COUNTRY CORRESPONDENCE.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXII, Issue 65, 18 March 1910, Page 4

COUNTRY CORRESPONDENCE.

[own correspondents.] MAKOTUKU. ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH CONCERT. St. Patrick's night was well and suitably kept up in Makotuku last evening, when the concert and dance held under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Church took place. Although the night looked threatening and indeed did rain, it appeared to have no effect on the attendance, the Foresters' Hall being crowded. This hall is now well lit up with acetylene gas, a decided improvement on the old oil lamps. The especial attraction at the concert was of course Mr T. St. Lawrence Toner, and that .gifted singer's name appeared three times on the programme, and before the audience was satisfied he must have sung at least nine songs—a good evening's work. The Rev. Father Cahill presided, and prominently hung upon the stage was the fireen flag of old Ireland, emblazoned with its harp and four shamrocks. Proceedings opened with a pianoforte duet, "Osborne Quadrilles," played by the little Misses Vaughan and Fierabend; then followed a song by Mr J. P. O'Flaherty, "Philadelphia," the singer having to respond to an encore, when he sang, "When the sunset turns the ocean into gold" ; after which came another song, "May morning," by Miss C. Dumphey, who proved herself as popular as ever with the public, receiving an encore and singing "She is far from the land." Mr Toner then made his appearance, and received a great reception; he sang "Kerry Dance," and was given no peace until he again came on the scene, this time singing "Wearing of the green." Then by way of variety the audience were treated to some very pretty Scotch dances by the little Misses fceitha Longney and Marjorie Frosty who deservedly received an encore. Mr Geo. Greaves obliged with a comic song, "M'Sawlies' twins," which so took the audience that back he had to come, and sang "It was mine, you know." A vocal duet, "Larboard watch," by Messrs Hand and Lloyd, was well applauded. Miss Rita Mackay played the violin solo "Minuet and trio" very skilfully. Miss Newling, a local singer, sang with effect "When you and I were young, Maggie," and was loudly applauded. Mr Toner then made his second appearance, and forestalled the inevitable encore by remaining on the stage and singing "The dear little girl," and then retired, but out he had to come again, this time giving our . old friend "Father O'Flynn." The Irish washerwomen from Dannevirke, Misses Rita Mackay, Bernice Mackay, Irene Biggins, and Maggie Lyons, are old friends, who gave a dance which they must evidently practice on only very cold washing days, for it was a very strenuous dance, and they had to repeat it before the spectators were satisfied. The energetic honorary secretary, Mr W. Fitzgerald, then showed that he could sing a good song as well as organise a successful concert. His song was encored and he repeated the last verse. Misses Muhleisen followed with the song "Thou and I," being well clapped. Miss 0. C'armichael played a pianoforte solo very nicely. Songs then followed by Miss Alma Ericksen and Mr Lloyd "Queen of the earth." Mr Geo. Graves gave a recitation (humorous) and had to give another. Little Miss Rita Mackay, whom we had already seen as a dancer and violinist, now showed that she had a nice little voice in her song "Always me." Miss Dumphy again appeared, singing "The Carnival," and in response to an encore "The silver threads" Mr Toner supplied the last item, or rather items, on the programme, singing several Irish melodies and concluding with the Irish anthem. Father Cahill then thanked the performers. He was sure that all would appreciate the efforts of the committee in getting Mr Toner to

attend. Mr Toner had foregone an engagement at Wellington to attend here. The Father then launched out into a semi-political speech. To-day, he said, the Irishmen like to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The cause of Ireland never had better prospects than now. He (Father Cahill) had been Home himself five years ago, and saw a wonderful change. Here we have the 99 years' lease but want the freehold, but at Home in Ireland they had too much landlordism. Irishmen had now bought out half of Ireland from the landlords, and shortly he hoped that they would have the whole of the fairest land on God's earth. Ireland would then become a nation, a nation loyal under the British flag, like New Zealand (loud applause). In conclusion, he wished to especially thank Miss Shand for her help. All present were invited to stay for refreshments. The accompaniments during the evening were Miss Shand, on whom the brunt of the work fell, Mrs Houlihan, Misses Burgoyne, B. Mackay, and H. Carmichael and Mr Toner. The floor was then cleared for dancing, and the hall was soon an animated scene of dancing to music supplied by Mrs Houlihan (piano). Mi\J. Dumphy was a capable M.C. Sit-down refreshments on a lavish scale presided over by the lady members of the committee were provided after the concert and during the dance, and done full justice to. Altogether the entertainment was a great success and your representative will not be surprised to hear that the takings constituted a record.

I am given to understand that it is the intention of the local lawn tennis club to organise a concert and dance in aid of their funds next month. "Patience is a virtue" and we were all pleased to sec that Mr J. Kain was at last successful in drawing- a section. He drew section 6, block 10, of the Ngatapa block of 809 acres. I understand it is a very good piece of land. NORSEWOOD. A final reminder is given of Methodist Church Bazaar in the Foresters' Hall to-morrow. I am assured that there are really lovely bargains for old and young and male and female.