine. — Matriculation class Prize. Ignatius O'Boyle ; nuxt in merit, Albert Casey, John F. O'Connor, Charles Yenning. Second cla^s : First prize, Fred Crombie ; second prize. Cyril Collins ; next in merit, Ruhard Dorset, Francis Cullen, Joseph McGee, Herbert Watson. Third class : Prize, Daniel Sullivan ; next in merit, John Brophy, John Na&h, Maurice O'Connor, David Kenny, Francis Pender. Fourth class : Christian doctrine and spiritual history — First prize, Richard Harold ; second prize. John Higgms ; next in merit, Clarence Arthur, James JMonahan, Samuel Briggs. Fifth class : Prize, Patrick Daly ; next in merit, Basil Gudgeon, Henry Hodgins, John Kelliher. Preparatory school — First division : Prize, Thomas Spillanc ; next in merit, Cyril Brebner, Joseph McCarthy, Robert Brady. Second division : Prize, Thomas L. Ward ; next in merit, Francis Dv Moulins. Course of English. — Grammar, analysis, j>rr<-is writing, etc. : Prize, John Madden ; next in merit, Francis J. Holley, Patrick F. McGrath, Albert Casey, Arthur Lynch. English history and geography : Prize, Frederick Evans ; next m merit, Charles Graham, James A. Eccleton, Ignatius O'Boyle, Charles Yenning ; bon. mention, John Madden. Second class — English composition : First prize, Cecil Morkane ; second prize, John Finlay ; next in merit, Francis Cullen, Richard Dorset, Tomas Campbell (Grey), Joseph McGee. Literature and authors : First prize, Francis Cullen ; second prize, Joseph MoG.ce ; next in merit, Ernest O'Brien. Francis Smith, Vincent Fitzpatrick, Charles Gamble. English history : First prize, Peter J. McArdle ; second prize, Alfred Coleman ; next in merit, Joseph McGee, Francis Cullen, Cecil Morkane. Cyril Collins. Grammar and analysis First prize, Robert Loughnan ; second prize, Fred Crombie ; next in merit, Francis Cullen, Cyril Collins, Richard Dorset, Peter J. McArdle. Irish history : First prize, Charles Gamble ; second prize, Ernest O'Brien ; next in merit, Thomas Campbell (Grey). Fred Crombie. Cyril Collins, Cecil Morkane. Geography : First prize, Cecil Morkane ; second prize, Thomas Campbell (Grey) : next in merit, Fred Crombie, Robert Loughnan, (Jharles Gamble. Francis Cullen. Third class — English composition: Prize, William Burke; next in merit. John Brophy, Daniel Sullivan, Maurice O'Connor, Edward Wilson, John O'llalloran. English authors : Prize, David Kenny : next in merit, John Nash, Daniel Sullivan, John Brophy, Maurice O'Connor, Thomas Lawlor. Grammar and analysis : Prize, John Brophy ; next in merit, Daniel Sullivan, Maurice O Connor. Edward Wilson, William Burke, Niel Ewart. Geography : Prize, Maurice O'Connor ; next in merit, John JJrophy, David Kenny, Francis Pender, Edward Wilson, Thomas O'Connell. Fourth class — Handwriting : First prize, Sanders Johnstone ; second prize,

Ferdinand de Jouffroy d'Abbans ; next in merit, James Lockhead, Thomas Ryan, Arthur Garvey. Geography, history (English and Irish) : First prize, Richard Harold ; second prize, John Higgins ; next in merit, Sanders Johnstone and Richard Hoare (equal), Claude Campbell, Michael Grace. English authors : First prize, Samuel Briggs ; second prize, Charles O'Malley ; next in merit, Michael Grace, Albert Creagh O'Connor, James Lockhead and James Monahan (equal). Grammar and analysis : First prize, Wirimu Rangitatata Makaera ; second prize, Arthur Garvey ; next in merit, Clarence Arthur, Richard Hoare, James Monahan. Fifth class — Reproduction : Prize, Berthold Ahlfeld ; next in merit, John Kelliher, Charles Clifford, John Hunter. Reading and recitation : . Prize, Walter Ahlfeld ; next in merit, Henry Hodgins, Salvador Belve, Francis Dwan, John Kelliher. Grammar and parsing : Prize, Francis Dwan ; next in merit, Salvador Bclve, Henry Hodgins, John Kelliher. History and geography : Prize, Charles Clifford ; next in merit, Salvador Belve, Henry Hodgins, Walter Ahlfeld. Claude Simon. Writing : Prize, Berthold Ahlfeld ; next in merit, John Kelliher, Joseph Sontgen, John Hunter. Preparatory School. — Reading and spellirg — First division : Prize, Cyril Brebner ; next in merit, Thomas Spillane, Robert Brady. Second division : Prize, Ivan Bridge ; next in merit, Joseph M'Carthy, Ernest M'Cardell. Third division : Prize, Francis dv Moulin ; next in merit, Reginald Lush. Author, grammar and geography : Prize, Thomas Spillane , next in merit, Cyril Brebner, Robert Brady, Patrick Dwyer, Dugald Henderson. Writing and exercises — First division : Prize, Cyril Brebner ; second prize, Albert Brebner ; next in merit, Ivan Bridge, Patrick