DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 28 December 1911, Page 2639

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.)

Becember 21.

On the national scholarships question the following editorial appeared in the Lyttelton Times of last Tuesday:

'We think that the rector of St. Bede's Collegiate School is quite justified in protesting against the regulations which prevent children who win free places or State scholarships enjoying the fruit of their successes at Roman Catholic secondary schools. This question stands quite apart from denominational grants. We are opposed to grants to denominational schools because we believe they would seriously, impair the efficiency of our national system of education. But if a child has been sufficiently well taught at a Roman Catholic primary school to win a free place or a scholarship in open competition it is surely illogical and unjust to insist that he shall not hold his free place or his scholarship at a Roman Catholic secondary school. It is necessary, of course, when the State pays for a child's education for the State to see that the child is properly taught. .It does this when he is attending a State secondary school, and if he is not making the progress prescribed by the regulations and ascertained by further examination the payment ceases. The same tests could be applied without any additional cost in the case of a child attending a denominational school, and it seems to us that if he came through them successfully he ought to be allowed to remain at the institution which his parents preferred. We can think of no reasonable objection that can be urged against this course. Sectarian differences should be. divorced as far as possible from our education system, and it would be another step in this direction to make the quality of the teaching and hot the place of the teaching the first claim for assistance towards secondary education.'

There was a large attendance of members at the Christchurch Catholic Club's meeting on last Wednesday evening. The president, Mr. R. Beveridge, presided. The programme of the evening was the periodical oratorical competition for the diploma of merit awarded by the Federated Catholic Clubs of New Zealand. The contestants were Messrs. Frank McDonald (' Pitt's Speeches '), J. P. Laurenson (' Sir J. G. Ward, Bart.'), E. Anderson ('Cleopatra'), and P. McNamara ('Sir George Grey'). Messrs. J. R. Hayward and E. L. McKeon were judges, and although recognising that Mr. McDonald's selection and delivery was a fine oratorial effort, it was not, in accordance with the set rule, and placed Mr. E. Anderson as first in order. During the evening the president handed the award, donated by Mr. E. L. McKeon, for the member who introduced the greatest number of new members during the year, to Mr. F. O'Connell. The president, on behalf of the club, proposed the health- of Dr. A. B. O'Brien, who leaves shortly for England, and eulogised in graceful terms Dr. O'Brien's active interest in club matters, and the regret all felt in even for a time being deprived of his presence and highly valued influence. He sincerely wished Dr. .and Mrs. O'Brien and family a safe and pleasant voyage, coupled with heartfelt greetings for the approaching festive season. Dr. O'Brien, who was very warmly received, expressed the great pleasure it had been to him to be associated with the club ever since settling in Christchurch, an association which he hoped to renew on his return. He was fully convinced of the need and usefulness of such an institution, our devoted clergy did everything possible to safeguard us in the faith we loved so well, but withal something remained for ourselves to do, and in doing this, and also helping others in a like manner, clubs such as this adequately provided the means. He wished

the club and >all .connected with it every prosperity. Advantage was also taken of the occasion to say farewell to Mr. Harbison, another active member, who is leaving for New York. Among the guests present was a gentleman, late of the Catholic Young Men's Club, Leeds, England, and Mr. Ramsey, secretary of the Ashburton Catholic Club. Supper was provided, and the evening filled in with an enjoyable musical programme. '