Oamaru

New Zealand Tablet, 23 March 1911, Page 532

Oamaru

(From oar own correspondent.) At the 8.30 o clock Mass at the Basilica yesterday morning the members of St. Patrick’s branch of the H.A.C.B. Society approached- the Holy Table for their general Communion. There was a very large muster of , the society, and they formed an imposing” body as they took up their position in the Basilica in full regalia, and led by their officers. Right Rev. Mgr. Mackay, V.G., celebrated Mass. Seldom has such a large and appreciative audience been seen in the Opera House as that which welcomed the reappearance of St. Patrick’s Dramatic Society in Darnley’s farcical comedy, ‘Facing the Music,’ on St. Patrick’s Night. The performance from first to last was in every way worthy of the flattering reception accorded to it. To those who have a knowledge of the amount of study and hard work required before a piece of this description can It' be played in public, it seems almost incredible that the splendid result witnessed on Friday evening was achieved i* with only six weeks’ training. One would naturally coni'' clude from the high merit of the production that at least three months had been spent in preparation. , It speaks • volumes for the painstaking care with which the society’s director drilled Ins members, and the whole-hearted enthusiasm brought to boar by the director and members

alike in the rehearsals, and finally in the performance itself. Undoubtedly this proved one of the society’s best efforts, and won only appreciation and praise from all who witnessed it. There were no weak points in any part of the interpretation, and the performers showed a wonderful grasp of the spirit of the play as intended by the author. Space does not permit of saying more, but in a sentence, the production was a delightful and highly meritorious one. Mr. T. de Spong gave a correct interpretation of the role of Rev. John Smith, and was at all times highly diverting and amusing. Miss N. Falconer as Mabel, the curate’s wife, proved the correctnesss of the surmise formed after the performance of ‘ Caste,’ and she has wonderfully improved since becoming more familiar with the stage. Her impersonation was very pleasing, and she looked the part to perfection. / Mr. F. J. Mulvihill made a great hit as John Smith, and his appearance was always a signal for, much merriment. His presentation of a long and difficult role it would be difficult to equal. Miss M. O’Grady, as Nora, was charmingly natural, and her acting was very favorably commented on. Mr. H. L. Warsaw gave a capital impersonation of Dick Desmond, and his acting in conjunction with Mr. Mulvihill was the cause of most of the merriment. As Colonel Duncan Smith, Mr. W. McCorabio showed a good knowledge of the old man’s part, and he both spoke and looked well. Mr. J. A. Birss was again at his best as Sergeant Duff ell, and his representation of the cute detective was most amusing. Miss F. Bevan made her debut as Miss Fotheringay, and was quite at home in her part. Though small, her part was not altogether easy for a debutante ; and her success is doubly creditable. The last, but by no means least, of a strong cast, was Mrs. Mulvihill, who had the important role of Mrs. Renting to pourtray. Her impersonation of the kindly housekeeper of John Smith was distinctly good. Prior to the comedy a short but delightful programme was gone through, the following contributing: —Overture, ‘O’Donnell’s lakes,’ orchestra; monologue, ‘The game of life’ (encored), Mr. de Spong; piano duet, ‘ Tarantelle,’ Miss M. Woods and Mr. P. Hanley; song, ‘ Killarney ’ (encored), Mrs. Lynch; song, ‘Off to Philadelphia,’ Mr. F. Jones (encored); song, ‘Kathleen Mavourneen ’ (encored), Miss M. Woods, L.R.A.M. The accompaniments were played by Miss Woods and Mr. P. Hanley.

Invercargill The annual social of the Hibernian Society took place in Victoria Hall on Wednesday evening, there being over 200 persons present, including several representatives from other societies. Bro. Matheson, secretary, had all the arrangements well in hand, and as a result a very enjoyable evening eventuated. A committee of ladies kindly attended to the supper arrangements. A very successful social gathering, organised by the ladies of the congregation, was held at the Bluff on St. Patrick’s night. The proceeds are to be in aid of the Convent school. There is every prospect of a new school being provided before long, and to raise funds for this purpose it is proposed to hold a bazaar during the second week in May. The prospects of the undertaking are very encouraging, and everything points to its success. The Irish Athletic Society are singularly unfortunate as far as weather is concerned, and this year was no exception to the_ rule. Notwithstanding the fact that Wednesday, the loth inst., was an unpleasant and rainy day over 3000 people turned out to witness the sports meeting The gate money amounted to close on £l5O, and from other sources (nominations, members’ tickets, etc.) another £l5O is expected, so that the balance-sheet will probably show a credit balance. The meeting was conducted in a manner characteristic of the society, which has earned quite a reputation in this respect. The Marist Brothers’ team won the schools relay race, which each year proves one of the most interesting events on the programme. A word ot praise is due to all the directors, but particularly to the superintendent of sports (Mr. C. W. Matheson) ‘ and to the secretary (Mr. B E. Murphy) for the excellent manner in which they carried out their arduous duties The annual meeting of the Athletic Football Club was held iin the Catholic Club Rooms on Friday. Mr G W Woods presided over a large attendance. In’ the favorable report submitted to the meeting feeling reference was made to the death of Mr. L. W. J. Morton, who had for many years been an active supporter of the club. After the usual routine business had been disposed of, the following officers were elected: —President, Mr. G. W. Woods- vicepresidents, Mr. H Grace (active), and Messrs. R. Ryan, M. I. Scully, P . Scully J. McMahon, C. Matheson; T. aianagh, T. McGrath, Jun., Rev. Father Kavanagh, and the Rev. Bro Arthur; secretary, Mr. E. Prendergast: captain , Mr. J Ryan deputy, Mr. R. J. Timpanv; committee —Messrs. P. J. Scully, J. Ferry, J. Gilfedder M limpany W. Tans P. Maloney,” R. J. Timpany, E. Horan J. D Arcy, J Stapleton, and J. Scully; selection committee—captain.deputy captain, and Mr. P. J. Scully; delegates to S.R.F U.-Messrs. G. W. Woods, H. Grace and V , Scully. hit teen new members were elected to the club at the meeting, which was a most enthusiastic one. A committee was set up to make arrangements in connection with the match to toe played against the Celtic team of jg| maiu faster. The balance-sheet showed a credit