Catholic Social.

Hastings Standard, Issue 106, 28 August 1896, Page 2

Catholic Social.

A GRAND SUCCESS. One of the most successful gathering ever held in Hastings took place in the Princess Theatre last night. Although it was nominally a Catholic social there were present representatives of every clan, class, creed, rank and color, from within a radius of forty miles of the town ; and the large theatre was taxed to its utmost limits to afford accommodation for the dancers and onlookers. The arrangements were perfect, and from commencement to end things went with a swing. There was a total absence of coldness or formality, which ensured the success of the social from the very onset, and Mrs C. Hughes, on whose shoulders the chief burden of the arrangements fell, may be justly congratulated upon the brilliant success of her efforts.

The supper was contributed by the ladies of the congregation, but, owing to the attendance being considerably larger than anticipated, the supply was hardly equal to the demand. Mesdames Hughes, Gallaher, Barry, Ellesley, Sullitan, Tate, Cullen, and Miss Conway, who dispensed the hospitality, were most assiduous in their endeavors to satisfy everyone. At intervals during the evening singing, dancing, and recitations were contributed. Miss Stevens, who possesses a sweet and sympathetic voice sang " Bid Me to Love," and was heartly applauded. Mr Ridgway's song "Anchored" was rendered in that gentleman's usual masterly style. Miss Collinge, who interpreted that beautiful Irish balad " Dermot Asthore," proved herself capable of much feeling, and her effort was greeted with enthusiasm. Miss Smith had ample scope for her powerful voice in that old yet ever new song " Killarney," and the imperative encore to which she was submitted was honestly deserved. Mr A. L. Ryan sang " The Dear Little Shamrock," and in response to a redemand gave another verse. Mr J. Holroyd contributed a humorous recitation, " A Woman of Mind," which caused considerable amusement. A feature of the entertainment and one which commanded general interest was a sailor's hornpipe in costume by Mr Stuart and Master Stevens, the conclusion of which was the signal for thunders of applause. Mr W. Y. Dennett, as master of ceremonies, was quite at home, and much of the success of last night's social may be justly attributed to the efficient manner in which his duties were carried out. The songs were accompanied by the Misses Stevens, Caulton and Collinge, and the dance music, which was exquisite, was supplied free of charge by an orchestra consisting of Miss Caulton (piano), Messrs Marbrook and King (violins), Messrs A. A. George and L. Fowler (cornets), and Mr Popplewell (bass), whilst extras were played by Miss Walshe and Mr J. 11. Holroyd in perfect time. Dancing was kept up well into the morning, and all tripped home satisfied with having spent a thoroughly enjoyable night.