Oamaru

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 12, 25 March 1909, Page 459

Oamaru

(From -Our Own Correspondent.)

On St. Patrick's Day, at the 7. o'clock -Mass, twentyfive pupils of St. Patrick's • School made their First Communion. The boys had been instructed by - Rev. Fath^MF Delany, who was also celebrant of the Mass, .and, weari'rig" blue _and white rosettes, they presented- an edifying- speck tacle as ihej ' approached the Holy Table- for' "the flg^ time in their young lives. The-choir was in attendance^and enhanced the . solemnity of the function by the devotional rendering of hymns in honor of the Blessed Sacrament. After Mass the communicants assembled in St. Patrick's School, where they were entertained at breakfast prepared by some of the ladies of the parish.

A very enjoyable social gathering, in aid of St. 'Joseph's School, was held, in the schoolroom on St. Patrick's Night. - The weather was somewhat inclement, but a large gathering was presoat, including the Rev. Fathers Delany and Farthing. Musical and other items were rendered during the evening, and. an ample supply of light refreshments was handed round. The following contributed to the evening's enjoyment:' — Song, Miss A. Magee; , song, Miss~ Barry; Irish jig, Mr. J. Haggle.; song, Rev. Father Farthing; recitation, Miss A. O'Doimell; duet, Misses A.- Magee and Barry. On Sunday last the local branch of the Hibernian Society approached the Holy Table in a body. There was a splendid muster of the members, who marched from their rooms to the Basilica at the 8 o'clock Mass. After Mass the members re-assembled in their rooms, where Bro. T. Corcoran (president), • on behalf of the society, presented Bro. M. Healcy with a beautiful past president's,. collar, in recognition of- his services to the branch for many years. In making the presentation, the president referred to Bro. Healey's zeal and unselfishness in all matters concerning the welfare of the society, and to the splendid example * set by him to younger members. P.P. Bro. M. J..Hanley endorsed the remarks of the president, and hoped the recipient would lator see his way to .assume his old office of t? treasurer, which he so worthily hold for many years. Bro. Healcy feelingly responded, and remarked that his services had always been freely ..given, and nothing he could do for the society would bo "left undone.