ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 449, 20 March 1912, Page 5

ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

OHURA CELEBRATIONS. Special Correspondent. In the Public Hall in Mangaroa on Saturday a large number gathered to take part in a commemoration of Ireland's patron saint. Besides Irishmen there were many other tpyes represented, and the gathering generally reciprocated in the good wishes of celebration with the result that a very enjoyable evening was spent. The committee which had the matter in hand consisted of Messrs J. F. McClenaghan (chairman), T. Healy (secretary), T. B. Mooney, E. Owens, J. H. McDonald, J. Flanaghan. T. Hariand, T. O'Donell, C. Rodgers and Dr Latchmore. All the arrangements were complete and there was a plentiful supply of everything that makes an Irishman's heart glad. The function, which was presided over by Mr McClenaghan, was opened with the toast of the King, followed by a stirring recitation entitled "'Home," by Mr Rodgers, senr. "Irishmen and Women at Home and Abroad," was eulogistially proposed by Dr Latchmore. who paid special tribute to the Irish people in New Zealand. Mr Rodgers, who replied, related many reminiscences of the Irish people, and was received with interest. Mr G. C. Stevenson proposed "Irish Patriots," and referred to the sterling charoeer and integrity of the men who have taken up Ireland's cause and the manly way they backed up the principles which they advocated. He made special mention of Dan O'Connell, svho, he declared, was a true patriot and statesman equal to any in the world. Mr M. Dunn responded in a vigorous speech characteristic of the Irish race, and went back to the early history of Ireland's patriots and traced them along to modern times and those who were handling the Home Rule movement. He considered the granting of Home Rule would be only giving the country its just rights, which would tend to closer union of the Empire. Home Rule only asked that the Irish people should conduct their own internal affairs. Dr Usher, in a neat speceh, proposed "Home Rule for Ireland," to which Father O'Bierne, in reply, said that Home Rule was such a selfevident fact that it.hardly needed explanation. The Irish people were not asking more than the people of New Zealand enjoyed. Within their own memory Ireland's population had diminished by four millions with the result that industry was depressed. Home Rule would mean a quickening in Ireland that would surprise the world. Irishmen were the most loyal people on God's earth. (Applause). They had proved it on the battle field before to-day. That New Zealand was loyal to the cause was proved by the reception of the Irish deleagtes and the way the people subscribed. Scotch people were also in favour of Home Rule. He referred to tho rumours of what would happen in the North, but this he discounted and instanced threats that had emanated from a few in the past, but had never been carried out. The North was just as much in favour of Home Rule as any ether part. There were thirty-three members returned for the North, of which sixteen were National ists and the balance Unionists, a fact which showed that opinion wa3 evenly balanced in the much-malinged North. Among other toasts "St. Patrick's Day" received great ovation.

Songs were contributed by Messrs J. H. McDonald and Jones; Mr T. B. Mooney gave a recitation. Mr H. Evans presided at the piano. A pleasing feature of the celebration was the number of ladies who participated in the function. A royal reception was given to them, and needless to say, was much appreciated.