HomeArticlesSchool For The Deaf Is £68,000 Addition To Catholic Charities
School For The Deaf Is £68,000 Addition To Catholic Charities
FEILDING. – More than 2000 people, including visitors from Wellington, flocked to the new St. Dominic’s School for deaf children, when it was blessed and officially opened by His Grace Archbishop McKeefry, on Sunday, November 28. The school, which is set in spacious 23-acre grounds and can accommodate between 40 and 50 children, is the only institution for deaf children in New Zealand not operated by the State.
The magnificent new school, with its up-to-date classrooms, two-storeyed dormitory block and the older building which constitutes the Convent for the Sisters of the Dominican Order, cost about £68,000.
“The new building is the development of the many works of charity of the Order,” said His Grace. “The work carried out here has a deep appeal and finds a warm response in the heart of everyone,” he added.
“Those of you who have seen the school and who will be seeing it for the first time will be impressed by what is being done on the material side to fit these children for their path in life, and also to fit them for their path in eternity.”
The school also drew favourable comment from a Palmerston North specialist, Dr. A. A. MacGibbon, who said it compared more than favourably with the latest schools of its type overseas. Its opening was an outstanding milestone in the history of the teaching of the deaf in New Zealand. The doctor went on to describe a visit to one of the newest schools for the deaf in the United States, in situated in Southern California.
...
Tribute To Sisters
Sir Matthew Oram, Speaker of the House of Representatives, who was also present, said St. Dominic’s was a great credit to those who had “blazed the path” in providing the very latest and up-to-date amenities for the teaching of the deaf.
“We can all be justly proud of the effort made and the facilities which have been provided,” Sir Matthew went on. “No word of mine could express what marvellous work is being done by the Sisters of the Dominican Order.”
He was glad the school was near Feilding so that help could be extended at all times, said the Mayor of the town (Mr. C. B. McGuire). “Our prayers are that the Sisters may be happy and successful in the painstaking and loving care of those afflicted,” he added.
Making an appeal for funds on behalf of the new school, the Rev. Father Guiane, of Dannevirke, said there was still a debt of £43,000. It cost £68,000. He spoke of the loneliness of deaf children who missed so much in their lives. He referred also to the dogged perseverance of the teachers of deaf children and their constant struggle.
The school was first started in Island Bay, Wellington, but more space was needed. Archbishop McKeefry told the gathering how a new site had been found for the school in Rangitikei. Realism had been given to decentralisation.
His Grace expressed thanks to the Rev. Father Broughton, of Feilding, and to the people of the town who had done everything possible to co-operate and assist. He also referred to the generosity and work of those associated with building the school, including the architect (Mr. E. V. Dawson) and the builder (Mr. P. Townshend).
Generous Response
A remarkably generous response had been shown, His Grace added. “May the spirit of generosity and service so increase that you will receive the fullest of blessings from Almighty God,” he told the gathering.
Following the ceremony, the school and its buildings were open for inspection to the large crowd. The beautiful chapel which was formerly a billiard room in the old house adjacent to the school attracted the attention of all. Those present could not but be impressed by its significance.
Among the official party were: His Grace Archbishop McKeefry, the Right Rev. Monsignor MacManus (Palmerston North), the Rev. Fathers Broughan (Feilding), Guinane (Dannevirke) and O’Neill (Wellington), Sir Matthew and Lady Oram, Mr. P. O. Skoglund M.P., and Mrs. Skoglund, Mr. N. L. Shelton, M.P., and Mrs. Shelton . H. Shelton, Mr. B. McLeod (chairman of the Oroua County Council), Mr. C. B. McClure and Mrs. McClure, Mr. K. J. Watson (Child Welfare Branch of the Education Department), Mr. E. V. Dawson (architect) and Mr. P. Townshend (builder).
Caption under photo: Opening day crowds at St. Dominic’s School for the Deaf, £68,000 addition to the Church’s work of charity in New Zealand.
