ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 67, 18 March 1916, Page 8

ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

POSTPONED CELEBRATIONS. LAEGO PROCESSION OF CHILDREN. . JUVENILE SPORTS AT DOMAIN. The wearin' o' the green has extended over a double, period in Auckland this year. Although the real St. Patrick's Day was too wet ior the celebrations there was neverthel— extensive dieplay of Ireland's national colour, and this -was freely worn again to-day. The customary procession through the city took place this morning in sunshine; later on, Macs was celebrated at the Domain; aud the afternoon was filled in with a>programme of isports far the children. Altogether, the fete was much more succcsslul than it could possibly have been under the weather conditions of yesterday.

The proceision was marshalled at St. Patrick's (.'athedral, and moved off shortly after 10.30 a.m. It was divided into two sections, each of which was lei ty a band. The sturdy boyis of Sacred Heart College formed the vanguard, after which came the boye and colleeiw who attend the various Koman Catholic schools. .Most of the sections carried banners, and a further attempt at display was made on two large lorries in the form of tableaux, which were emblematic of national aspirations. The route of the procession was down Albert •Street to the waterfront, and thence up Queen street, along Ivarangahape Road, and to the liomailt by way of Graf ton Bridge. Large numbers of people watched the parade ao it passed through the various istreete.

Arrived at the Domain the children were brought to attention around an altar which had been erected in front of the pavilion, where Maae was celebrated by Rev. Father Murphy, administrator of St. Patrick's Cathedral. This ceremony was carried out with due solemnity, aud later au appropriate address wae given to the children by Father Holbrook. During the afternoon a programme o! evenlii for children was carried out, followed by a massed display in which 2,000 children formed a living Celtic cross. This waa beautifully spectacular because of the artistic colour scheme which was introduced.

The committee, which worked" in conjunction with Mr. A. J. Woodley (honorary secretary), left out no details which were calculated to make the outing enjoyable, both to the clTildren ~aad to the large number of adults who ..ttended. Luncheon was provided in large tents, and at intervals further refreshments were dispensed. The committee greatly appreciate the kindness of the Auckland Cricket Association m leaving the Domain ground free for the postponed event.

IRIStf NATIONAL CONCERT. Although the daylight cvente for St. Patrick's Day had to be postponed on account of unfavourable weather similar action was not taken with regard to the Irisii national concert, arranged for the evening. A large audience gathered at the Town Hal!, and the proceedings were marked by .an enthusiasm that could not be damped by rain. The first portion of the programme wae devoted to music, eong, and story. Some 300 children from the Catholic schools were seated on the ! platform, tier above tier, and, under the i cenductorship of Brother Calixtus, they sang nriwt pleasingly. Miss Caiapioa and Miss Mtidred CYileman contributed vocal numbers, as also did Mr. W. J. Pringle ami Mr. Arthur Dobles. A quartet was given by these two gentlemen, in conjunction with Messrs. H. Hiscocks and A. Taylor. Mr. J. Maeklc recited. After the interval moving pictures were introduced with the object of reviving memor- ! ies of Old Ireland, both of the quaintk people and of the charming scenery. Tlie motion drama, "The Colleen Bawn," wis the concluding item. In the eourec of the evening overtures were played by i F.wart's orchestra. Miss J. Maloney and 1 Mr. 11. Hiscocke officiated as accom-, panists.