ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

New Zealand Tablet, 23 March 1911, Page 522

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

; DUNEDIN. The celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in Dunedin was confined to an Irish national concert in the evening, in the Garrison Hall. The outstanding features of the concert were the purely national character of the programme items, and also of most of the encore numbers, the recognised talent of the performers, and the enthusiasm of- the very large audience. At one time it was thought that unless a St. Patrick’s night concert programme was liberally interspersed with items of a comic nature it would not receive liberal patronage, but the experience of the promoters in Dunedin for several years past has proved the contrary, and the record attendance on Friday night was proof positive that genuine Irish music, with its smiles and its' tears, has all the necessary characteristics which appeal to the hearts of music-lovers of whatever nationality. The arrangements for the concert were admirably carried out by a committee, of which Rev. Father Coffey was chairman, and Mr. E. W. Spain secretary, and taking into account the excellence of the programme, the talent of the performersin a word its artistic and financial success, they are to be warmly congratulated on the results. The concert opened with an overture, Reminiscences of Ireland,’ by the Kaikorai Band, under Mr. Davie. The band also played the overture to the second part of the programme, ‘Gondoliers,’ and during the evening Messrs. Schnack, G. Laidlaw, D. Whelan, and J. A. O’Brien gave an instrumental quartet, all of which were played in a capital manner t and in keeping with the reputation of the band. Of the vocalists, Mrs. R. A. Power was the first to appear, and she receiced a most flattering reception. She gave an artistic rendering of ‘ Kathleen Mavourneen,' and ‘ She is far from the land,’ among her encore numbers being the ‘ Rosary,’ which was sung with much artistic taste and expression. Mrs. R. Hudson, Jun., who is a great favorite with music-lovers, sang with fine feeling and expression ‘Come back to Erin’ and ‘Dublin Bay,’ and with Mr. James Jago took part in the duet, ‘ The Angelus.' It is needless to say that she was enthusiastically recalled for her solo items, when she gave the ‘ Wearin’ of the green’ and ‘Oft in the stilly night.’ Mr. James Jago sang ‘ the Irish emigrant ’ in a manner which left little to be desired, and as a result he received an imperative recall, to which he responded with A sergeant of the line.’ He was paid a similar compliment for his singing of ‘ 0 Erin, my country.’ In the two patriotic songs, ‘ Paddies evermore,’ and ‘A Nation once again,’ Mr. J. McGrath scored a distinct success, and undeniable recalls followed, which were responded to with a couple of items of a national character, which were splendidly sung. The Christian Brothers’ Choir, under Brother Cusack, contributed three delightful items, The last glimpse of Erin,’ ‘Erin farewell,’ and ‘Hail! glorious St. Patrick.’ Mr. T. P. Laffey recited with fine dramatic effect and clear and distinct enunciation, ‘ Shamus O’Brien,’ for which he was enthusiastically applauded, and had to respond to an imperative encore. Mr. Vallis played the accompaniments during the evening, with the exception of those for the Christian Brothers’ Choir, which were contributed by Miss C. Hughes. On the whole the concert was the best all-round one which has been given for a long time in connection with St. Patrick’s Day. WELLINGTON. (From our own correspondent.) The celebration of St. Patrick’s Day this year, organised by the Hibernian Society and the Catholic Club, was most successful, having eclipsed all past efforts. The weather was all that could be desired. The proceedings commenced with the celebration of Masses at 9 o’clock at St. Mary of the Angels’, (Boulcott street), the Sacred Heart Basilica (Thorndon), St. Joseph’s (Buckle street), and St. Anne’s (Wellington South). St. Mary of the Angels’ being the central church and the starting point of the procession, was crowded. The Rev. Father Ainsworth, S.M., delivered an eloquent address on St. Patrick. After the Mass the children attending the schools were taken charge of by the members of the ladies’ branch of the H.A.C.B. Society, and marched to the special tram cars at the Mercer street Siding. Over 1100 children formed this procession, and made a big display. The military procession, consisting of the St. Patrick’s College, St. Vincent’s, and St. Anne’s senior defence cadets, and the Marist