ST. PATRICK'S DAY SCHOOL FETE.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 986, 17 March 1873, Page 2

ST. PATRICK'S DAY SCHOOL FETE.

St. Patrick's Day has not been favoured | with royal weather, for to-day was unquestionably one of the most miserably depressing days that could have been manufactured if it had been made expressly with the object of disappointing. The day is usually celebrated with a monster fete to the children attending the Catholic schools of the city, and gigantic preparations had been made in order that, the customary observance this year should not fall short of its predecessors. Taking the immense attendance last year as a guide, a store of provisions of unprecedented proportions had been provided, and other preparations made on an equal scale. A large number of children assembled in Hobson-street to form the procession. We also learn that about 240 gathered at Onehunga, where 'busses had been engaged to bring them to town. The clerk of the weather, however, ruled against an out-door demonstration, and, there being no appeal afainst his ruling, Father Paul was reluctantly compelled to forgo the intended journey with his little band to Auckland. The arrangements of the schools in town had also to be considerably altered to suit the weather. The children of St. Mary's Orphanage, the young ladies of the select schools and the Parnell schools were ready to march into town from Mount St. Mary, but were prevented by the rain. The town schools had, however, assembled in strong force, over five hundred boys and girls, and were not to be disappointed. An adjournment to the large school-rooms and to St. Patrick's Hall at once took place, and there the time was passed in various games, including blind-man's-buff, and other indoor sports which juvenile wits so readily devise, and juvenile spirits carry successfully through. The feasting, however, seemed to be the greatest fun, and there being considerably more than enough for double the number of children those present appeared to be resolved that they would do their best to dispose of the shares of their absent companions. The Rev. Fathers W. McDonald and Norris were active in promoting the welfare of their charges, and were assisted by a committee from the congregation, who were kept fully employed. His Lordship the Bishop ' was also present during a great portion of the clay. The band of the Hobson Company gave their aid and played a number of lively airs. Considering the early disappointment and the various difficulties, the day may be said to have been very pleasantly passed. But it is intended, should to-morrow prove fine, to make up for all disappointments by holding the fete in the Domain as originally intended.