St. Mary's Orphanage, Stoke

New Zealand Tablet, 13 August 1908, Page 13

St. Mary's Orphanage, Stoke

(From an occasional correspondent.) On Sunday,, August 2, the boys of Sf. Mary's Orphanage, Stoke', spent a very" enjoyable afternoon, thanks to some kind lady "friends, who supplied prizes.. A capital programme of sports was ar/anged.^nd' tile several events were keenly contested .by the boys,*who entered into" the day's proceedings with all the zest and earnestness of' youth. The programme was in tho capable Jiands of the teachers, Messrs. M. Flaherty and P. Rogan, who were ably seconded by other members of the staff. In the evening the prizes were 'distributed by the Rev. Father Clancy, who takes- so keen an interest in. the orphans, and -to whose zeal -and attention are due the good behaviour . of the boys. The Rev. Father congratulated the teachers on the good work they were doing in cultivating the physical as well as the. mental qualities of the boys, and hoped that many similar contests and pleasant outings would be made possible through the kindness of friends and well-wishers of the institution. The day was brought to a happy close by evening devotions in the beautiful chapel attached to the orphanage. The fresh, sweet voices of the boys' choir rendered the music of the Benediction service with very pleasing effect. Their singing reflected great credit both on themselves and on their conductor, Mr. Flaherty. The friends of the orphanage will be pleased to hear that Mr. T, A Walker, Government Inspector of Orphanage Schools, who lately visited St Mary's, expressed himself highly pleased with the institution, the efficient state of "the school, the gener il tone of the boys, their singing, calisthenics, and amateur gardening-