Pahiatua

New Zealand Tablet, 17 April 1913, Page 49

Pahiatua

Prior to his departure on a visit to Ireland, Rev. Father T. McKenna was the recipient of several handsome presents from the pupils of St. Antony's Convent School, of which he was the founder seven years ago. A large number of parents and children assembled at the scnool, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion (says the- Pahiatua Herald). A capital programme of musical and other items was gone through. During an interval a specially prepared verbal address was delivered to Father McKenna by Miss Agnes O'Rourke. The address contained expressions of esteem for the rev. gentleman, appreciation of his work, and wishes for a pleasant voyage to his native land, and a safe return. to the Dominion. The Rev. Father was the recipient of a gold-mounted fountain pen, suitably engraved, and a silver-mounted leather pocket-book. The presentations were made on behalf of the children and ex-pupils of the school by Miss' P. Hay den and Miss E. Swiggs.

Father McKenna feelingly returned thanks for the gifts, which he said he appreciated very highly, remarking that the presents entailed a sacrifice on the part of the children. lie would always remember the children in his tour abroad, and promised that they would occasionally hear from him. Father McKenna voiced his thanks for the excellent musical entertainment given during the afternoon by the pupils, and he also paid a tribute to the painstaking training imparted by the Sisters. He expressed the hope that the attendance at the school would continue to increase in numbers, and thus forward a great educational enterprise. After again gratefully acknowledging the gifts and good wishes of the pupils of the school, Father

McKenna- concluded his remarks fey granting the children a whole holiday.

The first portion of the musical programme consisted of one item, 1 The Flower Queen's Review,' in which Miss A£nes O'Rourke impersonated Queen Flora, and several prettily attired children represented various flowers, giving various appropriate recitals. The latter portion of the programme included the following items: ‘Chorus, Come back to Erin recitation, ‘Total annihilation,' Miss F. O’Meara; humorous song, Master H. Burt; recitation, ‘A leap for life,’ Master J. Walsh dialogue, Master C. and Miss K. White; song, ‘ Flow’d you like to be a baby girl?’ infant class; recitation, ‘Drake’s drum,’ Master. J. Walsh; chorus, * 0 steer my barque to Erin’s isle.’