ST. THOMAS’ BOYS’ PREPARATORY COLLEGE, OAMARU.

New Zealand Tablet, 15 June 1916, Page 25

ST. THOMAS’ BOYS’ PREPARATORY COLLEGE, OAMARU.

(From an occasional correspondent.) A very successful little concert was given on the 6th inst., commemorative of the ordination of the Right Rev. Mgr, Mackay, Y.G. The dining hall of the college was converted into a very comfortable concert hall, brilliantly lighted, and elegantly decorated with festoons of colored streamers. The operetta, ‘ Preziosa’s Reception,’ is full of catching melodies in which the children evidently delighted. Their singing was very sweet, the young voices soaring without effort or strain. The various characters were sustained with great spirit, and much amusement was caused by the zest and aptitude with which the boys assumed the role of Japanese ladies; the elegance of fan and umbrella and flowing robes being displayed to advantage in the, Yokohama minuet. ‘ Mrs. Ruggles and her family’ proved a pleasing'little farce. Mr. Ruggles (Miss Ro'we) trained her large family in the etiquette of social life and an approaching dinner-party in a way that greatly amused the audience. Miss James and Miss Molloy showed cultivated taste and expression in the rendering of their songs ; an effective recitation was given by Miss Wylie, and Miss Venning delighted the audience with her violin solo. The accompaniments of Master Walter James, as well as the other accompaniments played during the evening, were marked by a sympathetic delicacy that enhanced the singing in no small degree. Monsignor Mackay, in a speech that was gently reminiscent, warmly congratulated all concerned on the very beautiful v entertainment, and expressed his keen appreciation of the success achieved, and of the useful gift presented by the children handsome missal-stand for the altar in the Basilica. The Rev. Father Byrne, C.SS.R., has been in Oamaru, and conducted a retreat for the Children of Mary, and a special retreat for the boys of St. Thomas’ Preparatory College.