St. Patrick's Night in Lawrence

New Zealand Tablet, 27 March 1913, Page 45

St. Patrick's Night in Lawrence

The performance in the Town Hall on St. Patrick's Night was an unqualified success in every way, and deservedly secured a bumper house, the large audience being most appreciative and enthusiastic (says the Tuapeka Times). The Orphan Orchestra (violin, piano, and cornet) performed the two opening selections most creditably, while Mr. De Spong excelled himself in all he did, whether humorous or pathetic. All his work was excellently done, especially The- bells,' by Edgar Allan Poe, which was a masterly preformance, and betokened the true elocutionary artist, and it goes without saying that he has established himself as a firm favorite in Lawrence. Miss Mary Woods did yeoman service as vocalist, violinist, and pianist, and her singing showed a marked improvement on her previous work, good though it was. In both her songs, ' Irish folk song ' and ' Home sweet home,' this was plainly demonstrated, while her rendering of the latter item will not soon be forgotten by her auditors. Mrs. Sandys also did a large share of work and acquitted herself as usual most creditably, her items ' Ave Maria,' and Alia stella confidente' (with violin obbligato), being much appreciated. She also took part with Mr. Sandys in the duet, ' A night in Venice.' Miss Nichols appeared once only and with Miss Woods sang the favorite duet, 'The two cousins,' with great success, the singing and acting being all that could be desired. Mr. Sandys favored the audience with 'They all love Jack' and 'Eileen Allanah.' He is a popular favorite and well sustained his reputation. Mr. J. J. Woods sang 'The Irish emigrant in good style, and fairly brought down the house in a comic duet with Mrs. Sandys entitled « The happy policeman,' which was

capitally done and most vociferously applauded, the get-up, acting, and dancing being worthy of professionals. Miss Woods and Miss Dorothy Hart perfermod the arduous duties of accompanists to a programme of between thirty and forty items and in a manner that very materially assisted in the general success-of the concert. Mr. Frank Kelleher (Dannevirke) created a very favorable impression. He has a full voice of baritone quality, and sings with animation and spirit. His items, 'Kathleen movourneen' arid Rose of my heart,' were very well given and most deservedly applauded. The St. Patrick's school children, with their youthful accompanists, in the numbers Cockles and mussels' and Caller herring' acquitted themselves most creditably, indeed their singing, acting, dancing, and dresses left nothing to be desired, and speak volumes for themselves and the good Sisters who trained them; indeed, it is wonderful how cleverly some of the little tots did their "parts. It might be mentioned that all the performers were recalled. Very Rev. Mgr. O'Leary heartily thanked the performers and audience for their generous assitsance, and stated that the programme was one worthy of every praise, expressing on behalf of the congregation gratitude to all for the very valuable aid that had been given.