Brothers’ (Tasman street and Boulcott street) and the Catholic school (Petone) junior cadets, numbering over 400, with 200 members of the H.A.C.B. Society and Catholic Club, headed by the Garrison Band, marched ' through the principal streets to Newtown Park. A notable feature in the procession was the passing of three huge tram cars of the doubledecker pattern filled with the children, and the exchanging of cheers between the military and the children at the Courtenay Place Siding. It goes without saying that the procession was the most successful item of the day’s celebrations. The cadets looked very smart, and kept their military bearing notwithstanding the long march. The ' whole of the morning was given over to children’s races, the clergy and a strong committee giving the young people

a thoroughly enjoyable time. After lunch the sports programme for grown-up people was commenced, * and some really entertaining items were provided. The fields were heavy for each event, and the competition was keen. Probably the most exciting numbers of the day were the tugs-of-war. Three teams of eight entered for the big tug, which resulted in a win for the police probationers, captained. by J. O’Leary. The first try-out was between the Catholic Club and the tramway team, the former winning rather easily. The winners were then set against the police probationers, a heavy, well-trained set of men, who had no difficulty in carrying all before them. The tug-of-war between the St. Vincent’s and St. Anne’s cadets produced a great struggle. First one team and then the other gained a little advantage, but at length after a battle royal, and when the boys were almost exhausted, St. Vincent’s got in a couple of extra pounds, and landed a victory for their side. Officials for the day were: —Marshal for procession, Captain Casey, St. Patrick’s College; referee, Mr. A. H. Casey; starter, Mr. T. W. Leslie; judges: walking, Rev. Father Hickson and Mr. D. McPhee; field events, Messrs. J. Doyle and T. O’Brien; tug-of-war, Mr. J. Doyle; jigs, Mr. D. McPhee, wrestling, Mr. J. Doyle; call stewards, Messrs. J. E. Fitzgerald and C. Gamble; hon. secretary, Mr. H. McKeowen; hon. treasurer, Mr. J. W. Callaghan. ' T . The large Town Hall was packed in the evening at the Irish national concert, which was organised by the same committee of which the Rev. Father Hickson was president, Messrs. A. H. Casey and W. J. Feeney vice-presi-dents, with Mr. P. D. Hoskins as secretary. There was a large attendance, among those present being the Right Rev. Mgr. Fowler, of Sioux City, U.S.A., Very P e Y- lather O’Shea, V.G., and his Worship the Mayor a i Mrs. Wilford, The programme was composed of those dear old melodies that are as pure and sweet to hear as the emerald is to look upon. The audience was warmhearted, and enthusiastic, and thoroughly enjoyed itself throughout. There was no reason why it should not, for the talent was of a high quality, and all the performers restricted themselves to numbers well within their capacity. The programme opened with a brief recital of Irish music on the organ by Mr. John Sidford, who played very well, but it was evident that the newcomer had not yet had the opportunity to grasp the possibilities of the big instrument. Mr. Farquhar Young reached the heart of the big audience with ‘The wearing of the green,’ which was encored. Later Mr. Young made another strong appeal to his auditors sentiments in Who fears to speak of ’9B?’ for which he received another recall. Miss Agnes Segrief’s fmi i contralto was heard in ‘ Kathleen Mavourneen,’ ‘The harp that once through Tara’s halls,’ and she was encored for both. One-of the most artistic efforts of the evening was the cornet playing of Mr. John Parker, whose tone, phrasing, and finish were admirable. He played ( Come back to Erin,’ ‘ Take a pair of sparkling eyes, from r xi. Gondoliers, and a charming ballad. The vocal star of the evening was Miss Teresa McEnroe, a debutante soprano, and a pupil of Sister Ligouri, of St. Mary’s Convent. Her voice is a pure soprano of excellent quality, and large enough to fill the hall without effort. Miss McEnroe sang ‘The last rose of summer,’ and for an encore Believe me if all those endearing young charms with taste and expression Mr. Charles Hickmott sang Father 0 Flynn wijli spirit, and had to append an encore number. Mr. P. L. Mmifie played a piccolo solo deftly, and Mr. Vincent Mason gave the recitation ‘ King Conor McNessa. Mr. Patrick McCarthy, a particularly good dancer, gave an Irish jig and a cleverly-stepped Irish clog dance and the pupils of the Marist Brothers’ School sang