ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 58, 20 March 1869, Page 3

ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

This celebrated anniversary passed quietly in Lawrence. "We hardly observed a single shamrock in the hats of our Irish friends ; and we say this with rCgret, because we believe that patriotism is one of the best aids to morality in any country, and especially in one where public opinion has not yet attained its full influence. In the evening, a grand dinner was given in the Shamrock Hotel in honour of the day. The attendance was not so good as mignthqve been expected, owing to (several of tnehelders iof tickets being compelled by press of business to absent themselves ;~ still, those who were

present heartily enjoyed themselves. The" spread "far surpassed anything of kind given here before, and was done full justice to by the guests. After dinner,' Mr. Donovan, who occupied the chair, proposed the toast of the evening, "The immortal memory w of St. Patrick." He said that on an occasion like that on which they had assembled, "their minds were especially . directed to the life and work- of St.

Patrick. From that life they derived ?.no lessons of bigotry or intolerance, but rather that wise liberality which respected the feelings of all men. Mr. Donovan expressed his determination "to honour every anniversary of St. .Patrick as long' as he remained in \," X«awrence m a manner worthy of the -•_ event comemprated. Dr. Halley had " an additional toast, or, rather, senti-

went, to propose— one that naturally ""occurred to. anyone reading an account , ci the life. of St. Patrick. It was "The .; ffcuhple of St. Patrick, the miwionary

of civilization : may it be emulated in the settlement of this new land of ours." — (Applause.) Song, Mr. Ferguson. The next tdast was proposed by Mr. Grant, and Was drunk with great and merited enthusiasm, it being "The health of the hostess. Mr. Grant said every one present had actually seen and felt the .excellence of Mrs. Donovan's housekeeping in preparing so splendid a banquet, and her good qualities were known to all. The toast was drunk with musical honours. Song, " My Highland home," Mr. Donovan. Mr. Donovan acknowledged the compliment paid Mrs. Donovan, which, he could only say, was, he believed, well deserved. Recitation, "The bells of Shandon," Dr. Halley. Mr. Donovan proposed " The guests," which was duly acknowledged. Song, " The crocodile," Mr. Richards. Dr. Halley proposed the "Host of the evening." He said, although the amount of support Mr. Donovan had a right to expect had not been given him, still, those who had been 'wise enough to attend had thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and were much indebted to their host for so pleasant an evening's entertainment. — Drunk with musical honours, and three times three. Mr. Donovan having replied, "Auld lang syne " was sung, and the company broke up, highly gratified with the manner in which, things had been conducted.