Christian Brothers' School, Dunedin

New Zealand Tablet, 23 December 1909, Page 2014

Christian Brothers' School, Dunedin

The Garrison Hall, Dunedin, was crowded on Monday evening on the occasion of the annual entertainment by the pupils of the Christian Brothers' School. His Lordship the jßishop, who was accompanied by his Grace the Archbishop of Hobart, presided. The Rev. lather Coffey, Adm., and several local and visiting clergy, were present. The annual, entertainments by tne pupils of the Christian Brothers are noted for their excellence, and it is needless to say that on this occasion the varied programme gave evidence of the superior intellectual and physical training imparted at the school. Every item was a treat in itself, and showed that the Brothers are maintaining the reputation which the Order enjoys throughout the English-speaking world, and even beyond it, as being in the forefront as educationists. The programme opened with an overture, ' Irish gems,' by an orchestra under the conductorship of Brother Cusack, which was followed by Molieres comedy, ' The Upstart.' This was a very ambitious undertaking tor schoolboys, but it was admitted that they - did remarkably well, many or them displaying dramatic ability of a high order. There were no hitches, and the play went with a swing from start to finish that was highly creditable to the performers and their teachers. The following was the cast of characters : Jordan, Master T. P. Laffey; Old Mr. Jordan, Master H. Moynihan; Cleon, Master P. Spiers; Coveille, Master W. McKeefry; Dorimines, Master P. Collins; Doranto, Master E. Stanaway; Nicholas, Master A. Burke; a tailor, Master J. Walsh; professor of philosophy, Master F. Lefevre; professor of music, Master P. lleliglier; professor of dancing, Master J. Moroney; professor of fencing, Master T. Holland; footman, Master E. Nolan. Minor characters were filled by Masters L. Walsh, J. McKeefry, J. Thompson, A. Fogarty, and T. Muirhead. The second part opened wtih an orchestral selection, ' War march of the priests,' followed by the ' Adeste Fideles ' (with orchestral accompaniment) by the Christian Brothers' Choir. This was a very fine item, and bore evidence to the excellent training of the boys, as did also the bracketed items, ' *Coro di Crociati c Pellegrini ' (Verdi) and ' The green shores of Erin ' (Lover), which concluded the programme. The action song by the infants in appropriate uniforms and carrying toy rifles took the fancy of the audience. The little fellows went through the movements with a precision that would do credit to an adult company. Both juniors and seniors gave very fine gymnastic displays, which were not by any means the least enjoyable items of the programme. Master D. Mclvenzie gave an exhibition of step-dancing (Irish jig), for which he was warmly applauded. The balance of the programme consisted of an orchestral selection, a song and chorus, and bracketed items (' Bird song ' and ' Terry ') by the junior singing class. "Miss C. Hughes acted with her usual ability as accompanist, and the gymnastic displays were carried out under the direction of Master T. P. Laffey.

His Lordship the Bishop left before the end of the programme, and consequently the duty of presenting the prizes devolved on his Grace the Archbishop of Hobart, who was accompanied on the stage by Rev. Fathers Coffey and O'Malley, Rev. Canoii Woodthorpe, the Mayor of Dnnedin, Councillors Burnett, Marlow, and Sullivan, Dr. O'Neill, Messrs. J. B. Callan, jun., and C. A. Shiel. At the conclusion of the distribution of prizes the Archbishop of Hobart addressed the audience. He said he felt indebted to his Lordship the Bishop of Diineclin for the privilege conferred on him that evening of distributing the prizes. It was owing to his Lordship's extreme kindness in accompanying him that day a very far distance that lie (the Bishop) felt fatigued and had to retire before the ceremony was over. He had had many previous opportunities of judging the work of the Christian Brothers in other parts of the world, and admiring them as educators. So highly were they appreciated that they could not supply the numerous demands for their services. He was fortunate himself, after waiting for a considerable time, in securing their services, and they were building for them in Hobart a college at a cost of between £7000 and £8000; and soon it was hoped to have them imparting education, at once superior and Catholic, in Tasmania. It was not many months ago since he presided at a somewhat similar distribution of prizes at the Christian Brothers' College in Rome. Not alone have they a very flourishing day school there, but they als,o conduct a night school for young men with considerable success. Their success was all the more remarkable since they had to use a foreign speech. As it was late he did not wish to detain the audience, and perhaps it was not his business to speak in regard to Catholic education, because it was quite obvious the Catholics here hilly appreciate it in its true sense. They knew that at the present time in several countries the education question was a burning question, and unfortunately a degree .of passion Avas imported into its discussion which he thought was not advisable. It was remarkable of late years that many of those who did not agree "with, the Catholic idea were laying additional stress on the necessity of moral lessons in the schqpl curriculum, and a movement which he believed originated in America was spreading widely in favor of what was known as independent morality in the schools. The meaning of that was that it was sought to secure moral training without the sanction or

