CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' SCHOOL, DUNEDIN.

New Zealand Tablet, 23 December 1915, Page 39

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' SCHOOL, DUNEDIN.

The entertainment given on Thursday night of last week in His Majesty’s Theatre, by the pupils of the Christian Brothers’ School, was most successful from every point of view, and gave unmistakable evidence that the present pupils are well qualified to maintain the high reputation which the school has always enjoyed. The manner' in which the boys acquitted themselves showed that their talents have been cultivated to the best advantage by skilful and zealous teachers. The programme was such as gave the boys an opportunity of displaying the varied nature of their training, for while they delighted the audience with their singing, reciting, and acting, the calisthenic displays showed that physical culture occupied a prominentplace in the curriculum of the school. The choruses by the school choir were a feature of the programme. The finished manner in which the choruses were rendered bore testimony to the careful training received by the boys at the hands of Mr. J. C. Gillies, who is to be congratulated on the results achieved. The calisthenic displays consisted of exercises with rings, wands, Indian clubs, and dumb-bells. The boys went through these exercises with the most remarkable precision, which could be only attained by constant practice and skilful instruction, and the audience showed their appreciation by warm applause. A popular item was a Highland fling,, which was very nicely danced by Master C. -Wilson, Master A. Pacey recited with clue emphasis and expression ‘The day,’ in which the Kaiser is arraigned before the bar of public opinion for his methods of conducting the war. Master W. Stevenson, who has a nice sense of humor, recited ‘The baby,’ with much dramatic ability, and Master P. Shiel was very successful in his recitation, ‘ The fireman’s prize.’ The second part of the programme consisted of scenes from ‘ Hamlet,’ in which the title role was taken by Master P. O'Connor, who made a decided success of the character, his acting .throughout being characterised by marked dramatic ability. The other characters were filled as follow:Polonius, Master W. Creed : ' Horatio, Master T. Hoocey : Rosencrantz, Master L. Salmon : Guildensteru, Master D.-O’Connor : Claudius (King of Denmark), Master J. Noonan: Marcellus, Master E. O’Reilly : Bernardo, Master M. Fenton: Francisco, plaster G. Fitzgerald; Lucianus, Master L. Wakeliu; Queen of Denmark, Master H. O’Reilly : Ophelia, Master J. Smith : Ghost of Hamlet’s father, Master T. Moynihan : Player King, Master A. Gawne ; Player Queen, Master F. Dawson : Prologue, Master A. Pacey. Ail displayed an intelligent appreciation of their respective parts, and the swing with which the performance went from start to finish was evidence that the boys had received a thorough training. The performance was highly creditable to the boys, and especially to Mr. De Spong, under whose direction at was produced. The Kaikorai Band contributed acceptable selections during the evening, and Miss C. Hughes made an efficient accompanist. Distribution of Prizes. The prizes were distributed at. the school on Friday morning. His Lordship Bishop Verdon presided, and there were present Very Rev. Father Coffey, Adm., Rev. Fathers Farthing and Falconer. In his report the Rev. Brother O’Ryan (principal) said;— presenting the report‘of the scholastic year 1915, it is but fitting that I should -first of "all place on record the Brothers’ keen appreciation of the facilities afforded them in the splendid new school for the education of the Catholic boys of this city. We have been but a few months in possession, but even in that short period the superbly-lighted and thoroughly wellventilated rooms have signally emphasised the beneficial effects which bright and cheerful surroundings have on the school work of children. We desire to express our most grateful thanks to his Lordship the Bishop, Very Rev. Father Coffey, and the other priests of the city, Whose generous contributions to the building fund manifested in a practical way their deep interest Vin; Catholic education;' : We also thank 'most heartily the good people of the pkrish and of the dio-

