ST. PATRICK'S CELEBRATION AT PANMURE.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 65, 18 March 1887, Page 3

ST. PATRICK'S CELEBRATION AT PANMURE.

St. Patrick's Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Panmure, in the paddock attached to the residence of Monsignor Walter McDonald. About twenty vehicles came in from Howick, Pakuranga, and Flat Bush, loaded with visitors wearing the national colours. Mr Crawford's :bue, which waa kindly placed at Monsignor McDonald's disposal, also came in packed to its utmost capacity. Among (ha visitors wore four Maoris, desirous to be presented at the feast and perform their religious duties. Monsignor McDonald is an accomplished Maori linguist. Fully 250 children were on tho ground. Mon-eio-nor McDonald celebrated matß in Howick, at S o'clock, before a large congregation. Hunter's band from Onehunga had been engaged, and the members divided, half poing on to Howick, and half remaining at Panmure. A procession headed -by Monsignor McDonald on his famous charger, Hero, set out from Howick at 10 o'clock. Mr T. O'Halloran brought up the rear on Shamrock. On arriving between the Panmure bridge and Mr Robertß'B, the Howick contingent were met by the Panmure children, precoded by the other half of the band, and were received with cheers. The united procession headed by Moneignor McDonald and the band marched to the place assigned for the sportß. Here Monsignor McDonald formed the children in a circle and put Hero through his evolutions to tho general delight. Three hearty cheers were given for " The day we celebrate," followed by " three cheers for our Auckland," and a like compliment for the band, who were exceedingly pleased with the attention they received during the day. In the procession the children carried about 50 beautiful bannerettes, of various designs, and the two natives bore the bannerette of St. Patrick. The sports were engaged in with gusto, some £ 5 in money and prizes being competed for. The commissariat was more than abundant and waa thoroughly appreciated. About 4 30, the party Sdjourned to the hall to attend the attractive concert given by Miss ODea and her pupila—an accomplished young lady who has charge of the school whicbiMonsignor McDonald established on the 31st ot January last, and which now numbers fifty-eight pupils. The concert was repeated at eight o'clock, and reflected the highest credit on all concerned. At the conclueion, Monsignor McDonald spoke in tho highest terms of the advantage which they had secured in obtaining so accomplished a toacher. This brought a thoroughly successful day to a close, me large improvements effected both in Panmure and Howick called for remarks of admiration and eurpriee.