support of religion. Well, if there were parents who satisfied themselves that moral instruction could be effective without a religious basis and a religious sanction, let them be free by all means to try it for their children; but Christian, and certainly" Catholic, parents, would never consent to a moral instruction" for their children which was not supported and vitalised through and through by the principles of Catholic faith. They had just listened with the same pleasure that he had experienced to the interpreting of the ' Adeste Fideles,' and what appealed to the listeners was that those fresh young hearts went fully in unison with that sweet appeal to come and adore our Infant Saviour. These were the sentiments that created a basis of morality for us Catholics, and surely, considering that we count in the world for a couple of hundred millions," our unanimous convictions on so deeply important a question could not be treated' lightly. His Grace, in conclusion, congratulated teachers and pupils on the excellence of the entertainment. Rev. Father Coffey briefly thanked the Christian Brothers for the noble work they had done throughout the year. There were 330 children on the roll this year, and these received a superior secular education second to none in New Zealand. A vote of thanks to the Archbishop of Hobart brought the proceedings to a close. The following was the annual report presented by the Rev. Brother Brady, principal : — I have much pleasure in presenting my report for the year 1909. By this report parents will be enabled to see the work that has been done during the year at the school. As long as the parents take an interest in the working of the school so long will success be achieved. This being so, I feel assured that parents who read this report to-night will find themselves amply rewarded for the sacrifices they have made, and are determined to make, in order to give their children a sound Catholic education. By giving such an education to their children parents show their wisdom, for experience has fully proved that the Christian school is the nursery that trains youths to recognise their duties to« God, tlieir country, their parents, aud themselves. Let parents then never forget that a sound religious education, far from retarding their boys' progress in life, is the very means of bringing out all that is best and noblest in them. It was a Catholic boy brought up in the atmosphere of the Christian Brothers' Schools that won the Exhibition and Blue Ribbon for Senior Mathematics, open to all the schools and colleges of Ireland, at the recent Intermediate Examinations. Our colleges in Australia, South Africa, and Newfoundland have sent their Rhodes scholars to Oxford, and we have here in our own city practical proofs, if proofs were needed, of men trained in the Christian Brothers' School who have won for themselves much praise for the sterling qualities they exhibit in their various professions. The true Christian teacher educates not merely for time, but for eternity. His object is to turn out, not ' a physically developed animal,' as a modern educationist said should be the aim of every teacher, but a boy of character, who when he leaves school will command sooner or later an influence, whether it be in the workshop, the countinghouse, the mart, the Senate, or the Church; a boy who will fight manfully, and endure heroically the ups and downs of life, fortified to the last by the religious teaching of his childhood. To develop such a character, the spiritual, mental, and physical part of a boy's nature should receive earnest consideration. This we have faithfully endeavored to do. Let the results speak for themselves. The number of pupils entered on the roll for the current year was 330, a substantial increase on last year's numbers. Great attention has been paid to the physical development of the boys under our care. All classes receive a systematic course of physical culture suitable to their age and strength. The result of this training is evident by the success which the school met with on the athletic field. During the season our school carried off the two premierships in cricket and football, as well as securing the Five-aside Championship medals. In the senior grade football competition our third grade team tied for the premiership with the Northern Club, and our second grade team won the Five-aside Championship, after a splendid struggle. In the present season's cricket competitions we are meeting with great success. Our senior school team and our third grade A team have as yet suffered no defeat. To see our ex-pupils taking such an interest in the school is very encouraging, and by entering our football and cricket clubs they have not only a means of pure enjoyment, but they keep in touch with the Brothers, with much benefit on both sides. • And here I wish to return my sincere thanks to the ex-pupils for the magnificent success they made of their first annual meeting of the Old Boys' Association. It must be cheery news for them to learn that on last Sunday two of the members of their association — Neil Collins and Michael Scanlari — were raised to the dignity of the ecclesiastical state. In the name of the association, I wish Fathers Collins and Scanlan many useful years in the diocese. In - the public examinations our pupils have done remarkably well. In the TJniversity examinations Master E. Walmsley passed his medical preliminary, as well as qualifying for engineering, solicitor's general knowledge, and matriculation; while Masters G. Wakelin and P.. Collins qualified for matriculation and solicitor's general know-

