CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6344, 18 March 1882, Page 5

CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL.

The children attending the various Catholic schools, &c, in the city and suburbs had their annual festival yesterday in the Domain. The children attending St. Patrick's Sunday-school mustered 500 strong —250 boys and 250 girls. The former were marshalled by Mr. Keshan, President of the Christian Doctrine Society, and Messrs. Cahill, Dignan, and Clifton. The girls were in charge of Misses O'Hare, Kirby, O'Brien (2), and O'Neil, The inmates of St. Mary's Orphanage (50), the young ladies attending the select school, conducted by the Sisters of Mercy (40), and the pupils of St. Joseph's school (30 girls and 20 boys), were taken care of by Messrs. Oweu Mahon and Mahoney, jun. The children attending the Sunday-school attached to the Church of St. Francis de Sales, Newton, mustered in great strength (220 boys and 260 girls), under the command of Mr. John O'Connell, a member of the Newton Christian Doctrine Society, and Miss Benjamin. There were also present the Catholic children who are inmates of the Howe-street Home. These were 40 in number, and were in charge of Mr. Miller. The children walked in procession to the Domain, headed by the bands of the No. 3 and Hobson volunteer companies. The St. John the Baptist Sunday-school children (under the care of the Very Rev.Father Fynes, V.G. (and Mr. Fit/.), joined the procession at the entrance to the Domain. There were about 200 children from St. John the Baptist school. The Naval Brigade drum and fife band accompanied this school. Tents were pitched in the Domain, swings put up, and sports organised. Abundance of refreshments were provided. Pleasure was afforded the children during the day by the merry-go-l-ound, swinging, races, &c. After spending a very happy day the little ones, in procession, headed by the bands, left the scene of their day's enjoyment for home, about 4.30 o'clock in the afternoon. The Catholic clergy of Auckland were present during the whole day.

H.A.C.B. SOCIETY'S ANNUAL BALL. The annual ball of the H.A.C.B. Society took place in the Choral Hall last night. There were about 150 couples present. P.P. W.G. Connelly, and P.V.P. J, Patterson, acted as Masters of Ceremonies. The music was provided by Mr. Elliott's baud. Mr. Dallen gave great satisfaction as caterer. Mr. A. Griffiths represented the Protestant Alliance Society. There were twenty-four dances on the programme. Although the weather was warm, dancing was kept up with great vigour till an early hour this morning.