ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10082, 18 March 1896, Page 5

ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

The patron saint of Ireland usually receives the attention of holiday makers in this colony, and yesterday was aB usual observed as a quasialmost general—holiday. The banks, public offices, Courts, and Stock Exchange were closed, and there was very little general business doing in town. The holiday of course lost much or its general interesb from tho fact that the Hibernian Society's sports, and the school children's fete, which have hitherto been the features of St. Patrick's celebration, had taken place on the previous Saturday, but there were other amusements provided. Excursions in yachts and steamers took a great number on the water to enjoy their holiday the weather being bright and attractive. The Mayor's excursion party, consisting of the Governor, the Admiral, several naval officers, and others, to Nihotupu Falls was a most enjoyable treat for our visitors. The Papaknra Races were largely attended, and not the least attractive of the day's amusement was the pleasant picnic providod for "ffiio Catholic children of Panmure and Howick by tho Very Rev. Monsignor McDonald, assisted by an active committee, and it is needless to say that) nothing was lofb undone which could promote the happiness of the children and visitors, tho sports and pastimes being thoroughly enjoyable. Entertainment AT the CITY

HALL. As a supplement to the Hibernian carnival held on Saturday on the Domain cricket ground, an Irish national entertainment was provided at the City Hall last night, at which there was a very large attendance, the lower portion of the hall being crowded to its utmost capacity, and the dress circle was, if not quite crowded, at least well filled. Amongst the audience were the Rev. Father Lenihan, administrator of the dioceso, the Rev. Fathers Madden and Kehoe, and other clorgymen, and the American consul, Mr. J. I). Connolly. The entertainment consisted of a series of splendid limelight views of the most historic portions of Ireland, through which the Rev. Dr. Egan, in a charming lecture, conducted his audienco, starting from Carlylo Pior, Kingstown, After showing the principal buildings and soenes of Dublin city, the lecturer traversed the island from the Giants Cauieway to the Cove of Cork, and the vievs throughout, bub more especially Killarney, the Giant's Causeway, and Queenstown Harbour elicited the warmest marks of appreciation. There was a charming concert interspersed with the scenes. It opened with a chorus, " Tho Dear Harp of Ireland," by the children of Sc. Patrick s Convent School, and very well indeed they acquitted themaolves. Miss Har^reavea sang " Dublin Bay," and tho sconio effects were brilliant; first the ship in full sail, then the ship tempest- and wrecked, and a final tableau. Miss Coleta Lorrigan sang the "Irish Emigrant)" very sweotly and effectively, and Mr. R. Ralph made a fettura of tho "Dear Little Shamrock, which was illustrated by suitable effects on tho screen. The other items were "Killarney," Miss M. Carrigan; "Coiuo Back to Erin," Miss Quinn; "Shois Far from the Land," Miss Maud Donovan, and " Kathleen Mavourneen,,' Mr. R. Eagleton. Nearly every item was encored, and all were warmly applauded, and altogether a very enjoyable and instructive two hours entertainmont was providod for the audience, and its national and appropriate character was unquestionable. _ Miss Thomson played the accompauimonts and the views were exhibited by Mr. Lhas. Cooper. [by telegraph— CORRESPONDKNT.] Thames, Tuesday. A general holiday was observed here today in honour of Ireland's patron saint s» far as the tradespeople wero concerned, bet operations in tho mines continued as usual. The only local attraction in tho wiy of recreation besides private picnic parties was the Catholic Sunday-school children's foasb at Parawai, but a large number of pooplo proceeded to l'aeroa to participate in the race meeting there, and a goodly number proceeded to the Tiki raeos by the Northern Co.'s steamer Corotuandel, which run an excursion trip for the occasion.