CHILDREN'S CONCERT.

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLV, Issue 3228, 15 June 1928, Page 5

CHILDREN'S CONCERT.

A DELIGHTFUL ; ENTERTAINMENT

One of the happiest portions of the celebrations took place on Wednesday afternoon, when Father Creed was entertained at a children's concert, given by the Convent pupils. There were also present the Bishop of the diocese, the Eight Rev. Dr. M. J. Brodie, the administrator, the Very Rev. Dr. Ken-, nedy, and a dozen other priests, as well as a number of parents. The interior of the parish hall had undergone a complete transformation at the hands of Mr T. Hurley, who had bedecked it with paper streamers arranged on a striking and artistic plan. The children gave a programme that was a credit to them and to the Sisters whose patient training had* brought.them to so high a point of perfection. It was admirably organised and carried through without a moment's delay. The items included a jubilee song and other offerings appositely chosen for the occasion. The guest received as a jubilee gift from the Convent pupils a silver afternoon tea service on a handsome stand. This was officially handed over by Eileen Slattery in a neatly-phrased speech. The following was the programme submitted:— Duet, "Au Pas," N. Power an/1 B. Hcnebery; jubilee song; recitation, "The Exile's Return," N. Power; chorus, "Hark the Bells are Ringing," boys; violin solo, "Mignonettec," D. Hurley; action song, "The Japanese Fan," Infant girls;' vocal solo, "Off to Philadelphia," D. Hurley; recitation, '' Gleanings from the years,'' M. Henebery; chorus, "Dear Little Shamrock," senior pupils; dialogue, "Going to Heaven " ;. recitation, '' Our Cat,'' M. McCloy; orchestral selection, "Fairy Dance," School orchestra; recitation, "The Bald-headed Man," D. Hurley; vocal solo, B. McCloy; action song, "The Gipsies' Laughing Song," senior pupils; musical monologue, "Johnnie! Me and You!" K. Power; dialogue, "Josephine," F. O'Gorman (Miss Marigold) and L. McCloy (Jq. Mugglestone); finale, "God Defend New Zealand," pupils and orchestra. At the conclusion of the programme, Father Creed, addressing the^ children, said he felt specially privileged by the beautiful entertainment given in his honour. No more gratifying honour could be bestowed upon him than to be entertained by the children, who were the flower of the flock. He praised the quality of the entertainment in the highest terms. He was delighted with the present given him, and was giati- | fied to know that the children had thought of him on the occasion of his .silver jubilee. It was most appropriate, he thought, that they should be the first to honour him. He was grateful to them and to the Sisters who trained them. His Lordship the Bishop also complimented the children upon their delightful programme, and upon their bright appearance, which was a credit to the Sisters and to the people of the parish. While listening to the concert, he was reminded of St. Lawrence, who, on being commanded by the Emperor to bring forth the treasures of the church, appeared before him with a band of children. Answering the Emperor's indignation, St? Lawrence had said, "These are the treasures of the ehuTch, and for these I would gladly lay down my life.'' The children were the hope of the church, the treasure of their parents, and the priest's heart was wrapped up in them. It was fitting that the festivities of the jubilee

should be begun by the young people, who had entertained them so well.