Christian Brothers’ School Concert

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XLIX, Issue 1, 5 January 1922, Page 31

Christian Brothers’ School Concert

A very large audience assembled at His Majesty’s Theatre, Dunedin, on Thursday evening, the’ 15th ult., on tho occasion of the annual concert given by the pupils of the Christian Brothers’ School prior to the Christmas vacation. Among those present were his Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Whyte, Bishop of Dunedin, Very Rev. Father Coffey, Adm., Rev. Father Delany (South Dunedin), Rev. Father Buckley (Riverton), Rev. Fathers Kaveney and Marlow (Cathedral), and the teaching staff of the school. Rev. Brother Hynes was in charge of and conducted tho musical portion, and Rev. Brother McSweeney directed the gymnastic section of the performers. A very efficient orchestra, composed of pupils of St. Philomena’s College, South Dunedin, gave a fine rendering of the overtures “Memories of Erin” and “Norma.” The school choir gave a spirited rendering of the choruses “God Defend New Zeala’ud,” “Soldier's Song,” “Sailor’s Lullaby,” “The Dear Little Shamrock,” “Bells of Gold,” and “God Save Ireland.” A number of selected voices gave with fine effect “The Minstrel Boy.” Master B. Lynskey recited “Easter Week 1.916,” and Master F. Foster “Freedom’s Dead,” and were loudly applauded. A similar effort by M. Coughlan was duly appreciated, ns was also a song by A. Kennedy, and a dialogue by .1. Brown and W. Haydon. The varied capabilities of the pupils were shown in action songs, callisthenics (introducing a plume drill with intricate marching producing a most picturesque effect, and an Indian clubs display), and gymnastics (parallel bars and vaulting horse), the latter proving a very popular display of athletic youth. An extract from “Hamlet” giving four scenes was produced under the direction of Mr. De Spong, the performance of the principals (notably Alaster A. O’Reilly as Hamht) being very praiseworthy. Miss Adeline McGrath capably filled the exacting position of accompanist. Speaking at an interval from the stage, Rev. Brother Bowler (director of the school) referred briefly to the school results lor the year then closing. The roll numbered 332 pupils, and, with the addition of two extra teachers the staff had been brought up to a satisfactory strength. Both in scholastics and sports the year had been a record one. While this was very gratifying to the teachers, as no doubt it also was to the parents and to the boys themselves, it was very regrettable to observe the tendancy to shut their school out from all sports. This apparently was the decision of those controlling primary schools’ sports, and the public, generally, could form an opinion on the intolerant methods being adopted. His Lordship Bishop Whyte, was was greeted with applause, paid a tribute to the work of the Christian

Brothers, and thanked them for their services to education. I hey trained the boys in religion; not alone by instruction and exhortation, but by example. With regard to sport, he congratulated the school on its success during the year, and thanked the lovers of sport in this city who admired the spirit of the boys who had raised the standard of sport.—(Applause.)

Father Coffey also paid a tribute to the work of the nuns and brothers, and stated that the general public had cut them out of every concession and out of primary scholarships. There had also been an indication of a move of certain people to cut them out of sport. If people did this they could not speak of tolerance. If they decided to have private schools and certain religious beliefs or practices nobody had any right to interfere. He protested against the intolerance which was taking away every concession. Alluding to the present peace prospects Father Coffey said that when Ireland came into her rights she would set an example of tolerance to the world, when every person would have the right without compulsion to be educated according to the dictates of his conscience.

The concert concluded with the singing of “God Save Ireland.”

- Following are the School results for 1921:—Higher leaving certificates 2; matriculation passes 9; partial passes 4; public service 3; intermediate 13; junior national scholarships 2; senior national scholarships 1; proficiency certificates 40; competency certificates 5. Successes in sport: Boxing champions— Lister, T. McCarten, B.

Carter, J. O’Connor, J. Hayes ; Caledonian sports—second" ary events: Winners of relay race; 220yds. (under 14); second in 220yds (under 16); long jump (under 16) 100yds (under 16); 4-mile (under 16); long jump (under 14); cricket —The secondary schools’ banner; football —rugby : secondary schools’ and primary (C) banners; soccer: secondary schools’ competition and runners-up in primary competition.