Taihape

New Zealand Tablet, 11 April 1912, Page 19

Taihape

"; The Hibernian Society in Taihape celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by a sports gathering. Favored ..with fine weather (says a local paper) this first annual gathering proved a great success, and the large crowd-which had assembled from N all parts of the district thoroughly enjoyed the outing. The Taihape Band, ever to the fore in assisting at local functions, gave great pleasure by their capital rendering of a well-selected programme. The officials all worked well, and thoroughly deserve not only the success they achieved, but the praise that was bestowed, on their efforts. The secretary, Mr. J. Bartosh, is to be warmly complimented on the courteous, effective, and energetic discharge of his duties. Last, but by no means least, a special tribute of praise is due to the ladies, who managed the refreshment department in a manner that. proved they were not only willing but expert workers. We congratulate the society on the complete success of its initial effort, which it is hoped will be a happy augury of future success. Sparks’ Theatre , was crowded on the occasion of the national concert given under the auspices of the Hibernian Society, and many latecomers had to be content with standing room. __ The programme was a varied one, consisting of songs, dances, recitations, and a moving-picture display. It was indeed Ireland’s Night, and the items that breathed of the glory of the shamrock and of loyal affection and patriotism towards the Old Land were received by the large and good-humored audience with marked enthusiasm. Perhaps the most pleasing among the vocal items was The dear little shamrock/ which was beautifully sung by Miss McKeoAvn, the singer, in response to a vociferous encore, giving an equally finished rendering of ‘ I’m sitting on the stile, Mary.’ Mr. A. T. Vickers’s fine voice was heard to much advantage in ‘ Killarney,’ and an-

other song that greatly pleased the audience was ‘ The Meeting of the Waters/ which was effectively rendered by Mr. Powell, of Hunterville; while a recitation (‘ The exile s return ) was given by Mr. F. McSweeney with good effect. Little Miss Ruth Rush fairly ‘ brought down the house * with-her dancing of an Irish jig, and to an undeniable encore she responded with a sailor’s hornpipe, which was also executed in an accurate and most charming fashion. Mr. Kennedy also contributed an Irish jig, which was highly appreciated by the audience, and not the least pleasing features of the entertainment were a number of choruses nicely rendered by a choir of school children, .j Miss Phyllis Connolly, a promising young pianist, acted very capably as accompanist. The picture programme comprised a number of first-class films, which were watched by the audience with much delight. The star item was a fine pictured presentation of the well-known patriotic story of ‘ Rory o ’More, ’ and the adventures of the hero and his final escape from the gallows aroused much enthusiasm. Other films of a varied character also proved highly acceptable, and altogether the entertainment provided a happy ending to a happy day. Prior to the entertainment the Taihape Municipal Band marched down the street and played a number of selections Loth outside and inside the theatre, thereby adding much to the evening’s enjoyment. . . ■