ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL FETE

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 256, 26 December 1872, Page 7

ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL FETE

Last Thursday tha wreaking up for thholidays of the Lawrence Roniiin Catholic School was celebrated in a manner m<>s: mjoyable to those chiefly interested. \Vith the assistance of some friends, Father Larkin arranged a grand festival for the pupils, which, under his able management, proved a thorough success, and afforded pleasure not only to the juveniles, but to the lady and gentlemen visitors who were present. At iK»on some two hundred children, arrayed in all the glory of holiday attire, assembled in the splendid schoolroom in Colonsaystreet. The feminine gender largely predominated among the juveniles, showing that nature has taken in haud energetically the ta3k of equalising the sexes, and resolved to accomplish' it well. Judging from the gathering of little lasses, it may bo pretty safely predicted that the next generation of New Zealanders will not have occasion to agitate for female immigration. An immense table, stretching nearly the entire length of the room, was placed in the centre, and covered with pastry, fruit, sweetmeats, and various etceteras which compose, in the eyes of juvenile gourmets, d feast tic for the. gods. There w-:s ako a plentiful supply of lemonade, tjin-jer-beer, and other mild beverages. The table was tastefully decorated with fl >werg, which m-idethe tempting display <»f dainties additionally alluring. The youthful guests set to work to demolish the yood things cheerfully and heartily, their various wants being supplied by a number of volunteer waiters from amon^ tho visitors. When all had regaled themsevea to their satisfaction, Father Larkin said he had great, pleasure in congratulating the acholaia and their parents on their appearance there that day. They were called together for many reasons ; first, to show by the decorum of their deportment that they had profited by the instruction of their teachers ; second, that they should be joyous at the holy time of Christmas. No more suitable time could be selected for pleasure than at the close of their fttn dies for the year, and he hoped they would all thoroughly enjoy themselves. Besides, they were gathered to enjoy a treat provided by a few friends, whom he would shortly name. AH those who had been asked to contribute had done ao with a free heart, and the required quantity of edibles and drinkables had been speedily procured Many others, he had no doubt, would have gladly given something, but had not been asked, as it was 110 use getting more than was needed ; so, in thanking those that had given, they must not think disparagingly of those who had not. Another reason why the treat had been given was as a reward for past industry and an encourage ment for future exertion. Some, he was sorry to say, had not been noted for industry in their studies ; but he hoped next year those he alluded to would repair by increased diligence the faults of the past Be hoped parents would see that their children attended school regularly, in order to make them worthy of their descent, thei* religion, and themselves. The rev. gentleman then read the list of •lunors towards the festival, which is as follows :— Mrs. Langley, Tokomairiro ; Mr. Cranley, Miss M'dwiney, Mrs. Smith, and Mr Bowes, Wetheratones ; Mr S. M'Beath, Beaumont ; Messrs. Herbert and Co., Mrs. Donovan, Messrs. J. Roughan, M'Kimmie, J. Harris, G. Clark, Coverlid, Airey, Draper, Lyng, Wootton. Hogg, and J. M. Clarke. The children gave three hearty cheers for the ladies and gentlemen named, and then dispersed to play. Shortly afterwards they were grouped together outside the schoolhouse, when a capital photograph of them was taken by Mr. Mussen, which will form an interesting souvenir of the occasion. The youngsters then resumed their various sporta, and amused themselves till dark, when they returned to their h^mes, all highly delighted with the day's proceedings.