ST. MARY'S ORPHANAGE, NORTH SHORE.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIV, Issue 3573, 31 December 1868, Page 3

ST. MARY'S ORPHANAGE, NORTH SHORE.

A musical soiree was held at St. Mary's Orphanage, North Shore, on Tuesday evening, in aid of the funds of that "institution. There were about 100 persons present, from Auckland, the North Shore, and the Wade, and also a number of minors from the Thames. The Very Rev. Dr. McDonald, VicarGeneral, was present. The affair came off in the two largest roomß of the building, and which had been decorated with ferns and derices for the «ccasion, and brilliantly lighted up. Before the business of the' evening was begun, thp Very Rev. Dr. McDonald, Vicar-General, addressed the audience somewhat to the following effect. He said it was a source of much gratification to him to have an opportunity afforded him of being present y at such a pleasant social meeting, at which the utmost harmony and good feeling appeared to exist. He tb.ougb.fc the preparations that had been made were highly creditable to Mr. and Mrs. Mcllhone.for their energy in getting up an "* entertainment of that character, which would afford pleasure not only to the people of the North Shore, but also to the settlers of the surrounding districts. The affair was most creditable, and he felt sure that > tbe example would be followed by people of other districts, where such meetings would tend to pro- , mote harmony and beneficial co-operation. He was also gratified to notice that the audience included, members of all denominations, and ha was glad to welcome such indications of Christian feeling and , kindly co-operation. He would not fail tooommumunicate to his Lordship Bishop Pompallter, who used to be present on such occasions as these, tbe facts be (Dr. McDonald) had mentioned. Such Christian sympathy and charity in the cause of the orphan could not fail to draw down temporal as well as spiritual blessings on the promoters and co-operators. Ihe rev. gentleman also alluded to the kindness of Colonel Elliot in allowing a number of the fine band of the 18 th Regiment to be present, and he recognised on this, as on every other occasion, the readiness with which , the gallant Colonel had assisted any charitable movement. Dr. McDonald then said grace, and the company , . sat down to an excellent "tea. After tea the tables were cleared, and several members of the band of the 18th Regiment, under Corporal Powell, played a variety of selections of music. Mr. Mcllhone then-made a few observations, in the course of which he referred to the fact that the Very Rev. Dr. McDonald had come over from Auckland at great inconvenience, in order to be present , as the representative of Bishop Pompallier. Tbe Very Rev. Dr. Mo Donald then congratulated the meeting on the excellence- of the arrangements, the good order and harmony that" had prevailed, and the taste that had been displayed in decorating the hall, and in providing for the comfort of the audience. He hoped that throughout the whole diocese the same friendly co-operation would exitt. He thought such things indicated that the elements of future prosperity were J not wanting amongst the people of Auckland, for th»~, existence of so much good feeling and th« absence of narrow-mindedness and bigotry were * soro guarantee that the Auckland people were destined to become prosperous and great, because disunion, and sectarian dissensions only tended to produce misfortune and to weaken the influence of good in any community. Three cheefs were then given for the VicarGeneral, three cheerg for the band, and three for themanager Mr. Mcllhone, and the matron Mrs. Mcllhone.