CATHOLIC SOCIAL.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 19 March 1919, Page 3

CATHOLIC SOCIAL.

A BRILLIANT SUCCESS. The promoters of the Catholic social he id at Brights' Theatro on Monday night last (St. Patrick's Day) deserve hearty congratulation for the excellent programme provided, the capable management of the function, and the splendid success that attended their efforts. The concert was one of the best heard i„ Olaki for many a day. the spacious hall was packed to the doors, and the large audience was most appreciative

and enthusiastic. ! ' The programme opened with a nicely executed violin solo'by Miss May Cook, followed by Mr Goudic, of Wellington, „ho sans "Queen of Connimarra" in excellent sytle, securing a well-earned encore. Later in the ovoning Mr Goudic appeared to advantage in that flue «ai'. "Brian of Ayr." and as tin encore gave "The Little Irish Girl" „-ith good effect. Miss Zita Chapman, c f Wellington, proved a favourite with • !,e audience, her elocutionary effort in • 'The Fool" being very clover, and creating a storm of applause, to which jr; ; s Chapman responded with a pleasing little recitation. Miss Chapman's second number was a musical monologue, entitled "Short Novels. " This

was a rather ambitious attempt, reqmri„'„ very skilful treatment, but 'Miss Chapman did excellently. The greater part of her work was dainty, clever, and artistic. Another visiting lady. Miss Driscoll, the possessor of a very tuneful voice, delighted her heaver.-, with her singing of "Molly Bnwu" and "AYaiata Maori," in both of which she secured recalls, her encore numbers being "Rory O'Morc" and "Cuckoo." Mr Frascr 'Thomson's recitation, entitled "Rabbits," tickled his audience, while Miss McLaehlan's violfti solo,

"The Harp that Once Through Tava's Halls," was very beautifully rendered, and encored. Miss Hazel Jeffries, the gifted Wellington elocutionist, gave a (lever recital in character, an extract from "The Sentimental Bloke." Though hardly the most appropriate selection for a young artist; of Miss

Jeffries' temperament, it was capitally done, and wcii received. As an encore, Miss Jeffries gave "In the Usual Way." Mr Wallace D'Ath, of Olaki, who made his debut as a vocalist. created a most favourable impression. This young man has a rich, full voice, and showed good musical temperament m his song, "Look Down to Your Eyes." It was a really excellent performance for one so young, and Mr D'Ath has undoubtedly a"future ahead of him as a vocalist. The largo audience showed its appreciation by giving him a vociferous encore, to which he responded with "Obstinatiou," in which he did even better than in his first number. Mr Dermott-Lynch secured an encore for his singing of "if I Were King of Ireland," responding with the old favourite, "Mother Machroe," and Mrs E, D'Ath followed with " 'Tis the Day." Mrs D'Ath was in capital voice, and proved as great a favourite as over. In her encore D'Ath excelled herself, and the crowd, now most enthusiastic, persisted In yet another item, the singer giving " Wni:tta 1'oi" with great vim and excellent effect. Little Miss Madden, of Wellington, proved a particularly clever and

graceful dancer, her Irish jig rousing all present to a high pitch of enthusiasm, while her encore item, a sailor's hornpipe, was equally pleasing. Mr Hector Maedonakl's humorous recitation. "Those Names," caused touch merriment, as did his recital of (lie "Wonderful Win of Father Eiley's Horse." Miss O'Brien's rich, sweet voice was heard to advantage in that always popular song, "Because," the audience giving a well-deserved encore. The vocal duct, "A Simple Melody,"-by Mrs R. M. D'Ath and Mr Wallace D'Ath, was another most

pleasing number, which had to be repealed before the audience was satisfied. Mr Ken Aitken, of Levin, made a line dramatic effort in a powerful monologue, "The Waster," and was recalled, giving "Coming Home" in his well-known style.

Much of the success of the entertainment was due to Mrs L. Macdoimld, who played the accompaniments sympathetically and in good musical taste. Mr E. M. D'Ath made a capital stage manager, and deserves credit for getting off ihe items expeditiously. The Indies who arranged the programme (Mesdames Macdonald and I-pes-Elliott) and the energetic secretary (Miss Bryda O'Hourke) also ((.'serve,a r.ord of praise for the success of their efforts and the completeness of the arrangements. ;

At the conclusion of the concert supper was served, and dancing was then indulged in, thus completing a delightful evening -'s entertainment.