Ihe dear little shamrock,’ the phrasing and harmony of which was decidedly quaint. The accompaniments were adequately played by Miss Henderson; and Messrs. W. McLoughhn and Dave Kenny, ■j 1 Kefore the last item on the programme was gone on with the Rev. Father Hickson, as president of the committee, briefly addressed the audience on the celebrations that day, and thanked the visitors for their attendance the Mayor on rising to speak was long and loudly applauded and in a brief speech thanked the audience for giving him such a fine reception that evening. He had he said, spent a most enjoyable day. He again thanked the committee on behalf of himself and Mrs. Wilford for their _ kind invitation, and trusted that future celebrations vouicl meet with even greater success. ' The pupils of the Marist Brothers’ School then sang Rnno- ( accompaniment of the large Town Hall organ, the song God save Ireland. & ’

CHRISTCHURCH. )From oar own correspondent.) On St. Patrick’s Day there was Solemn High ™, s Cathedral at nine o’clock. The Rev father McDonnell was celebrant, the Very Rev. Father rice, Adm., deacon, and the Rev. Dr. Kennedy subdeacon. An eloquent panegyric of the Apostle of Ireland was preached by his Lordship the Bishop in the presence of a large congregation The national flag of Ireland was flown throughout the day from the Marist Brothers’

School and from various other prominent buildings in the city. . ■ On Sunday last in honor of the patron saint of Ireland over a hundred members of . St. ■ Patrick’s branch of the H.A.C.B. Society and of the Christchurch Catholic Club in regalia approached the Holy Table in the Cathedral at the 7 o clock Mass, which was celebrated by the Rev. Father Creagh, C.SS.R. After Mass all marched in procession up High street to the Empire Cafe for a special breakfast prepared for the occasion. The Rev. Father Creagh presided, and he was supported by Bro. Getson, 8.P., Mr. H. H. Loughnan, Mr. J. R. Hayward (president of the Catholic Club), Bro. F. J. Doolan, 8.5., and District Deputy, Rev. Father Quinn, S.M., and other prominent officials of both societies. Apologies for absence were received from his Lordship the Bishop, the Very Rev. Father Price, Adm., and others of the clergy whose duties for the day prevented their attendance. At the conclusion of breakfast a brief toast list'was duly honored. The toast of ‘ His Holiness the Pope and His Majesty the King ’ was proposed in eloquent terms by the Rev. Father Creagh. That of the ‘ Bishop and Clergy’ was proposed by Bro. R. P. Oghnessy. The Rev. Father Creagh in responding outlined the work of the Church in New Zealand, founded by the heroic French priests, who were followed by those of the Irish race and of other nationalities. He was sincerely glad to have come to Christchurch, as he had many proofs of their spirit of loyalty, and not a man among them but would honestly say,/‘ If I can do anything to help the Bishop and priests 1 will do it.’ He trusted this spirit would be handed on. He was glad of the opportunity to thank them for all they had done for the Redemptonst Fathers, especially for the Right Rev. Dr. Clune. A notable example of Hibernian generosity was the magnificent stained-glass window which they had presented to the Church of St. Gerard in Wellington, which would receive the enduring gratitude of all succeeding Redemptorist Fathers of the Order in the Dominion. His (the speaker’s) great desire was to work in the interests of men. At Limerick where he had for years worked for men and men only he had charge of the Association of the Holy Family, which numbered 5000 men and 2000 boys, and he loved them and loved the work. ’lt would be his greatest joy to do all he could in Christchurch for the H.A.C.B. Society to consolidate them and also to enlarge the Catholic Club’s membership. 0 The Rev. Father Quinn, S.M., congratulated the promoters of the gathering on the excellence of the display, which was a credit to themselves and also to the city. No finer stamp of citizen could be produced than a member of the H.A.C.B. Society, combining as he did love of God with love of country. Real patriotism meant love of country of adoption no less than of one’s native land, and in this beautiful country of New Zealand they_ had all the essentials to intensify the most ardent patriotism. He was an honorary member of the society, and spoke of the strength of the society at Hastings, where they possessed a very fine banner, a replica of the one in Sydney, and made by the Sisters of that city. Mr. H. McKeon proposed the toast of the ‘Hibernian Society ’ in complimentary terms, the