ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

New Zealand Tablet, 1 April 1915, Page 9

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

-$r AUCKLAND. (From our own correspondent.) ■ .St. Patrick’s Day was fittingly celebrated in Auckland. Active preparations had been in hand for many weeks, and the result was that the demonstration was a complete success from every point of view. In the following terms the Auckland Star dealt with what it was pleased to term ‘ The Spirit of the Irish—There is only one national saint’s day in the New Zealand calendar that evokes a public demonstration of national fervor—St. Patrick’s Day. It is Ireland’s day, and year after year, irrespective of all obstacles of weather, war, or business, the irrepressible spirit of the Irish springs up green and glowing each St.. Patrick’s Day in an outburst of national pride. In Auckland this morning St. Patrick’s Day broke dull and threatening of rain, and folks who had no particular concern for Ireland or the day, proceeded, with overcoats and umbrellas, to business, for the day was not observed as a public holiday. But no threat of rain could damp the fervor or shackle the spirits of the Irish. It was their day, and there was to be a national demonstration and procession, followed by sports, rain or no rain, public holiday or no public holiday. They , rallied their bands, marshalled their children, flew their banners and sported their sprigs of shamrock. And at the appointed time the children’s procession moved off from Cathedral square to the Domain. Marshalled behind Mr. P. Gleeson they swung through the streets, with radiant faces, colors flying, and bands (Garrison and Onehunga) playing. All the city and suburban parishes supplied their quotas, and the result was magnificenta finer body of children it would be indeed hard to find. Rev. Brother George was marshal, and he kept the procession in good order. At the Domain each parish group wended its way to its own tent, from which was liberally dispensed those delicacies dear to the hearts of the little ones. The sports programme was excellently carried out, there not being a dull moment throughout the day. The following were the results: Roger Cup Championship (100yds)—A. Page (St. Colomba’s School) 1, F. Delgrosso (St. Columba’s School) 2. Sheffield handicap (120yds>—W. H. Bovaird 1, E. Bust 2, G. E. Kinsey 3. Amateur handicap (120yds)—G. Hedlund 1, F. R. Carolan 2. St. Patrick’s Day handicap (880yds)—T. Woods (50yds) 1, IT. King (50yds) 2, R. A. Heston (75yds) 3. Sacred Heart College handicap (100yds)—R. Duggan 1, O. Jackson 2. Cycling handicap (2 miles) —J. Adlam (scr) I, W. J. Stewart "(150yds) 2, W. H. Hills (250yds) 3. Open handicap (220yds)—R. Clark 1, G. E. Kinsey 2, W. J. McManus 3. Open handicap (1 mile)—T. Woods (120yds) 1, D. Mason (35yds) 2,.C.' H. Welch (35yds) 3. Hibernian, C.M.C. , and Confraternity handicap (100yds)—J. McKean 1, M. Hogan 2, P. Duffin 3. Cycling handicap (1 mile) —W. J. Steward (90yds) 1, F. M. Brennan (100yds) 2, I. Holden (70yds) 3. Amateur handicap (half-mile) —J. W. Olphert (15yds) 1, B. Bovaird (45yds) 2, W. J. Davidson (scr) 3. Open handicap (440yds)—W. H. Bovaird (25yds) 1, V. Hogg (253 7 ds) 2, C. H. Parker (32 yds) 3. Public schools’ invitation race (100yds) —A. H. Fletcher 1, M. Moore 2, L. Stretton 3. Hibernian handicap (100yds)—H. Woodley (scr) 1, E. Hadley (3yds) 2. Hibernian handicap (120yds)—J. Keenan (syds) 1. Hibernian handicap (440yds)—J. C. Woodley (17yds) 1. Girls’ championship:—Under 11 years Annie Greig (Sacred Heart Convent) 1 ; under 12 years Doris Knight (Ellerslie. Convent) 1; under 13 years—Ethel McLaughlin (Onehunga Convent) 1 ; under 15 years Vera Pohlen (Remuera Convent) 1. Boys’ championships:—-Under 12 years* (75yds)—H. Woodley ( (St. Columba’s School) I, D. O’Shea (St. Columba’s School) 2 ; under 14 years (100yds)—F. Muir (Onehunga Convent) 1, L. Williams (St. Benedict’s School) 2; under 16 years (100yds)—F. Delgrosso (St. Columba’s School) 1, J. Godfrey (One-

