LECTURE AND CONCERT AT HAWERA.

Patea Mail, Volume I, Issue 83, 29 January 1876, Page 2

LECTURE AND CONCERT AT HAWERA.

A lecture and concert was given oh Tuesday night last, at Hawera, in aid <>f the “ bell fund,” for the Catholic Church at that place. It was held in the Biock House, and that building has seldom, if ever, been so crowded as on this occasion. The proceeds of the entertainment, if that is a fair term to apply to it, will amount to some £2i), and will materially assist tiic object in view. The. co ..meneement was a,lecture by the Rev. 'Father Tvirk, of Wanganui, on the infallibility of the Rope. Insnppo.t of the theory, lie adduced passages from Scripture, and preached, if the term be rt most eloquent sermon in support of this doctrine. It was past 1(1 o’clock before lie concluded his aduivss. In the meantime, wo omitted to say that tea and luxuries of ail kinds had been provided by Hie Hawera ladies, and that, in addition to sound spoken sense, the ereat-nro comforts had not been forgott en. " s After the concert dancing was started, and what is mure, was kept up fill -daylight. .The whole, .proceedings were an unqualified triumph, and there were none amongst the guests of, the. evening, Imt wished the “ bell” success, and hoped3to hear its tones speedily, calling - worshijJ{*\frs to prayer.' The lecture being concluded, the concert, commenced, and all taking part in it acquitted themselves admirably. A number of ladies and gentlemen, some from other parts of the district, volunteered their services, and attended at gn-ai expense and inconvenience. Though the object _ was an i-niirely Catholic one, it was so good, that for once Denominalionalism threw its cloak away, and members of. all sects freely mixed in furthering a good cause. A more, hearty gather big has been S'-lduin, if ever, .seen in ’ Hawera, Mr'the district, and the 'returns are expected to be very little under iR2d. As might.he. supposed, the concert - was the chief centre of attraction, and, taking it all in ail, it was more than could have been expected. The songs were well selected, and loose who undertook them rendered them excellently. • The first song was the American spiritstirring song, “ Ring the Bell Watchman” hv (lie company, Aiis-sf'oackley then singing most sweetly “ Erin my Country.” •)cssie’s Dream was very well snug - by Air J. S. Greig, aiid Miss Qulnlivan then gave “ Little Nell” in a feeling and excellent manner. A duet, by Airs Lyttelton and Alias Higgins, followed, and the recitation “James O’Brien” was adinhably spoken by Air G. Douglas, The next on the list was a chorus by Miss Coackley’s pupils, “What is Home without, a Mother,” and the maine-r in which the little ones sang it did credit to their preceptress. Mrs D. Hurley sang “.'Sweet (Spirit hear my Prayer” veiy nicely, and Miss Maggie Boyle was equally successful in. the. grand and plaintive old air. “ Home, Sweet Home.” Miss Ward gave “ Lilly Laic” in a manner that showed her to he (he possessor of a very sweet voice, only flooding cultivation lo be excellent. Aliss Conekley’s pupils again most successfully came to the fore, singing “ Beautiful Star” admirably. This Concluded the second part, and an interval took place. On re-assembling. Miss Byrne, sang “ Birdie I am Tired Now.” and the died, that followed, “Juanita,” by Air Hurley and Aliss (,’oackloy. was applauded to the i-eho. “ Maggie* May” was sung very spiritedly by Air J. S. Greig - ; and Mrs Lvttletoii, ana Miss Higgins followed with the duet “Fading Away.” Airs Evans then gave “ Childlinod’s Days,” and Aiiss Maggie Boyle sang “ Annie Lisle.” with admirable taste and expression. Air George Douglas gave the recitation “Alary Queen of Scots,’’ in a manner (hat would have done credit to a professional ; and Miss Coackley s rendering of “The Olficer’s Funeral” cannot be praised too highly., Aliss Louhere, though only taking a small part in the ment was deservedly applauded in giving “ Maggie by my Side.” Aliss Quinlivan wound up with the “ Last Rose of Summer,” which was given most clearly and dis'inefy. “God Save the Queen” being Re- filed r’ose. Air J. S. Greig made a must, eilicient conductor, and the cone- rt, nas-a-d oil’ without a.hitch. As we have. ,-dread v stated, ihe al tendance was large, and, lie is - who were pres-mt, and attended tie: seib-e-ipe-nt ball, only regret tied, a hj -11 fund is not more Jivquently needed, wherehv such pleasant reunions might; be more frequently held.