ST. BENEDICT'S CATHOLIC SCHOOLS, AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, 12 August 1915, Page 43

ST. BENEDICT'S CATHOLIC SCHOOLS, AUCKLAND.

The annual meeting of St. Benedict's Catholic Schools' committee was held in the parish hall on Sunday, August 1. Right Rev. Mgr. Gillan, V.G., presided, and there were present Rev. Father Forde, and a large number of the parishioners. The following was the report submitted by the secretary: # At a representative meeting of the men of the parish, held on August 6, 1914, it was unanimously decided' That a committee consisting of twelve members be set up to manage the affairs of the St. Benedict's Catholic schools, such committee to hold office for a period of twelve months from date of election ; the priests of the parish to be ex o/fico members of the said committee.' Before proceeding to outline the work of the past year, I think it fitting to express our sincere regret at the absence of our beloved Bishop this evening. The cause of Catholic education is d'ear to his Lordship's heart, and I am sure the earnest prayer of all present is for his Lordship's speedy restoration to health, thus enabling him to' come back and again guide the destinies' of this great, work. In order to place the management, of the schools on business-like lines, rules of a very comprehensive nature were drawn up for the guidance of the committee. An agreement was entered into with the Sisters of St. Joseph, whereby the committee, on behalf of the parishioners, guaranteed to pay £3O per annum per Sister for teaching the children of the schools. The form of agreement is now ready and awaiting the signature of Ins Lordship the Bishop. The first work of the committee was to undertake, in conjunction with the church committee, the building of a school-chapel at Mt. Eden. ' The magnificent response made by the men of the parish to an appeal to assist in this noble work resulted in the erection of the building by free labor. The effort was the finest displayed in the history of the parish, and the good results more than compensate for the unselfish spirit that prompted those who gave their services for many weeks. Special thanks are due to the ladies, who, by their thoughtful action in providing refreshments for the workers, assisted in no small degree a noble cause. It was decided that in order to insure the safety of the children and make the playground at St. Benedict's School private, a retaining wall and fence be erected on the Gladstone street frontage. The work of the retaining wall, which was carried out by contract under the capable supervision of Mr." O. Lorrigan, is now completed, and "the fence will be erected within the next week or two. In order to meet the requirements of the Education Department many improvements were effected, the balance sheet showing that a sum of £49 had been spent in this direction. Financially, the schools are in a very satisfactory position, as will be seen by the balance sheet, which is ample proof of the keen methods adopted by the committee in controlling the funds at its disposal. To further increase the funds a concert was held in December last, which, considering the unsettled conditions prevailing owing to the European crisis, was very successful. The members of the committee feel very grateful to those who assisted, and the parishioners for their patronage. Although the balance sheet shows a credit of £69, it is necessary to point out, in order to place the financial position before you in its true form, that the work in connection with the retaining wall, and which will cost approximately £2O, is a liability incurred by the present committee and will be met at once. While the finance of the schools has been closely watched, special care has also been taken in respect to the health of the children. Through the generosity of the Right Rev. Mgr. Gillan in donating a radiator to the School of the Good Shepherd, the comfort of the children during the winter months has been well provided for. Likewise, through the kindness of Messrs. O. Lorrigan and A. Rose in donating coal, the children of St. Benedict's School Have not been neglected in this respect. The Sisters report the health of the children during the past

twelve months to have been remarkably good. Special thanks are in a large measure due to the Sisters of St. Joseph for the untiring , zeal displayed by "them in keeping the schools of the parish up to such 'a.high, standard, the report of the Government inspector showing them to be second to none in the Dominion. The number of children on the roll at St. Benedict's is 400, and at the Good Shepherd 60, making a total of 460 children under the control of the committee. The members of the committee fully realised the responsibility entrusted to them, and the fact that of 14 meetings held the attendance averaged 9 members per meeting, is sufficient proof of the whole-hearted manner in which the work was taken up. In conclusion, while congratulating the parishioners on the sound system, of free Catholic education adopted by them, it must be remembered that the penny collection at the church doors is the only source of revenue available to carry on the work. All are therefore urged to generously contribute to this collection, and thus assist in that glorious work of free Catholic education. On the motion of Mr. J. Pearson, seconded by Mr. J. O'llara, the report was unanimously adopted. The treasurer's statement, which showed the finances to be in a very satisfactory position, was on the motion of Mr. F. Temm, seconded by Mr. C. Lynch, adopted. 'Die following were elected a com mil tee for the ensuing year:—Chairman, Right Rev. Mgr. Gillan, V.G. ; vice-chairmen, Rev. Father Forde and Mr. G. Avey ; secretary, Mr. .T. G. Foy (re-elected); treasurer, Mr. A. Koso : Messrs. O. Lorrigan, J. Pearson, W. P. Rodgers, W. D. Ivellv, J. Shine, Jas. Ward, F. A. Cullen, T. J. Molloy, and L. O'Malley. On the motion of the Rev. Father Forde a vote of thanks was accorded to the retiring members for their valuable services during the past term. The meeting, which was very enthusiastic, terminated with a heartv vote of thanks to the chairman.