Oamaru

New Zealand Tablet, 3 June 1915, Page 27

Oamaru

(From our own correspondent.) Friday, May 28, was the anniversary of the ordination of the Bight Rev. Mgr. Mackay, V.G. (says the North Otago Times). The Catholic schools were en fete. In the morning, at Mass, a choir of boys of the Dominican Preparatory College gave an excellent rendering of Seymour's 'Gloria in Excelsis,' ' O Salutaris,' and various hymns. Benediction was given at midday, when the bovs' choir again sang very sweetly and well. In the forenoon the children of St. Joseph's School entertained the Monsignor. A varied programme was excellently rendered. In addressing the children at the conclusion, Mgr, Mackav said he was much pleased, by the patriotic spirit displayed in the different items. Such a spirit was a good omen for the future of the country. The part taken by the boys in this respect especially gratified him. As to their wish for many happy years, he hoped that, during those left, the great desire of his life—the completion of his church—would be fulfilled. In this work he asked them to help by their prayers, and, as they grew older, by helpful efforts in different ways. After hearty acclamations for Monsignor the children dispersed for a much appreciated half-holiday. In the evening the boys of the Preparatory College gave an entertainment. All the items of the programme, except two, were the boys' own achievement. A Latin play, representing a scene in ancient Rome, was cleverly done. The Latin pronunciation was clear, distinct, not to say fluent, and the acting proved that the youthful interpreters fully understood their work. A scene at the railway station was given next in fluent French, the accent of some of the boys being true Parisian. These boys are just at the age (the average is nine) when the vocal organs can be effectually formed to clear enunciation in any language. This is the training for the coming times, when a knowledge of foreign languages will be indispensable to a liberal education. ' The march of the Allies' was one of the gems of the evening, and the music, singing, and evolutions, and the grouping round the flag of New Zealand, as it was saluted by the flags of all the nations, including Ireland, were executed with a martial spirit and dash that stirred the audience. The comedietta, 'A mock trial,' was splendidly acted. Each boy was letter perfect and full of spirit. The speeches of the Crown Prosecutor, the counsel for the defence, and the witnesses were listened to with keen interest and enjoyment, whilst the twelve jurymen were models. The general laughter was controlled by the reiterated and emphatic commands of the Court Crier. Two young ladies of the convent school of music gave respectively a beautiful rendering of ' April morn,' and Chopin's ' Scherzo in E fiat.' At the conclusion an address was read, and Monsignor Mackay replied in happy terms, expressing his intense appreciation and satisfaction.