ONEHUNGA

New Zealand Tablet, 2 July 1914, Page 38

ONEHUNGA

(From an occasional correspondent.)

June 23.

A very enjoyable function was held in St. Mary’s Hall on Saturday, June 13, in connection with the presentation of a valuable silver cun, which was won by the pupils of the Onchunga Convent School in a ‘ pass hall ' contest at the recent Friendly Societies’ sports. The cup, which is a handsome and valuable one, was presented by Mr. J. J. Shaldrick, J.P., and is a further evidence of his generosity in Church and school matters of the parish. It is to be competed for annually by the pupils attending the various schools of the district. The Sisters of Mercy feel justly proud that in the face of long odds their team was the first winner, as they had all the public schools of the district to compete against. The Hon. F. W. Lang, M.P., very kindly made the presentation, and in a neat speech complimented the children for their success. The hall was well filled by the parents of the children from all parts of the parish, and a well-selected programme was presented, consisting of the following items, all of which were well received : Duet, ‘ Matters Valse,’ Misses O’Neill and Wharton; chorus, ‘Welcome,’ pupils; dance, ‘Highland fling,’ Miss Scott; chorus, ‘Leaves and the wind,’ pupils: address, Miss Higgins; chorus, ‘Meeting of the waters,’ pupils; dance, Irish jig. Misses Scott, Simmons, Hotchins, and McLaughlin ;

‘ Soldicrs’s chorus from ‘Faust,’ Miss A. Barr and Master Drager ; ‘God defend New Zealand.’

The commercial classes, winch were opened in the convent school last February, have proved very successful, and the results speak very highly for the training received in such a short ncriod. Three of the pupils Misses Beatrice Wharton, Sadie Bull, and Master James Godfrey— sent their papers to the examiner in Sydney, and received 90 per cent, marks for bookkeeping, thereby gaining certificates. Miss Wharton also sent a paper

on shorthand, gaining 95 per cent, on that subject. The examiner described her work as ' exceptionally ’ good, and very neatly done. The Sisters are delighted with the result, and it should act as an encouragement to other pupils who intend to go in for commercial pursuits to enrol at once, and be prepared to take part in the next examination.