huiiga Convent) 3. Boys’ walking championships: Under 13 years ' (220yds)—E. O’Donohu© (St. Colum- > ha’s School) 1, J. Brodie (St. Columba’s School) 2; under 16 years (440yds)—J. Moynihan (St. Columba’s School) 1, ' ’ ■*; At the* conclusion of the sports, seven hundred children were put through some varied and spectacular evolutions, which were greatly admired, and loudly applauded. As a finale they formed themselves into a representation of an immense harp, the bands at the same time appropriately playing ‘ The harp that once.’ It was a very fine spectacle, and the vast crowd gave vent to their feelings in enthusiastic cheers. As a wind up the children drew up in close formation before the grandstand, and, with band accompaniment, sang ‘ God save Ireland.’ The Concert. In the evening a national concert was held in the presence of the Mayor of Auckland, the clergy, and an immense audience. The following was the programme; —Part I.—• Overture, Irish airs,’ Ewart’s Orchestra; chorus, ‘The tunes we love to hear on Paddy’s day,’ pupils of Catholic schools ; recitation, ‘ Shiel's reply to Lord Lyndhurst,’ Mr. R. Casey; song, ‘The Irish folk song,’ Miss Mildred Coleman : chorus, ‘ The harp that once,’ pupils of Mount St. Mary’s Orphanage song ‘O’Donnell Aboo,’ Mr. J. P. Lonergan ; violin solo, ‘ The harp that once,’ Master Henri Lissack ; song, Mountains of Mourne,’ Mr. F. G. Bourke; dance, Irish jig, Misses Maud Moynihan, L. Murphy, L. Lillus, .1. Lynch, A. Ibbotson, J. Watts, A. Herron, and A. Dickinson; song, ‘The Irish emigrant,’ Mr. Evan McCormack; chorus, ‘ Just a bunch of shamrocks,’ pupils of Catholic schools. Part IT.Orchestra, ‘lrish airs,’ Ewart’s Orchestra: chorus, My Irish home sweet home,’ pupils of Catholic schools: song, ‘Wearing of the green,’ Mr. J. P. Lonergan; song, ‘Kathleen Mavourneen,’ Miss Coleman : dance, sailor’s hornpipe, by girls from St. Mary’s Orphanage (Onehunga) : song, ‘ Has sorrow thy young days shaded,’ Mr. F. G. Bourke: song, ‘ Macushla,’ Mr. Evan McCormack; chorus, ‘Don’t forget Ireland,’ Marist Brothers’ pupils: violin solo, ‘Last rose of summer,’ Master Henri Lissack: recitation, ‘ The fighting race,’ Master* Mackle ; chorus, ‘lreland, my Ireland,’ pupils of Catholic schools; ‘God save Ireland,’ pupils of Catholic schools. ‘ God save the King.’ Mr. Harry Hiscocks played the accompaniments during the evening. MILTON,. March 17, the festal day of Ireland’s Patron Saint, is celebrated throughout the civilised world, where the sons and daughters of Erin’s green isle have gained a footing (says the Bruce Herald). The anniversary was celebrated in the time-honored manner locally with a national concert, in the Coronation Hall. The large audience which attended was in an appreciative mood, and the programme of nineteen items was increased to an inordinate length by the multiplicity of encores demanded, and graciously acceded to by the petformers. Naturally, on such an occasion, Irish airs predominated. The greater portion of the programme devolved upon a quartet of vocalists from Kaitangata Messis. Proctor (2), Edwards, and Bennetts—but these gentlemen proved a host in themselves, and well merited the encores freely awarded their efforts. The other visiting vocalist was Miss Lteffernan, of Dunedin, who was not a stranger to a Milton audience, having appeared on similar anniversary occasions. The whole programme was excellently arranged, and its appreciative reception should prove gratifying to the promoters, and the manager, Mr. Wm. Kirby. The following programme was submitted: Selection, ‘Gems of Irish melodies,’ 14th Regimental Band ; chorus, ( Kiss me as I fall asleep,’ school choir (encored) ; song, * Good-bye, Mavourneen, Mr, W. F. Bennetts (encore, ‘Susan Jane’); pianoforte solo, ‘ Mazurka,’ Miss M. Wilson; song, Dear old Ireland,