toast being responded to by Bro. F. J. Doolan, who in a detailed statements showed how the society had prospered during the year in membership and funds. Several new branches had been brought into existence during this term. As showing the benefits to members, their own branch had paid back during the past year £413 9s lOd. They had in actual funds £2257, an increase during the year of £264 9s lid, -and the membership had increased by thirty. He also spoke of the impending departure for Wellington of Bro. R. P. O’Shaughnessy, and of the high esteem in which he 38 held by the branch. At this stage of the proceedings Bro. Getson, 8.P., presented Bro. J. Cummins, on behalf of the branch, with a sash in acknowledgment of his efforts in introducing the greatest number of new members. The ‘ Catholic Club ’ was proposed by Bro. Grimes in appropriate terms and was responded to by Mr. J. R Hayward. Mr. H. H. Loughnan in proposing the ‘Catholic Press’ spoke in complimentary terms of the N.Z. Tablet, and regretted that it does not circulate so freely and largely as it ought to do. He spoke of the splendid work the Tablet was doing in Catholic interests. Kindred Societies’ was proposed by the Rev. Father Quinn, S.M., and responded to by Mr. G. Hayward. In a concluding address the Rev. Father Creagh said his experiences of the day so far had given him intense pleasure; first their manifestation of faith at the Cathedral and then a certain militant spirit which he had long wished to see in New Zealand. " His Majesty’s Theatre was quite crowded on the evening of St. Patrick’s Day on the occasion of the annual celebration (the tenth promoted and successfully carried out by the present executive committee), in the form of a national entertainment in aid of the funds of Nazareth House. This was under the patronage of his Excellency Lord Islington, his Lordship Bishop Grimes, the Hon. Sir J. G. Ward (Prime Minister), and Sir George Clifford Bart., his Worship the Mayor and City Council, etc. His Lordship Bishop Grimes, the Very Rev. Dean Ginaty, S. V.G., the Very Rev. Father Price, Adm., the resident clergy of the Cathedral and St. Mary’s (Christchurch North), and the staff of St, Bede’s College were present

as were also the Mayor and the member of Parliament for Christchurch East. An effort is made each year to as far as possible secure new vocalists and other- performers, and 911 the present occasion so successful were the promoters in this regard that with but few exceptions all the names appearing on the programme had not previously appeared at this particular fixture. That the selection and rendition of the programme met with the approval and enthusiastic acceptance of the great audience was amply demonstrated by the fact that recalls were general. Mrs. Ernest b irth sang T x The last rose of summer ’' and ‘Killarnev,’ Aaiss Vera, Humphries ‘The dear little shamrock,’.Miss M. C. O Connor ‘ The harp that once,’ Miss M. Devenport Gome back to Erin,’ Mr. Sidney Allwright ‘ The Irish emigrant, Mr. G. Struthers ‘ Molly Bawn,’ Mr. A. L. Crop'p ivr S^ Very x exin ’,’ a quaintly pretty composition, and Mr, Ernest Lawn The minstrel boy.’ One of the most popular items was the chorus ‘Erin, beautiful Erin.’ given remarkably well by a large party of little lads, pupils of the Marist Brothers. The Christchurch Banjo and Mandoline Orchestra, conducted by Mr. Joseph Wright rnumerous and splendidly trained body of musicians, tendered the overture, a march of national airs, and a selection + i Gems of Ireland >, ’ in artistic style. Irish melodies lend themselves peculiarly perfect to this style of rendition and the result was particularly enjoyable. No less pleasing was the Irish selection arranged by Mr. E W Blov given w the second part by the Banjo Quintet, Messrs. 1. D. Hough, AV. Cooksley, S. Hawkm, and L. W. Blov. Mr. Vere Buchanan was warmly applauded for his violin solo, an arrangement of Moore’s ‘Rich and rare were the gems she wore. A popular item was the double Irish. jig danced most artistically by Mr. and Miss O’Connor, both ot whom wore characteristic costumes. The duties of accompanists were efficiently discharged by a number of lady and gentlemen friends, and a nice supper was provided by a small committee of lady helpers and sympathisers. The executive committee desire to thank Mr. W. JoitSs, Exeter Nursury, for stage decorations, A. J. White, Ltd., for furnishings, and Dresden Piano Company for loan of concert grand piano At the interval his Lordship Bishop Grimes very sincerely thanked the performers for their generous services, and the complete enjoyment they had