TUAPEKA ACADEMY" FETE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 203, 21 December 1871, Page 5

TUAPEKA ACADEMY FETE.

To celebrate the advent of the Christmas holidays, the pupils attending the Tuapeka Academy were given one of those pleasant entertainments, called " treats," on Tuesday last. The weather was beautifully fine, and tempted many of the parents and friends of the youngsters*, to visit the scene of the fete. The children turned out arrayed in holiday attire, in goodly numbers, and their iively spirits and merry faces, showed that they appreciated the enjoyment provided for them. About mid-day those present were invited into the school-room which was tastefully decorated with flowers, ferns, &c, where the children were regaled with cake, tarts, buns, and similiar delicacies wbich are so much prised in " life's gay mom," find the adults were provided with substantial refreshment.

After the children" had indulged to their heart's content in the good things provided for their delectation, the senior pupil, Master John Eoche. presented the following address to the Rev. Father Larkin, to which the reverend gentleman replied in feeliug terms.

Rev. and Dear Sir, — We, your devoted children, on the eve of our an nual vacation cannot separate without giving expression to our feelings of gratitude for the many benefits which we have derived through your zealous administrations.

We thank you sincerely foryour successful efforts on our behalf, in providing us with the means of a first-class Education.

Though we as children cannot adequately appreciate your untiring efforts, both for our spiritual good and temporal welfare, we will nevertheless, ever pray that Almighty God may help and protect you, in the many trials incident to your holy Mission.

In conclusion Rev. Sir, we must bid you a most affectionate farewell by wishing yoii a merry Christmas, and a happy Ntnv Year. — We are, Reverend Sir, your affectionate children. ,

fOn behalf of the children,) Johjst Roche, Senior Pupil,

Addresses were then delivered by -Mr. Sproule, Father Larkin, and Mr. Keen. Father Larkin expressed great satisfaction at the present condition and hopefulness of the future prospects of the school, and congratulated Mr. Sproule and Mrs. Conway on their success as teacher?. Mr. Sproule, on behalf of himself and Mrs. Conway, made a graceful reply, and thanked Father Larkin for the assistance rendered by him Mr. Keen exhorted the children to be diligent and attentive, reminding them of the value of their present opportunities.

A large number of toys, presented by Mr. Jeffery, were then competed for by ballot-— every pupil receiving something — and then the youngsters betook themselves to pleasure. Some adjourned to the playground and indulged in various games; while others stayed in the schoolroom, where a number of both adulta and juveniles danced all the afternoon to the sweet music discoursed by Mrs. Conway and afterwards Miss Macnamara. We must congratulate Mr. Sproule on the success which attended' hi? first fete, and hppe that we shall have the pleasure of chronielin<i many similarly pleasant events. In the evening a number of ladies and gentle-^ men assembled in the schoolroom, and dancing was kept up till a late hour. Mrs. Conway and Miss Macnaraara presiding at the piano. On the followirg day, Wednesday, a preliminary examination was held/ conducted by Mr. MJCoy, L.L.8., Mr. Swiney and Di\ Hajley.

The pupils were put through a. most searchiug examination, and displayed a degree of proficiency which was really surprising, "wben the short time they, have been under the tuition of Mr. Sproule is taken into consideration. The following prizes were awarded :—: — I Girls. Miss Jessie Robertsou, prize for Writing, Book-keeping, and General Efficiency ; Amelia Vye, General Efficiency ; Isabella McMillan, English Grammar and Mental Calculation ; Florence Meyer, Writing and General Improvemnt ; Theresa Clark, Good Conduct and General Efficiency ; Matilda Clrtrk, Good Conduct and General Efficiency. Boys. Master John Roche, prize for Bookkeeping, Writing, Latin, Arithmetic, Mental Calculation, and Geometry; Edward Ryan, Mental Calculation; Henry P. Goods;er, Mental Calculation and General Improvement ; John Ryan, General Improvement and Good Conduct ; James G-anrly, General Improvement ; Frederick Meyer, General ' Improvement ; John Keen, Writing and General Improvement; William Keen, General Improvement ; Robert Robertson, General Improvement and Good Conduct. We understand that the annual examination will take place at Easter upon the opening of the new school now in course of erection. }