OPENING OF A NEW SCHOOL AT TEMUKA

New Zealand Tablet, 11 February 1915, Page 27

OPENING OF A NEW SCHOOL AT TEMUKA

(From our own correspondent.)

The new Catholic school at Temuka was opened on Sunday afternoon by the Very Rev. Dean Smyth, S.M. (Provincial). There was a very large attendance, and amongst the clergy present were the Very Rev. Dean Tubman, S.M. (Timaru), Rev. Father Kerley, S.M. (Temuka), and Rev. Fathers Herring, Taylor, and Tymons. The members of the Hibernian Society were present, also the Temuka Brass Band*, which supplied appropriate music.

The Rev. Father Kerley, rector of the Temuka parish, who originated the building scheme, thanked all who had assisted in any way towards the erection, and also the Very Rev. Dean Smyth, who had been kind enough to come all the way from Wellington to perform the opening ceremony. Continuing, the Rev. Father said it was originally intended that his Lordship Bishop Grimes should open the school, but illness prevented him doing so. He did not require to speak of the necessity for a new school, nor was it necessary for him to emphasise what was quite clear to all, that they had now an excellent building. Good as the school was it was not too good for the Sisters who had done and were still doing a work amongst the young which reflected the highest credit upon them. Tie spoke in praise of those who had assisted to provide funds for the school, making special reference to the late John McSheehy Gentlemun who left them a bequest of £IOOO. This bequest, of which they only learned after the commencement of their efforts to raise the required amount, relieved them of all anxiety. He complimented the architect for his able supervision of the work, and the builder for the faithful and __ workmanlike . manner in which he carried through the contract. He also referred in similar terms to the individual contractors. He concluded by stating that the furnishing of the

school, would be as complete and as up to date as could be obtained. ’ ;

The Very Rev. Dean Smyth, who was cordially received, expressed his pleasure, and said he considered it a privilege to be with them to share in their rejoicing and to witness such substantial results of their devotion. The zeal and worthiness of a people could very often be judged by the churches, schools, and other buildings in a parish. The beautiful and, he might say, stately building before which they stood had been erected through the generosity of the people, and especially the late Mr. McSheehy Gentlemun, who was now enjoying the reward of his Christian faith. The Dean then referred to the absence of his Lordship, who, he said, had always taken a deep interest in the work of the Catholic Church in Temuka, as in the whole of the diocese, and who was very specially interested in the educational side of the Church’s activities. He was sure that his Lordship deeply regretted his inability to be present, and they were all sorry to be deprived of the privilege of hearing from his own lips the words of wisdom, eloquence and just praise which the occasion called for. He trusted it would please God to restore his health, and that he would soon be able to visit Temuka and see for himself the evidences of their zeal and generosity. Continuing, he said that while he admired the school, and could praise the beneficence it represented, yet he was not surprised at its accomplishment. The erection of such buildings throughout New Zealand was of such common occurrence that they awakened no feelings of surprise in him (the speaker), though they might do so in others who had not the same opportunities of observing the progress of the Catholic Church. Dean Smyth referred to the readiness of Catholics to support educational institutions, and said they gave freely because it was the inevitable outcome of their faith in Christian principles. The religion which had been handed down to them by their forefathers they felt it a duty to preserve and pass on with all its advantages to rising generations. The Church’s duty commenced with the child when in arms, and so that the children might grow up with a true conception of their duty it was necessary that they be properly instructed in youth. They had Catholic schools because they did not want to have religion subordinated to secular training. It was impossible to achieve their purposes without their own schools. A half hour in a Sunday school was insufficient ; they wanted the children brought up in the atmosphere of religion. He concluded by speaking of the good work done by the Sisters, which he said had been recognised by the State inspectors. lie then declared the school open.

An opportunity was given of inspecting the school and a large number did so. A collection was taken up and. a substantial sum was realised. It was stated that the school would bo opened free of debt.