given, the audience for its presence and deep interest in the object of the gathering, the committee, and all who had aided in promoting what would generally be conceded the best national entertainment yet given under the present ICGS ■ AUCKLAND. (By Telegraph from our own correspondent.) March 20. St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated in Auckland in glorious sunshine, tempered by an exhilarating sea breeze. hrom an early hour the wearers of the green were in evidence. he enthusiasm was catching, and it was felt by old and young. It was the universal verdict that this year s celebration was equal to the best of its predecessors. Business was appreciably affected by Ireland’s national festival, the Government offices, banks, law offices, Stock Exchange, etc., being closed. St. Patrick’s Cathedral Square was the rendezvous for the children ■ from the city and suburban parishes, and the presence there of 3000 children, neatly clad in summer attire, and wearing green favors, was a sight to be remembered. As many as could obtained admission to the Cathedral, and assisted at Mass which, was celebrated by Rev. Father Ormond. His Lordship the Bishop was present in the sanctuary, and was atS *1 by CT - yf.i r Holbroofc. At the close of the Mass the Bishop addressed the congregation, and said that in ldstm-v° f S V p 1 s , h borS ! in Ireland was unparalleled +Lc i l '!' 1 1 Patnck lived to see his work complete, the seed he had sown was fertilised by Almighty God and it grew and spread until at the time of his death he saw a whole nation converted to Christianity. Such was the fervor of their faith that Ireland became the Island of baints and learned men, and the university of Western Europe—the great school to which Western Europe sent ite sons to be educated. Great-scholars and missionaries were sent out to carry the faith back where it had been lost, and into heathen lands. Germany alone counts among her patron saints no fewer than 90 of Irish birth, France has a very great number Belgium counts more, Scandinavia, too. is indebted to and so also are the southern countries of Europe, and going still further south there was also lasting evidence of the zeal of Irish missionaries. His Lordship then .referred to the progress of the faith in Australasia. Irish missionaries were still engaged in carrying the faith to the uttermost ends of the earth and what, he asked, was the great secret of their intensity of purpose? Supplying the answer, he said that all documents and traditions showed that the intense spirit of prayer which animated St Patrick had, by the blessing of God, been perpetuated in his beloved people, and this was the reason of Ireland’s unflinching faith. His Lordship concluded by wishing all abundant happiness on our great

When the various parish contingents had arrived. Brotihen George and Messsrs. H. Nerheny and Lorrigan marshaded them into line, and the Garrison Band started off" playing ‘ St. Patrick’s Dany in the morning.’ Then came

the parish contingents in the following order; —Marist Bro- < thers’ School, St. Patrick’s parish, Parnell, St. Benedict’s, / Newton Band, Star of the Sea Orphans, Onehunga, Otahulm, Devonport, Ellerslie, Newmarket, Remuera, and Takapuna orphan boys. They walked three abreast, and marched via Wyndham, Albert, Quay, and Queen streets, Karangahape road, Grafton bridge, Carlton Gore road, to the Domain Cricket Ground. It was a magnificent spectacle, the procession extending over three-quarters of a mile in length. Footpaths, verandahs, windows, and roofs en route were thronged with eager onlookers. At the top of Upper Queen street his Lordship the Bishop, accompanied by Rev. Fathers Hunt, Whelan, and Gilmartin (Redemptorists) and Rev. Father Holbrook, viewed the immense gathering from his motor car. He was most emphatic in his praises, and said that the display exceeded his most sanguine expectations. On arrival at the Domain each parish contingent moved off to its own tent, where willing lady and gentlemen workers had provided refreshments for them. Children’s sports were then entered upon with zest. Shortly after 2 o’clock Bishop Cleary entered the ground, and was cordially welcomed by the officials, and the Sacred Heart College Cadets presented arms. Each cadet wore a sprig of shamrock. Several amateur running events were run off, followed by events for the Hibernians, Marist Brothers’ Old Boys, and the confraternities, and the two mile championship race between Fitzgerald (Canadian champion) and Ornstein (a focal runner). There were now fully 10,000 persons present, and the event of the day was