ledge. In the Junior Civil Service our boys did very well. Seven passed the examination, while Master Walmsley obtained twelfth place in the Dominion-. The dux' of the school for the year is Master^E. B. M. Walmsley. The boys have been most attentive throughout the year to their religious duties, and we received every assistance in this important part of school life from the priests of the Cathedral, who .were untiring in furthering the spiritual welfare of the boys. As a result of this, fifty-four boys made their First Communion, and seventy received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The conduct of the boys on the whole has been satisfactory, and we heartily thank the parents, who have lightened our labors by sending their children so regularly to school. We take this opportunity of thanking the ' generous donors to our prize fund, and wish one and all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The following is the prize list : — Infants. — J. Lyons 1, E. Reeves 2, J. Dixon 3, C. Horsefall 4, J. Lettoff 5, B. Hanna 6. First : Standard. — R. Dunne 1, D. Moloney 2, H. O'Reilly 3, F. Shiel 4, E. Valinski 5, J. Sheehy 6. Second Standard. — J. Stanaway 1, L. Wakelin 2, L. McDonald 3, M. O'Connor 4, J. Roe 5, E. Burden 6. Third Standard. — C. Woods 1, J. Clements 2, E. O'Reilly 3, J. Walsh 4, C. Rogan 5, G. Shiel 6, G. Brown 7, D. O'Connor 8, J. Fitzpatrick 9. Christian doctrine, W. Creed; arithmetic, P. McKeefry ; reading, L. Hessian; writing, B. Pimbley; geography, A. Cowan; grammar, A. Gawne; drawing, E. Collins. Fourth Standard.— G-. Thompson 1, F. Brown 2, E. Pollock 3, W. Nolan 4, J. Fenton 5, E. Barry 6, T. Hally 7, P. Treahy 8, W. Carolin 9. Christian doctrine, A. Carter ; arithmetic, Jas. Dunne ; reading, Jas. Airey ; writing, J. Fogarty ; geography, Jas. Lennon ; grammar, A. Tarleton ; drawing, W. Cousines. Fifth Class.— Patrick Nash 1, C. Clifford 2, V. Shiel 3, Jas. O'Connor 4, J. Walsh and Francis Mullins 5, Eustace Thompson 6. Arithmetic and geography, Chas. Clements; arithmetic and geography, Leo Marlow ; reading, R. Taylor. . Sixth Class. — F. Corcoran 1, J. Thompson 2, J. Keenan 3, Leo McKeefry 4, C. Cromar and Jas. Marlow 5, J. Flannagan 6, Tas. O'Brien 7. Christian doctrine, Thos. Devine ; Bible history, Martin Rings ; dictation, Jos. Newman; geography, A. Cantwell; reading and comprehension, M. O'Brien; English, D. Keyes; writing, P. Callery ; arithmetic, H. Carter; drawing, V. Sheehy; reading and English, A. Fogarty; English and history, C. Hastings. Sub-Civil Service Class. — A. Clements 1, J. McKeefry and R. Wood 2, F. Marlow 3, Leon Walsh 4, M. Lawless 5, Thos. Lynch 6. Latin and algebra, J. Walsh; geometry, E. Salmon; Latin aiid arithmetic, S. Gcerin ; English and drawing, H. Sweeney; arithmetic, W. Mead; drawing, I. Raughan ; geometry and English, L. Shiel; geography and English, Jas. Daly; physical drill, P. Keligher; elocution, E. Stanaway. Civil Service Class. — T. Layburn (gold medal) 1, M. McKeefry 2, C. Dunne 3, J. Joyce 4, A .Burke 5. Special prize English essay, E. Nolan. Commercial Class.— P. Spiers 1, F. Cameron 2, W. Heffernan 3. „.■,-!« Matriculation Class. — J. Moroney 1, T. Fitzgerald 2, J. McKeefry 3, F. Le Fevre 4, T. Holland 5. Post Matriculation and Senior Civil Service. — P. J. Collins 1, H. Moynihan 2. "University Scholarship Class.— E. B. M. Walmsley, Dux of School (gold medal. Special Prizes. Best all-round boy in school, P. J. Collins (silver medal); cricket, J. Flannagan (book prize); senior Irish history, C. Hastings (gold Celtic cross); junior Irish history, Vincent Shiel (gold medal) ; junior gymnastics, E. Barry; clubswinging, M. O' Sullivan; handball champion, P. J. Collins.