Mr. Edwards; action song, ‘ Drummer boy,’ school boys (encored) ; song//‘ Mother Machree/ Miss Heffernan (encore, ‘ Little ; grey home in - the west'); musical ’monologue, Miss Facey v (encored); song, Eileen Alannah,’ Mr. G. Proctor (encore, ‘ Come sing to me’); song and chorus’ (encoded), Mr. W. Proctor. After, an interval, during which Rev. Father Howard expressed thanks to the performers, and all who had contributed to the success of the evening’s entertainment, the second portion of the programme was proceeded with, as follows:—Pianoforte duet, ‘Gipsy rondo,’ Misses McKechnie and Dowdall; song, ‘Off to Philadelphia/ Mr. Edwards; vocal trio and chorus, ‘Hither fairies trip/ school choir (encored); song, ‘She is far from the land/ Mr. G. Proctor (encore, ‘ You never know ’) ; physical drill, school boys (encored) ; recitation, ‘ Sons of a fighting race,’ Miss K. Walsh (encore, ‘Tommy Atkins from a French view ; song, Maid of Athens,’ Mr. Bennetts (encored) ; humorous song, Mr. W. Proctor (encored). The accompaniments were skilfully played by Misses Smith (Kaitangata), and M. Wilson, whilst Miss A. Dickson played the accompaniments for the musical monologues. Credit is due to the Sisters of the Convent for their training of the children in the vocal items, also to Mr. Win. Kirby for training the boys in their contributions. In addition Mr. Kirby discharged the managerial duties in a capable manner, and was assisted by an energetic committee of willing assistants. ,In conclusion, the entertainment was unanimously voted first-class and the funds of the Dominican Convent will greatly benefit as a material result. WAIMATE. (From our own correspondent.) March 22. On Thursday evening last the St. Patrick’s concert was held in the Waimate Hall, which was packed to overflowing. It was undoubtedly the best entertainment of its kind ever held here. The Waimate Brass Band played selections outside the hall before the commencement of the proceedings. The concert began with a selection of Irish airs, played by Miss Agnes Lawlor. The first part of the programme, devoted to a cantata by the school children, was very creditable to the performers, and the Sisters of St. Joseph are to be highly complimented on the manner in which the pupils acquitted themselves. Miss Delahunt opened the second part with a pianoforte solo. The vocalists, all of whom had to respond to undeniable encores, were Miss Meehan, Miss Teresa Lawlor, Mrs. Gower Burns (Christchurch), Messrs. Andrews, Ziesler (Timaru), and M. O’Shea. The trio by Rev. Father McDonald (violin), Mr. Logan (’cello), and Miss Lawlor was warmly applauded. The Rev. Father McDonald, as a violinist, is an acquisition to musical circles in Warmate. The accompaniments were played by Miss Agnes Lawlor, L.A.8., L.T.C.L., and Mrs. Mangos (Timaru). The singing of the National Anthem brought the concert to a close. . TE KUITI. (From an occasional correspondent.) On Tuesday evening, March 16, an Irish concert with picture entertainment was held in the Empress Theatre. The theatre was well filled, every seat being occupied. Much credit is due to the Rev. Father Finn and his committee for the great success of the entertainment, the amount taken at the concert being close on £3O. The great attraction of the evening was the appearance of the charming singer, Miss Eilla McMahon, of Wellington, and her rendering of the two songs, ‘ Hush,’ and ‘ I know not why/ completely charmed the audience. Master Harold Righton sang with great effect ‘ A message from home ’ and ‘ A bunch of shamrocks.’ The other items of the programme were rendered by Mr. Coe, the Misses Frost, and Master James Rooney.

- • . .WELLINGTON. I/;// ■ ■ , • • ■ ■ i ■-'■•■ ■ . < • - . (From, our own correspondent.) ,-f/f The following are the results of the sports held in Wellington in connection with the St. Patrick’s Day celebration : Girls’ eventssoyds (under 8) —L. Carr 1 ; 75yds (under 12) —M. .McDonnell 1; 100yds open—M. McDonnell, 1; 50yds skip (under 9) — Harris 1; 50yds (under 10) —T. O’Callaghan 1; 75yds skip (under 12) — C. Connors 1; 100yds skip (open)K. Kirnander 1, endurance skipping— O’Callaghan 1, 30yds hop (under 10) —R. Taylor 1, suyds skip (under 12) —K. O’Brien 1, three-legged race (under 10) —A. Turner and T. Halpin; three-legged race (over 10) —T. O’Callaghan and T. O’Brien; three-armed —I. Johnson and R. Davis. Boys —44oyds relay race-J. Condon, W. Ainsworth, R. O’Regan, and F. McFarland 1; 50yds (under 9) —J. Condon 1 ; 50yds (under 10) — M. Lynch 1; 75yds (under 11) — O’Regan 1; 75yds (under 12)—F. McFarland }, 100yds (under 13)— Wilson 1 ; 100yds (under 14) —J. Wheeler 1 ; wheelbarrow race—H. Wilkinson and J. Byrne; three-legged race (seniors) —Greenstone and Lewis, (junior)McCauley and Lynch ; half-mile race— Schraeder 1; high jump—T. Columb 1 ; boys’ wrestlingjunior L. Goodwin 1, senior E. McMillan 1 ; broad jump Columb 1. Open events —Wheelbarrow race — Coleman and Andrews 1 ; half-mile boys’ walk—Coleman 1; married women’s —Mrs. Greenfield 1 ; wrestling— R. Hughes 1; baby show(boys) M. Wilson and B. Taylor (equal) 1, (girls) M. Parker 1 ; 440yds handicap (boys)—J. Haggerty 1 ; senior relay race— Wilson 1 ; Highland fling (under 12, girls)—J. B. Maine 1. There were nineteen entries for this event Highland reel (girls)— Reid 1 ; sword dance—L. Reid 1 ; Irish jig (open)Miss D. McLelland 1 ; Highland fling (boys under 16) —J. McLean 1. * WAIF AW A. There was a good audience at the Municipal Theatre, when the concert promoted for the purpose of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day was held (says the local Mail). The advent of a number of Wellington and Napier singers, new to a Waipawa audience, had been eagerly looked forward to, and the good account of their capabilities was fully borne out by the items which they rendered. In fact it might safely be said that the whole entertainment was one of the best of its kind that has ever been submitted to a Waipawa audience. Rev. Father Bergin opened proceedings with a short address in which he welcomed the visiting performers, who had, at their own expense, come to Waipawa to endeavor to give those present a pleasant evening’s amusement. Referring to the European conflict the speaker said that though they were assembled for the purpose of enjoyment there were others of the sons of Ireland, who were giving of their best in the fight for the Empire’s existence. The -Wellington visitors, Messrs. Newton, Twiss, Marks, Blundell, and Kenny, who opened the concert with* a chorus, proved themselves entertainers of a high order, and the whole of their items were enthusiastically received. Miss Strangman, who contributed two violin solos, proved herself a capable executant on this instrument, and for her rendering of The harp that once’ she received, a very emphatic recall. Mrs. Allen, Misses Higgins, and C. Moroney pleased the audience with their contributions. Variety was lent to the entertainment by dances which were contributed by Miss L. O’Leary and Mr. J. Brandon, The convent pupils contributed two part songs in a very pleasing manner, showing careful training on the part of the Sisters. Miss M. Shanly contributed a piano solo. The following was the programme submitted; —Opening chorus, ‘ The. merriest fellows/ Mr. A. Newton and Wellingtonians; part song, ‘The last M rose of summer,’ convent pupils piano solo, ‘lrish diamonds,’ Miss M. Shanly.; duet, ‘Don’t let it go any further,’ Messrs. Newton and Kenny; song, * Father O’Flynn/ Mr. E. Blundell; violin solo, ‘ The harp that

