ST. PATRICK’S DAY.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 456, 22 March 1890, Page 4

ST. PATRICK’S DAY.

CHILDREN’S FETE IN THE DOMAIN

Auckland, March 17. The anniversary of Ireland’s Patron Saint was ushered in this morning by beautiful weather, which continued throughout the day, and which was an important element in the success of the Roman Catholic celebration. Each year the 17th becomes more and moreapublicholiday. Many shops were closed this morning, whilst others enjoyed a half holiday. In the various Roman Catholic Churches last night panegerics were delivered upon the life andvvorksof St. Patrick. At midnight the holiday was ushered in by Hunter’s Band marching through the main streets of the city playing well known Irish national airs. Later on the Band proceeded to St. Patrick’s Presbytery and serenaded the Rev. Father Hackett, who came out and returned thanks for the compliment. Early this morning services were also held. Father Gilsenan officiated at St. Patrick’s, Father O’Gara at St. Benedict’s, Father Lenihan at the Sacred Heart, and Father Keating, of Bayswater, London, at St. John’s, Parnell. The latter is on a tour through the colonies, and was much pleased with the tine display made by the procession of school-children later in the day. DOMAIN FETE. At nine o’clock the members of the H.A.C.B. Society mustered at the Catholic Institute, Wellington-sbreet, and headed by Impey’s Band marched down to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where Father Gilsenan preached a sermon. Meanwhile the school children assembled near the church, and after the service the procession was formed, starting at ten o’clock. It was headed by Impey’s Band playing Irish national airs, and then came the H.A.C.B. Society,about one hundred strong, headed by the Grand Lodge in full regalia under President S. Fairweather and the other local officers. The handsome banner belonging to this Society followed immediately after the band. When the procession reached Queen-street the H.A.C.B. Society broke off and marched through the town to Shorbland-street and thence round Government House to Stanley-street, where the procession of children was again joined. Hunter’s Band marched in front of the children and lei the way up VVellesieystreet East. After the band was carried a banner bearing the motto, “ The Faith of Our Fathers Living Still.” Behind this marched the Orphans, about 80 in number, under the charge of the Rev. Dr. Egan. Then followed St. Patrick’s Sunday-school under the care of Father Hackebb, and headed by their well-known banner. About 500 children started with this school, bub many others joined the procession as it passed along. The roll shows 965 scholars, and no doubt the majority of these were present when the lunch bell sounded. Father Hayes was in charge of the Christian Doctrine Society, numbering 32 members, which is also an adjunct of St. Patrick’s. The boys’ day school of the Marist Brothers also marched in procession underthe care of their teachers, and the little fellows cheered vigorously as they passed along. They were followed by the children from the Ponsonbv Roman Catholic School of the Sacred Heart, under the charge of Father Lenihan, about 200 in number. Next came the children of St. Benedict’s and St. Joseph’s (Surrey Hills) under the charge of Fathers O Gara and Downey. Thesenumbered 470 and presented a gay appearance, as many of the children bore blue bannerets on which were white crosses. St. Benedict’s School was headed by the Newton Brass Band under Bandmaster West. At Stanley-street the procession received an addition in the shape of the Parnell and Newmarket schools under the charge of Father Gillon. These schools numbered 250 scholars, and were headed by the Newmaiket Brass Band followed by a banner on which were the Papal arms. Arrived at the Domain the various schools marched to their respective tents, where later on dinner was supplied to the children, and the day was spent in an enjoyable manner with the usual games. Large crowds congregated to watch the procession as it passed along through the city, and it was agreed on all sides that never before have such a large number of children marched on St. Patrick’s Day, In the afternoon numbers of parents and friends assembled in the Domain. ONEHUNGA CELEBRATION, The children of the Catholic schools, Onehunga, went on a picnic near home, Father Paul having provided amusement on the reserve near the beach, where the children at once made themselves thoroughly in accord with the good thing provided and the beauties of Nature surrounding them. The Onehunga brass band, in a large brake and four, accompanied by a large number of friends, proceeded to the Panmure sports,that district being at all times a favourite spot for amusements. OTAHUHU. i’he races at Henderson’s Mill called a great number of Otahuhu pleasure seekers that way, about 100 leaving by brakes and “rail.” A number availed themselves of the cheap fare to visit Purekohe, whilst about 200 were bound for the Domain. — Correspondent. THAMES. To-day is being observed as a holiday. The Catholic Sunday-school children ate holding their annual festival at Parawai. NELSON. A half-holiday has been proclaimed today, in honour of the Bicycle Sports. It is beautiful weather. Hall, from Christchurch, and Wilmott, from Rangiora, take part in the Sports.