cese generally who so nobly responded to the call made upon them by his Lordship and the Cathedral clergy. Tlie Brothers regard religious instruction as their first and principal care in regard to their pupils. : ; It' is pleasing to be able to state that the conduct of the boys has on the whole been good. V Just recently the sacrament of Confirmation was conferred on 80 boys, who were complimented by his Lordship on their knowledge of Christian doctrine. The school was examined late in November by Mr. Richardson, the chief ;inspector, and Dr. Don. Twenty-eight boys secured the proficiency certificates. The following extracts from this report speak for themselves: ‘ The school is well organised. Schemes of work are comprehensive, and the work generally has been well overtaken. The buildings are in excellent condition, and. the order, discipline, and tone are very good. In the secondary department arrangements have been made for a four years’ course of instruction leading* up to the Public Service examination and matriculation requirements, due regard being paid to the teaching of science. We recommend that this school be regarded as an . efficient primary and secondary school.’ With regard to the teaching of science I wish to state that we expect to have our science room fully equipped on the resumption of school business. The school is proud of the fact that such a large number of its old pupils have volunteered for the front, many of whom have heroically given their lives in the Empire’s cause. When the right time comes a roll of honor containing the names of all the old boys who have enlisted will be placed in the school hall. The school is also proud of the honor conferred on Dr. O’Neill, who earned the D.S.O. for bravery and initiative in the discharge of his duties as surgeon-major on the field of battle. We desire to thank all those who so kindly contributed to the prize fund. Mr. Gillies, our singing master, is to be congratulated on the high standard of excellence to which he has raised the choir. We owe a special debt of gratitude to Miss Hughes for her invaluable assistance to the choir and in the preparation of our concert generally. Congratulations are also due to our elocution master, Mr. De Spong, on the success he achieved in last night’s display.

His Lordship Bishop Verdou, in addressing the boys, congratulated them on having their breaking-up ceremony in their new and thoroughly up-to-date school, of which they were all proud. He trusted that with the better opportunities they now had for study they would work still more diligently in the future. Ho had proof that they had been specially exerting themselves during the past few months. A few weeks ago the public inspectors, who paid an official visit to the school, expressed themselves as being well satisfied with the excellent work carried on there. During the past week he had examined the boys, and he was very well pleased with their intelligent answers and their knowledge of Christian doctrine. Their answers on that occasion showed that they had been thoroughly well instructed in the catechism. At the entertainment given on the previous evening the pupils gave evidence of their progress in various branches. He congratulated them most heartily on having such a fine school, one that would compare very favorably with any in the Dominion, and on having teachers of such wide experience as the Christian Brothers, who were renowned all over the English-speaking world for their successful work. The pupils and parents should be grateful to the Brothel's for the admirable work they were doing in the school. The Christian Brothers regard religious instruction as the principal part of their —the training of the boys to fit them for their eternal destiny. Apart from this the boys received in the school a sound secular education to prepare them for the battle of life. In conclusion, .he hoped they would thoroughly enjoy themselves during the holidays, and that they would come back to the school with renewed strength to begin another year, during which he trusted they would make even greater progress than they had during the present year. (Applause.) ‘ " ”' * Rev. Brother O’Ryan proposed a vote ,of thanks

to his Lordship for presiding, and at the same time announced that the school would re-open, after the holidays, on Monday, January 31. The following is the prize list: Dux of school, Charles Woods,

Public service and senior scholarship— C. Woods; English, C. Woods and S. Spain; geography, - E. O’Reilly; history, P. McKeefry and P. O’Connor; French,. S. Spain; algebra, C. Woods; geometry, R. Marlow; arithmetic, R. Marlow and G. Brown.

Preparatory public service Dux, S. Vallis; Latin, T. O’Brien; English, J. Noonan and J. Miller; French, S. Vallis; algebra, V. Pledger; arithmetic, T. Moynihan; geometry, S. Vallis; geography, F. Kennedy; history, K. Thompson; Christian doctrine (special prize), J. Miller; elocution, P. O’Connor. Handball—Senior, C. Woods; doubles, P. O’Connor and G. Brown.