a display by 800 odd children from the Catholic schools in massed form. They marched from the eastern end until they reached opposite the pavilion, and there gave an exhibition of dumbbell exercises, moving with clock-like precision, which evoked rounds of applause. They were next formed into squads and went through several splendid evolutions, under the direction of Brother George, who gave his orders through a megaphone. The children marched splendidly, and their movements were enthusiastically applauded. Then followed other displays, which evoked still greater enthusiasm. From a number of intricate manoeuvres there was evolved the form of a Celtic harp, the frame of which portrayed by the boys, each of whom carried two green bannerets, and the strings by the girls, each of whom bore two golden colored bannerets. When the harp was completely outlined, the whole of the children seated themselves on the grass, with the bannerets held over each head, and the effect was splendid. Rising at a signal to their feet, the bannerets ■were waved in the glistening sun, and the spectacle aroused the vast concourse to the highest pitch of enthusiasm. The ‘tableau, especially_ amidst such beautiful natural surroundings and happy circumstances, made a picture which will be long remembered by those who saw it. For this display we were indebted to the untiring energy, care, and patience of the Sisters of the various religious Orders, and to the Marist Brothers. It was only last month the particulars and plans were obtained from the St. Patrick’s Day celebration committee in Sydney, and to have achieved such results in so short a period redounds to the credit of teachers and pupils. The exhibition has ever since been a topic of conversation in the city. The national concert in the Choral Hall fittingly closed a memorable festival. Long before the performance commenced the Corporation building inspector ordered the sale of tickets to stop, and insisted upon those standing in the passages to leave the building. The committee provided some with seats on the stage. As his Lordship the Bishop entered the hall the vast assembly stood up, and the orchestra and organ played ‘All praise to St. Patrick.’ The boys and girls in chorus sang ‘O’Donnell Aboo’ and ‘My land.’ Vocal items were splendidly rendered by Madame Easier, Misses Lorigan, Pritchard, Cooper, McCafferty, Carrigan, and Knight, Messrs. Bourke, Egan, and Dobbs. Mrs. Martin recited ‘ Shamus O’Brien,’ and Mr. Casey ‘ Emmet’s speech from the dock.’ The concert closed with ‘Hail! Glorious St. Patrick’ by the children in chorus, in which the audience joined. Miss Hutchinson was harpist, and Mr. Harry Hiscocks accompanied. The conductor (Mr. P. F. Hiscocks) as untiring in his efforts to promote the success of the concert. Before the last item his Lordship Dr. Cleary addressing the audience, said his first thanks were due to the children, who during the day and evening played so conspicuous a part in the proceedings. He thanked them and their excellent teachers, the adults who assisted, and lastly the committee, who by zeal and business capacity, had engineered the whole concert. Pie felt grateful and very proud of them all. f f r MASTERTON. (From our own correspondent.) The Irish national concert and social gathering, held in the Town Hall on the evening of St. Patrick’s Day, were a pronounced success from every point of view. The entertainment went with a swing from start to finish, and showed that the energetic committee had worked with a will. Every year the function has proved a great attraction for both young and old ; but this year it has eclipsed all its predecessors. The items on the concert programme were of a high-class order, and were all -well received, the flute numbers by Miss Simpson, of Wellington, being especially meritorious. During the evening musical items and Scotch and Irish dances ) Mere given by Misses Corbett,

Hanley, McLellan, Simpson, and Messrs. Quinn, Hanley, Iggulden, and the bagpipe music was capably contributed by Mr. Donald Scott. The following was the concert programme: Overture, ‘ Irish diamonds,’ No. 6, Miss McKenna; Ist violin, Miss Hanify, A.T.C.L.; 2nd violins, Misses Page and Smythson; song, ‘The Irish emigrant,’ Miss McKenzie; Irish dance, Misses Smythson, Nelson, Taylor, Symes, Jones, and Brooks (encored); song, ‘The dear little shamrock/ Mr. L. E. Hill; flute solo, ‘ Valse impromptu/ Miss Simpson (encored); song, ‘There’s a land,’ Mr. B. Clayson; Highland fling, Miss Daisy MacLellan (encored); Irish jig, Misses Corbett and Hanley and Messrs. Hanley and Quinn (encored); song, ‘Nirvana,’ Mr. Green; duet, ‘Excelsior/ Messrs. Branson and Green; song, ‘ O’Donnell Aboo,’ Mr. W. Iggulden (encored); flute solo, ‘Romance/ Miss Simpson (encored); song, ‘Mary of Argyll/ Mr. L. E. Hill. The Very Rev. Dean McKenna, in an appropriate speech, thanked the performers. NAPIER, HASTINGS, AND MEANEE • . * $ A monster picnic promoted by the Catholics of Napier, Hastings, Meanee, and Waipawa was held at Farndon Park on St. Patrick’s Day, (says the Napier Daily Telegraph). Ideal picnic weather prevailed, and all who attended the great gathering were well satisfied with the day's outing. The Hastings Band played selections throughout the afternoon, and with the airs forthcoming from that body the gathering was made ever so much more pleasant. Races of all descriptions, too numerous to detail, were run and for which at the end of the day prizes were given to the successful competitors. Considerably over a thousand persons were present, and of these 100 journeyed all the way from Waipawa to participate in the day’s outing. The different parishes held their sports apart from each other, and thus the sports programmes were run off without confusion. Various side shows were on the ground, the usual type being prevalent. Sheaf throwing competitions created considerable interest amongst town and country folk alike. The celebration of the great day was very enjoyable, and it is to be hoped that these different parishes will make the gathering an annual one. Messrs. P; Barry and John Higgins presented a handsome shield for competition between the various parish The events for the trophy were: A teams’ relay race, 75yds and 150yds. _ The contest was between Napier and Meanee, the latter winning by 11 points to Napier’s?. Tugs-of-war: The Clive ladies obtained victory over a team of Hastings ladies after a good contest. In the men’s tug-of-war, married v. single, the latter won after a tough struggle. / NELSON. There was a very satisfactory attendance at the concert given in St. Mary’s Hall on St. Patrick’s Night (says the Nelson Colonist), the programme being arranged to include only items having reference to the Emerald Isle. The programme was more than ordinarily attractive and was practically doubled, many items being received with approval that amounted to enthusiasm. A considerable number of new faces were to be seen amongst the performers and several old favorites. Mr. W. T. Ward and his daughters are a great acquisition £o the musical side of St. Mary’s activities, and last evening this fact was amply demonstrated. Referring to the individual performers, Miss Gardener, a visitor from Christchurch, charmed her audience to the extent that they were loth to let her depart. Her first number was ‘ The Irish emigrant,’ which was encored, and in the second part ‘ Oh, steer my barque to Erin’s isle,’ was accorded a double > encore. Miss Richards was accorded an enthusiastic encore* for her singing of ‘ The minstrel boy,’ and the ‘ Slumber song,’ which followed, was no less pleasing. Miss Mary Ward gave proof of her talent as a solo violinist in ‘ The harp that once through Tara’s halls,’ and had to reappear. Mr. Ernest Richards sang ‘ Believe mo if all those endearing young charms,’ and was recalled. Mr. John Scott gave The dear little shamrock/ and he had to repeat the last verse. Miss Ward, who accompanied throughout the evening, was warmly applauded for her pianoforte solo, a fantasia on Irish airs, and Mr. Murphy’s cornet solo, ‘ Arrah na pogue,’ was very finely played, another item being demanded of him. Mr. Frank Hurley contributed a humorous Irish recitation, ‘ Mr. Doolan on how to make lamp chimneys/ and this was so much liked that he had to furnish another recitation, which was equally well received. Mr. J. Baffin’s Irish jig was quite in keeping with the spirit of the evening, and he, too, was recalled. The orchestra comprised Misses Ward (2), G. Clark, Messrs. Kirton, Murphy, and W. T. Ward, and the selections given, Irish national airs’ and ‘ Humors of Donnybrook/ were very successful efforts, being heartily applauded. Several part songs were given by Misses Armstrong, M. Clark, M. Ward, Richards, and Mrs. Kirton, Messrs. Bunny, E. Richards, A. Housiaux, Kirton, and W.- T. Ward. These comprised ‘Let Erin remember,’ ‘ Oft in the stilly night/ and ‘ O’Donnell Aboo ’ and these were equally well received with the other items of the evening. After the Rev. Father Mahony had expressed his thanks to those who assisted at the concert and to the audience for their attendance, a very successsful gathering was brought to a close with' the chorus God Save Ireland/ ■ 6