BREAKING UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 818, 14 December 1882, Page 2

BREAKING UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

The children attending the Catholic School broke up for the Christmas holidays yesterday, and the event was celebrated in a very pleasant manner by the small people, who gave an entertainment at the school-house last evening, to which parents and friends were invited. The building was prettily decorated for t o occasion, and there was a “ crowded

house ” to witness the promised performance of the drama announced. This proved to be a little comedy well suited to the juvenile actors—or rather actresses, for they were all girls—and was calculated, .while affording them considerable amusement, to teach them a good moral lesson. The piece went off very successfully indeed, and was greeted with loud applause. A number of miscellaneous items were theri given, some of them by boys ; and the songs, part-songs, recitations, piano-forte selections, etc , wori very well received, especially the song of the “ Dear Little Shamrock,” which was loudly encored, but the recall, owing, doubtless, to the tender age of the songstress, was not responded to. Then there was “Father Christmas,” impersonated by a very young gentl-man, “ got up ” by the aid of a red mantle and snow-white beard, to make a very good representation of the jolly old fellow who comes to soe us “but once a year.” At length the entertainment was brought to a conclusion by the reading of a farewell address by a little lady, who, on behalf of her schoolmates and herself, wished all present a merry Christinas and a happy New Year. Then came the distribution of p izes, and before these were given away Father Coffey addressed a few kindly words to the expectant children. He to'd them that he was very pleased with them for the manner in which they had acquitted themselves that night, and must also congratulate them on the progress they had made in their studies during the past year. A great part of their success was due to their mistress, who had not on’y been at considerable pains to drill them for the performance they had just gone through but had exercised a watchful supervision over their studies at school, and so helped to advance them in a most gratifying manner. They wjre now about to go home for the holidays, and should be careful to conduct themselves when at home in the same manner as they were wont to behave at school. They must be docile and obedient to their parents, and should avoid being altogether idle even in vacation time. He hoped they would enjoy themselves, of course, but let it be a rational enjoyment. They should set aside certain hours for study ind certain hours for recreation, and nut waste their time, but still endeavor while away from school to turn some portion of it at least to profitable account. Let them strive to do their best, and the blessing of Almighty God would be upon them. Their religion was of the first importance, above all, for where there was no religion there could be no morality. No matter whether they were Catholics or Protestant} the chief duty of their parents was to teach them their religion, so that they might grow up to be honest and straightforward in all their dealings. Without attention to religion and its teachings they could not appreciate the blessings .they enjoyed here in their New Zealand home. The Christmas holidays would last three weeks, and he wished them a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year, arA hoped they would spend man} happy holidays. (Applause.) The prizes were not intended for all, but were for those who had deserved them. Still some might not get prizes and yet might perhaps deserve them. Ow ng to the number of prizes to be awarded altogether, the younger children would receive theirs from their mistress. The address was loudly applauded by the little people who seemed in high spirits at the prospect of “ breaking up.” The pricipal prizes were awarded as fellows : -- Girls : Misses A. Butler, M. McTigue, M. Butler, B. McFarlane, L. Oookson, F. Adams, W. Cookson, J. Roberts, S. Byrne, S. Stephenson, A. McFarlane, M. Brankin, A. Powrie. Boys : Masters Brophy, W. McTigue, W. Butler, 0. Barnard, J. Carter, F. Barnard, A. Daly.