Standard VI.-Christian doctrine,* T. Doocey; English, L. Walsh; woodwork, F. Maloney; composition, B. Todd; dux of class, W. McDowall; general listJ. Smith, R. Marlow, T. Doocey, H. O’Reilly, F. Maloney, E. Culling, J. Goodger, F. Carter, R. Dunne, J. McCaughan, A. Pacey, L. Salmon; proficiency certificatesW. Creed, F. Carter, E. Culling, E. Collins, J. Dunne, T. Doocey, R. Dunne, M. Fenton, A. Gray, A. Gawne, J. Goodger, J. Maloney, J. McCaughan, W. McDowell, R. Marlow, F. Moloney, J. McDonnell, H. O’Reilly, F. Phelan, A. Pacey, F. Rodgers, J. Rowe, L. Salmon, J. Smith, L. Toomey, E. Shiel, B. Todd, L. Walshe: competency—G. Fitzgerald, M. Collins, L. Wakelin.

Standard V.—R. King 1, Y. Spain 2, M. Wakelin 3 ; Christian doctrine, J. Cantwell ; arithmetic, F. Sligo, J. Yule, H. Burrell, M. Lyng, F. Cotter, J. Hally, C. Wynne, D. Maloney : composition— Vallis, G. Shiel, L. McAllen ; general progress, J. Pledger, J. Lynch ; arithmetic, W. Curtin; grammar and composition, A. Wilson : general proficiency, J. Sheehy. Standard IV.George Maynard 1, John Cullen 2, Patrick Roughan 3, Harry Brown 4, James Miller 5, Henry Baker 6 : Christian doctrine, Bertrand Pledger : composition, Robert Bell ; design in color at the Dunedin Competitions, Joseph Clarke; general proficiency, George Clarke; arithmetic, Charles Carolin, Harold McDonnell, George Reeves dictation, Thomas McConnell, Patrick Shiel; general progress, Thomas McAllen; composition, Win. Stevenson ; English, Andrew Todd. Class lll.Frank Delian (Christian doctrine), Jack Devereaux, David Russell, Charles Day, Thomas Field, Con Walsh, B. O’Reilly, F. Bowers, J. Burns. Class II. —B. Donaldson (Christian doctrine), M. Quinn, F. McCarton, A. Deehan, J. Barwick, R. Donaldson, H. Goughian, E. Power, B. Fulcher. ST. MARY’S COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL, CHRISTCHURCH. The annual break-up of the senior pupils of St. Mary’s Collegiate High School, Qhristchurch North, took the form of a matinee performance on December 9, at which Very Rev. Dean Hills, S.M., presided. The following was the programme:—lnstrumental duet (4 pianos), ‘ Barcarolle,’ Misses E. ,Couzins, F. Bower, I. Papperill, M. Hartle, D. Carter, C. Crequer, A. Champion, and G. Bowman; —Misses H. Flynn, M. Young, E. Carter, A. Bower, C. ,o’Malley, and Master IT. Moody chorus,, ‘ Come where the lilies bloom,’ pupils; recitation, ‘Florence Nightingale,’ Miss M. McManaway ; pianoforte duet, Impromptu,’ Misses L. Timbrell, F. Bower, S. Piper, V. Haigh, E. Couzins, W. Barcock, A. Caldwell, and T. Cosgrove ; Spanish dance, Misses C. O’Malley, H. Barrett, E. Moore, M. McGill, M. Blake, N. Burns, M. Neate, and A. Young : glee, ‘ Away, away, the morning freshly breaking,’ pupils; pianoforte duet, ‘Coronation march,’ Misses K. Cassidy, B. Luttrell, N. Burns, M. O’Brien, D. Middleton, D. Kiver, D. Hardie, and A. Young; recitation, ‘The Empire’s call,’ Miss E. Couzins; chorus, ‘Our heroes,’ pupils; pianoforte duet (4 pianos), £ Russia,’ Misses C. Trolove, M. Legh, A. Hastie, M. Courtney, N. Middleton, M. Neate, C. O’Malley, and M. ; McManaway ; vocal solo, Miss L. Kilbride; pianoforte solo, * Vfiisß triste/ Misses Ip Timbrell, I. Old? v. Py?yer f and faster H. Moody ; chorus, 1 Com-

