Anecdotes from the Archives

The patronage of Governors in the early years of St Mary's College

It is interesting to note that, considering Nano Nagle’s dangerous mission to educate the poor at the time of the Irish Penal Laws, and considering the disdain and contempt with which the English viewed the Irish, only 100 years later in Hobart, the first Presentation school in Australia was patronised by a number of the Governors of the time. 

There is no doubt that something in the character of the early Presentation Sisters certainly captured the attention and the admiration of some early Vice-Regal couples.

Take for example, the Grand Bazaar, which was advertised on 15 August 1867, Under the Distinguished Patronage of HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR AND MRS GORE BROWNE.

This huge fundraising effort was held over four days at Del Sartes Rooms in Harrington Street and was indeed blessed with the presence of Colonel Sir Thomas Gore Browne (Governor 1861-69), Mrs Gore Browne and Miss Gore Browne. A respectable sum of over 287 pounds was raised towards defraying the costs of furnishing the new convent. A band played each night at the Grand Bazaar, and no doubt the vice-regal patronage added a touch of glamour and for some, snobbery. 

Of course, there was a degree of sniping about the Vice-Regal couple being involved with a Catholic enterprise, but it may have set a precedent, as not many years later, the Governor Sir Frederick Weld (Governor 1875-80) and Mrs Weld were attending a Christmas Exhibition and Distribution of Prizes at 'St Mary’s Superior School'.

When Governor and Mrs Weld travelled to Europe in the late 1870s, they entrusted their two daughters to the care of the Sisters during their absence. 

In a similar fashion, when Sir Gerald Strickland (Governor 1904-9) and Lady Strickland travelled extensively in Europe during their tenure, they left their own daughters, Mabel and Henrietta, in the care of the Presentation Sisters as well. The Stricklands were in fact of very strong Catholic stock, so perhaps no surprise that they chose the Sisters. Mabel and Henrietta (named Baby by the other boarders and rather cherished), were allowed to have the Vice-Regal aviary with them at St Mary’s College. It was to be admired but not touched by more ordinary mortals.

Mabel Strickland upon the family’s return to Malta, became very involved as an adult in Maltese politics and as editor of her family’s newspaper. In 1944 she was awarded the Order of the British Empire for her work to protect the people of Malta.

But that, as they say, is a story for another time…