MEETINGS AND ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10628, 17 December 1897, Page 5

MEETINGS AND ENTERTAINMENTS.

St. Maky's Convent High School, Ponsonby, conducted by the Sisters of Mercy, broke up yesterday evening for the holidays. The evenb was signalised by a reunion of Mis pupils and their friends in the schoolroom. His Lordship Mishop Lonihan was present; also Fathers Vincent Grogan (of Sydney), Hills (proceeding South), Koilly (Thames), Mulvtehill, and Brodie. A capital programme waa arranged, the first part being a cantata entitled "Merry Christ' mas" (Deane), the part of Santa, Claus being taken by Mies Meyers. After the overture, the pupils presented an address to His Lordship on the occasion of the firab anniversary of his consecration as Catholic Bishop of Auckland. The concert programme comprised several orchestral numbers, solos, duets, trios, quartettes, and choruses, as well as pianoforte selections. The items were rendered in a manner which reflected credit on the young ladies and the institution. The distribution of prize;, and the National Anthem, brought the proceedings to a close. ' The oratorio "Messiah" was rendered yesterday evening at) St. George's Church, Thames (writes our correspondent), by a choir of 65 voices and 22 instrumentalists, the whole of whom were Thames residents. It passed off most successfully, and was greatly appreciated by a very large audj. enoe. Mr. A. W. Steward acted as con* duclor, and Mr. G, C. Beale as leader of the orcheetra. The "Christmas Tree and Cake Fair," in connection wiiih the Mission to the Streets

arid Lanes, attracted a large number of visitors to the Foresters , Hall yesterday. The fair was open from three to six in the afternoon and seven to ten in the evening, when a concert was held;