rades’ song of hope,’ pupils; duet, - Fete. Champenoise,’ Misses A. Caldwell, R. Biggins, M. Morris, C. White, D. Carter, E. Carter, V. Dwyer, and M. Maher; vocal solo, ‘A perfect day,’ Miss N. Bower; patriotic march, pupils; chorus, ‘ God save theKing.’ At the conclusion, the Very-Rev. Dean Hills, S.M., addressed the pupils, arid, in wishing all present the joys of Christmas, remarked on the pleasure it gave him to listen to such talent as was displayed, and said . that both the parents and pupils'should be grateful to the good Sisters for the careful training given at the school, the evidence of which was witnessed that afternoon, apd also could be obtained by the perusal of the following synopsis of work of the year: During the year 19 candidates were successful in the following exams:Teachers’ C and D, Pitman’s shorthand. On July 6 and 7 the Collegiate High School was examined by Mr. Brock, Government Inspector. The following is an extract from his report: ‘ This school makes a very creditable appearance, and fully maintains its reputation for efficient work. The manners and behaviour of the pupils are as usual excellent.’ 'The primary school was examined on July 6 and 7by Mr. Owen, Government Inspector. In his report he says that the school continues* to do good work. It has a liberal staff, and the programmes of work submitted were generally satisfactory. The children are under excellent control, and are being trained in useful habits. On November 16 Mr. Brock, Government Inspector, conducted an examination for the 6th Standard. Thirteen pupils were presented and all passed. Eleven obtained proficiency and two competency certificates. Fifty-nine candidates passed the Trinity College and Royal Academy practical examinations (pianoforte, violin, singing), grades varying from primary to professional. One pupil gained the gold medal presented by the Trinity College local centre. In the art of teaching and theory of music examinations twenty-six candidates were successful. At the Christchurch Musical Competitions, three pupils got first prizes, eight got second prizes, six got third prizes, and four were highly commended. In addition the senior children’s chorus (40 pupils) gained first prize,' and the junior children’s action song (20 pupils) gained second prize. On the following afternoon (Friday) the junior pupils’ break-up took place, and was conducted on the same lines as that of the senior pupils. The Very Rev. Dean again presided over-a large attendance. The little performers gave a very creditable display, which was rendered more enjoyable by the natural manner in which they acquitted themselves. The following programme was gone through;—Pianoforte duet, ‘ Merry barn dance,’ M. D. Middleton, Q. Muhleisen, A. McCombe, I, Haigh, B. Holley, M. Goodsir, and E. Moore: recitation, ‘Christmas greetings,’ M. Delany; song, ‘Naughty little raindrops,’ pupils; recitation-, ‘The minuet,’ pupils; gavotte — violins, C. O’Malley, E. Neate, R. Young, W. Barnard; action song, ‘The dolls,’ pupils; pianoforte solo, ‘ Ave Maria,’ R. Reynolds, Q. Muhleisen, A. McCombe, R. O’Malley; recitation, ‘Nellie and I,’ M. McGill; solo and chorus (soloists —M. O’Brien, R.

O’Malley), pupils; piano solo, ‘The mill goes round,’ B. Luttrell, K. Cassidy, N. Burns, M. Goodsir; chorus, ‘When the Empire calls,’ pupils; recitation ‘A boy’s pocket,’ pupils; solo arid chorus, ‘The tardy scholar’ (soloist, Robert Young), pupils; pianoforte duet, ‘ Andantino de Sonatine,’ R. O’Malley, M. Whale, S. O’Brien, J. Prendergast, J. Kingan, A. Holley, N. Orchard, T. Turner; chorus, ‘The lads in navy blue,’ pupils; pianoforte solo, N. Middleton and M. O’Brien; Spanish dance, pupils; ‘God save the King.’ . ;V At the conclusion of the programme Very Rev., Dean Hills congratulated the little ones on their efforts,, commenting especially on their enunciation, which was; particularly good. : • ... » .

The usual display of the children’s industry duringthe year was on view, and the number of exhibits were so many and so varied that one would find it hard to choose that most worthy of commendation, but a beau-tiful-piece of lace, -the work of Miss Winnie Barcock, deserved pride of place. . > :