once,’ Miss Strangman; ‘ A yarn or two,’ Mr. Marcus ’Marks ; song, ‘ The wearing of the green,’ Mrs. Allen; dance, ‘lrish jig/ Miss O’Leary; quartet, ‘Simple Simon,’ Messrs. Newton, Kenny, Twiss, and Blundell; song, ‘My own land,’ Miss Madge Higgins; song (humorous), ‘ The Irish orchestra,’ Mr. D. Kenny; part song, ‘lrish reel’ and O God save Ireland/ convent pupils; song, ‘The minstrel boy,’ Mrs Allen; violin solo, ‘lrish airs,’ Miss Strangman; song, ‘The dear little shamrock,’ Miss C. Moroney ; ‘Any old thing,’ Mr. A. Newton; song, ‘Off to Philadelphia,’ Mr. F. Twiss; song, ‘Believe me,’ Miss M. Higgins; quartet, ‘ Little Tommy went a-fishing/ Messrs. Newton, Twiss, Kenny, and Blundell; dance, Mr. J. Brandon; song, ‘ Alexander’s rag-time band/ Mrs F. Twiss and Wellingtonians. The accompaniments were played by Misses Lee, Shanly, McGrath, Mrs. O’Reilly, and Mr. Kenny. Mr. Duggan briefly thanked the performers for their assistance, and also stated that thanks were due to Mr. J. Higgins, of Napier, for the loan of the Irish flag, which was displayed on the stage. The proceedings concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. FOXTON. (From an occasional correspondent.) A most enjoyable time was spent in the Coronation Hall, Foxton, on St. Patrick’s Night. Much credit is due to the zealous pastor (Rev. D. P. Cronin) and his co-workers, especially Mr. J. Colder, who organised the concert. The entertainment consisted of a concert followed by a social. The concert items were contributed by local talent and the children of the convent school. Many of the items were encored, one of them being Gounod’s ‘Ave Maria,’ rendered by forty voices, accompanied by the orchestra. Supper was supplied by the ladies of the congregation. GISBORNE. (From our own correspondent.) March 21. . St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated in Gisborne with an illustrated lecture on ‘ Ireland,’ given in the Opera House. The various scenes were ably and graphically described by the Rev. Father Lane, who received a hearty reception on his first public appearance since his return from Ireland. Musical items were given by Mrs. P. Barry and Mr. Grant Down. St. Mary’s Choir sang ‘ A nation once again ’ at the conclusion of the lecture. Miss M. Neill played the accompaniments, and the Opera House Orchestra contributed Irish airs. On Tuesday Rev. Father Lane gave the school children a treat by repeating the lecture and picture show for their benefit. The St. Patrick’s sports were postponed, and will be held on Easter Monday.