BROTHERS’ SCHOOL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 222, 19 August 1937, Page 2

BROTHERS’ SCHOOL

OPENING OF BAZAAR. EFFORT TO RAISE FUNDS. As the climax to a three months’ campaign, the bazaar being held in the Empire Flail until Saturday night is to raise funds for the establishment of a Marist- Brothers’ School ill Palmerston North, and last evening, in the presence of a large gathering, it was declared officially open by tho Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford), Mr J. Hodgens, M.P., also adding his best wishes for the success of the undertaking. It was explained that between £BOOO and £4OOO was required, and it was hoped that tho campaign would raise a large portion of that sum. Introducing Mr Mansford (who was accompanied by Mrs (Mansford), and Mr FJodgens, Father P. J. Herlihy said that with the endorsement of such prominent citizens there was every suggestion that the bazaar would have the success all hoped for it. The bazaar was the culmination of-a three months’ campaign to raise funds for the establishment of a Mnrist Brothers’ School in Palmerston North. When that was established it would be a notable addition to the educational facilities in the city. The high standard of the teaching of the Brothers was widely known. Under them, pupils were trained to he good citizens and patriotic New Zealanders, to love their country. In order to build the school there was required £3OOO to £4OOO. It could not bo hoped to reach that figure through the effort undertaken in the bazaar and other means, but it was hoped to reach a considerable amount. Those in charge were very grateful indeed to all who had given assistance, and it was hoped that that support would he continued throughout tho bazaar. VISION COMMENDED.

First thanking Father Herlihy for his welcome to himself and Mrs Mansford, and thanking the committee for the invitation to him to open the bazaar, Mr Mansford congratulated the committee on their energy and vision in the objective they had in view. That spirit was in keeping with the advancement of the city and tho district. The school, the speaker understood, was to be erected in Amesbury Street, and, from what he had heard, it would ho a very valuable addition to the education buildings and facilities in the city. The Mayor was quite satisfied that if the members of St Patrick’s Church displayed the same spirit as they had shown ever since tho speaker had been in Palmerston North —about 30 years- —it would not be long before they had achieved their object. Tt was very gratifying indeed to see the attention being paid, not only in Palmerston North, but right throughout the Dominion, to education. In the schools we had to foster the traditional national spirit that meant so much to the Dominion and, moreover, the schools were the life-blood of the Dominion. To-day we were faced with many problems, man-made, and they would have to be solved by man. If we of our generation did not solve them they could only be solved by the generation coming along, and they could only be solved by learning and education. For that reason we should give every support to schools which were providing those facilities.

The Mayor congratulated the committee on filling the stalls and said that no better way of expressing that congratulation could be found than by generously supporting the effort to raise funds. In that way they would be supporting one of the best causes and one that would he profitable to the city and the Dominion. The Mayor then declared the bazaar open.

SISTERS’ NOBLE WORK. Remarking at the outset that it was a privilege for him to be present, Mr Ffodgens coniine*ted that Palmerston North, the sixth city of the Dominion, had not a Brothers’ School, although other and smaller centres had had such schools for years. In Palmerston North we had been blessed with a wonderful Order of Teaching Sisters, the Sisters of Mercy (applause) who had stood the test of time and who had been responsible for the primary education of tho Catholic youth of the city. However, time marched on, and they felt that they should have the Brothers working here. The speaker promised that he would do all possible to see that wish fructified. (Applause.) He knew of the results of the Brothers’ work throughout New Zealand and it was time that they were established in Palmerston North. Mr Hodgens gave his blessing, as a layman, to all who had had anything to do with stocking the stalls. He hoped that when the doors of the bazaar closed on Saturday night those in charge would have gone a long way toward raising tho £4OOO of which Father Herlihy had spoken.

The hundreds who patronised the Brothers’ School Bazaar in (lie Empire Hall enjoyed themselves thoroughly, but last night’s entertainment, is only a start, to the afternoons and evenings of fun that will ho offering for Hie remainder of the week. To-night there will again he a number of dancing items as an added attraction, while the stalls have replenished their stocks of goods for sale and for competitions. Mothers are given this final reminder that the babv show will bo held at 2.30 on Friday afternoon. Entrance fees will lie 6d, for any of tho three classes three, six, and twelve months’ old. Good prizes arc' being provided, and post entries will bo taken. Keep to-morrow night free to join in the community sing under tho leadership of Mr J. Selwyn.