THE CONVENT SCHOOL, TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1980, 10 December 1889, Page 3

THE CONVENT SCHOOL, TEMUKA.

On Friday, prior to his departure, Sir Thomas Esmonds visited the Convent School in company of the Rev. Father Fauvel and Mr M. Quinn. A very pleasing programme of songs, recitations, and an instrumental selection had been prepared, but, owing to the necessity of his travelling by the express, only a portion of It could be gone through. The children sang very effectively “ The Dear Little Shamrock,” and “ God Save Ireland.” Two of the mala scholars sang “ Where the Grass Grows Green,” and “Pat of Mullingar,” and Miss Connelly sang very pathetically indeed “Come Back to Erin.” The accompaniments were played by Miss Quinn. Miss Luoy Quinn then read the following address froia the scholars:— “ To Sir Thomas Grattan Esmonde, Bart,, M.P. “ Deaf Sir,—We, the children of St. Joseph’s School tender you our heart-felt thanks for honoring us here to-day by your presence, and most cordially do we welcome yon from the dear laud of oor parents. “ Accept our mite, accompanied as it is with our deepest sympathy for the poor Buffering children of Ireland. “We wish you every success in what fitill remains to be done of.the noble work In which you are engaged. “Again thanking you for the honor yon have conferred on us, permit ua to sign ourselves, yours sincerely, “The Pupils os tie Convent Sohool, Tmiika..” The address was accompanied by a purse containing £4 given by the children towards the relief fund, and by a bouquet of flowers. In acknowledging the preBentation Sir Thomas expressed his regret that the limited lime at his disposal had prevented him from hearing the full programme which they had so kindly prepared for his enjoyment. The selections he had beard were a source of pleasure to ihim, and he was glad that they were giving their attention to the ancient \mnsic and songs of Ireland. Ha hoped they would study not only tha music but the history of Ireland, the land of their fathers. It was pleasing to travellers like himself to find the interest taken in their .land, and the sympathy they everywhere met with was most Sir Thomas •concluded by giving the children some advice as to attention to their studios, and asked that they might be granted a holiday in commemoration of his visit. A brief inspection of the Church was then made, •after which Sir Thomas was escorted t® <the train.