Greymouth

New Zealand Tablet, 22 May 1919, Page 29

Greymouth

'(From our 1 own correspondent.)

- ml lU’A-' May 14. Announcements recording the successes of the pupils attending the local convent schools are so frequent that residents were 0 not surprised when *it was announced that Doreen Daley, aged u 12J years, had. been awarded first place in the Dominion for pianoforte playing. It is not long since that a Government inspector, of , schools, while on relieving duty here, expressed his amazement at the high standard of the work done by the convent pupils. He averred that in many respects the convent school was a training college which was unique in his experience. ' ■ The large amount"realised for the purpose of erecting a Dean Carew Memorial Boys’ School should enable the committee to consider the question of secondary classes for the boys. At present the Catholic boys of Greymouth are placed at a disadvantage in that there is Jtio provision for teaching those who have passed the Sixth Standard. Up till recently, advanced boys’ classes were taught by the. nuns, but no doubt for good and sufficient reasons this permission has been withdrawn, so that some Catholic boys are now attending the State schools. Not all town parents can afford to send their boys to college. It is, of course, right and proper that Catholic girls should be well educated, and also acquire accomplishments, but it would be a grievous mistake, and one fraught with baneful effects, if Jack, Tom, or Bill, the future Catholic fathers of this Dominion, were, neglected. The Catholic parish schools are the foundation of the Church, and everything

possible should be done, for ~ the boys attending those schools will have to take up the burden, in the yeafs to come. The Catholic boy has much to contend with when he goes out into the world. He has not certain influences that • other I boys haveon his own merits'hiust. he stand. gi In every \ business serious'' losses are incurred! when there -is understating, and it is safe to say. 1 that"' in no profession are such losses so injurious as f in that n of teaching. j ! Time ; cannot be' recalled, 'so ' that if the. bulk of our ' working men's sons ' are not • to' be - hewer's 1 'of" wood and drawers of water suitable buildings ! must be:? erected, and the Brothers' teaching staff : must be strengthened. ; In" a parish where £4600 was raised in a J few months it should not. require much effort 'to increase" the pittance the Brothers at present receive, and also; to secure the services of an extra Brother for teaching higher classes. The extra fees obtainable; and a" well organised quarterly social, would bring in the necessary' funds. In the recent municipal elections. Mr. J. D. Lynch was, for the second time, returned unopposed ' to.' the mayoral chair. He has also been elected chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Lynch is "hustler" and takes an active interest in all matters pertaining, to the welfare of the town and district. .'" 7\ '{'[ Mr. Hugh Doogan, barrister, who is slowly recovering from a long and very severe illness, was returned on the Borough Council, being second at the poll.' 'Mr." Fooarty and Mr. McGinley were also returned. ,';'.,..