Dwyer, Henry Kirkwood. Second division : Prize, John Henry. Latin Colours. — Second class : Prize, Charles Yenning ; next in merit, Albert Casey, Arthur Lynch. Third class : First prize, Cecil Morkane ; second prize, John Brophy ; next in merit, Gerald O'Kane, Neil Ewart, Thomas Campbell (Grey), James O'Malley. Fourth class : Prize, Charles Gamble ; next in merit, Ernest O'Brien, Joseph M'Gee, Richard Dorset, Arthur Garvey. Fuknch. — Undergraduates 1 and matriculation classes — First class : Composition — Prize, Patrick McGarth ; next in merit, John Madden, Francis Holley. Grammar — Prize, John Madden ; next in merit, Patrick McGartn, Robert Loughnan. Second Class : Composition — Prize, Charles Yenning ; next in merit, Daniel Sullivan, Albert Casey, James Eccleton. Grammar — Prize, Daniel Sullivan; next in merit, Charles Yenning, Albert Casey. Arthur Lynch. Third class ; Prize, Charles Graham ; next in merit, Cyril Collins, Cecil Morkane. Fourth class : Prize, Charles Gamble ; next in merit, John Finlay, William Burke, David Kenny, Thomas Campbell, Vincent Fitzpatrick. Fifth class (higher division) : Prize, Thomas Campbell (Karori) ; next iv merit, Joseph McGee, Edward Wilson, William Scanlon, James Monahan. Sixth class : Prize, John Brophy ; next in merit, Ernest O'Brien, Alfred Coleman, Claude Campbell, Richard Hoare, Thomas Ryan. Mathematics. — Undergraduates' and matriculation class : Algebra — Prize, Albert Casey ; next in merit, John Madden, Charles Graham, Patrick Quinn. Geometry — Prize, Charles Yenning ; next in merit. Charles Graham, Albert Casey, John Madden. Arithmetic — Prize. Albert Casey ; next in merit, Charles Graham, Arthur Lynch, Patrick McGarth. Second class : Algebra — Prize, Charles Gamble ; next in merit, Cyril Collins, Cecil Morkane, Ernest O'Brien, Fredrick Crombie. Geometry — Prize, Robert Loughnan ; next in merit, Fred. Crombie, Francis Cullen, Patrick MuEvtdy, Ignatius O'Boyle. Arithmetic — Prize, Patrick McEvedy; next m merit, Francis Cullen, Charles Gamble, Cecil Morkan Richard Dorset. Third class : Algebra — Prize, Daniel Sullivan ; next in merit, Thomas Campbell (Karori), James McParland, William Burke, William Scanlon, Vincent Fitzpatriok. Geometry — Prize, Vincent Fitzpatnok ; next in merit, Daniel Sullivan, William Burke, John Brophy, Francis Pender, Herbert Watson. Arithmetic — Prize, John Brophy ; nevt in merit, Daniel Sullivan, James McParland, Thomas Campbell (Karori), Francis Pender, Herbert Watson. Fourth class : Geometry — First Prize, Albert Devine ; second prize, Arthur Gariey ; next in merit, Norman Crombie, Clarence Arthur, Edward Cromn, Richard Hoare, Wirimu Rangitatata Mikaera. Arithmetic — First Prize, Claude Campbell ; second prize. Samuel Briggs; next in merit, John Patterson, James Moilaud, Neil Ewart, James Lockhead, Thomas Ryan. Fifth class : Arithmetic — Prize. George Milhngton . ntxt in incut, Salvador Belve, Walter Ahlfeld, Berthold Ahlield, John Hunter. Com.mi;rci \l, CouiJbK. — Book-keeping and accounts; Senior division — l'nze, James Gafrney ; ne-ct m merit, James McParland, Thomas Campbell (Karori), Thomas O'Coniii'll. Junior division Fiist prize, George Milling-ton ; second prize. .James Lockhead ; next in merit, Claude Campbell, Walter Ahlteld, James Morland, Harry Hodgins, Alfred Ross. Shorthand — Prize, Cyril Collins ; next in merit, John O'llalloran. Maurice O'Connor, John McAidlc, James Guffncy. Dkawim;. — First division ; Light and shade and model — First prize. Norman Crombie : second' pu/.e, Noruuin Reid ; next in merit, Albert Creagh O'Conno.-, William Burke. Frederick Crombie, Arthur (iarvey. Second division: Freehand — First prize, Michael Grace; -second prize, George Millington ; next m merit, Maurice O'Connor, Ferdinand de Jouftroy d'Abbans, Cyril Brebner, James Morland. MuMC. — Piano — Prize, David Kenny • next in merit, Edward Wilson, Herbert Watson. Violin — Prize. Robert J. Loughnan ; next in merit, Charles Yenning, Edgar Watson, John Brady, Richard Dorset, Ferdinand de Jouffroy d Abbans. Brass Band : Trombone Prize, Richard Dorset. Drums— Prize, Robert J. Louyhnan. Drill. — First division : Fir-»t prize, Francis J. Holley ; second prize, Vincent Fitzpatrick ; next in merit. Frederick Evans ; Alfred Colenia,n. Second division ; Prize. Edward Liihman ; next in merit, Norman Reid, Francis Ponder. Thiid division ; Prize, Albert Brebnor ; next iv merit, <'yril ISrclmer. Prizes obtained by requisite number of "next in merit" mentions in classwork — Arthur Lynch, Edward Wilson, Richard Hoare, Salvador Belve.