MEETINGS AND ENTERTAIN- MENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11005, 8 March 1899, Page 6

MEETINGS AND ENTERTAINMENTS.

Last evening, at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Wyndham-strcet, a high-class and very successful farewell sacred concort was tendered to His Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Lenihan, on the occasion of his intended trip to Europe, by the member* of St. Patricks choir. Bishop Lenihan and a number of Roman Calholio clergy were present. The seating accommodation of the spacious cathedral was taxed almost to its utmost limit, a circumstance that testified strongly to the Bishop's popularity in this city, and the high estimation in which sacred concerts by St. Patrick's choir are held. The opening chorus "Gloria," was beautifully rendered by the choir, the soloists being Madame Caster, Mrs. Hi-cocks, Mons. Casier, and Messrs. 1. Lonergon and Parrish, who sang with much expression. Miss Coleta Lorrigan, a lady whose powers to please are well known to the Auckland public, followed with the solo, " Star of Bethlehem." Madame Casier sang " Salve Maria" in a way that left nothing to bo desired. The violin obligate to tho latter item was played by Master H. Hiscocks. "Ecce Sacordos," a composition dedicated to Bishop Lenihan by the Rev. Father Kehoe, was sung with much expression by Miss hate Lonergan. Tho closing item of the first part of the programme was the Benediction service, "0 Salutaris," "Tantum Ergo,' and " Adoremus and Laudato," ably gone through by tho ohoir. The organist, Mr. J. Hartwell, played two organ solos, "Offertoire in F," and " Offertoire in 0," during the course of the evening, which we.e listened to with much pleasure. It may also be mentioned that this gentleman presided at the organ with his usual ability. Mons. Casier's fane tenor voico, supplemented by a chorus of ladies' voieos, was heard to advantage in "Cantanibus Organic" Miss Marie Quinn contributed " Angelus Domini" in a pleasing manner, and a trio, "Ti Prego," by Miss Colota Lorrigan, Mrs. Hiscocks, and Mons. Casier, was another among the many good items. "Better Land," by Miss Conway, and " Pater Noster," by Mr. A. G. Murphy, were two solos also deserving of praise. Mr. Hiscocks increased the pleasure of listening to the former item by his playing of the violin obligato. The concluding piece was " Magnificat," by the full choir and orchestra, which was a most impressive item. Mr. P. F. Hiscocks, who filled the important position of conductor, is to be congratulated upon the harmony and smoothness, which were pleasing features throughout the entire programme. During tho interval a collection ; was taken up in aid of the Bishop's testimonial. , There was a large attendance of members and friends at tho monthly meeting of the New Zealand Natives' Association, held last evening, in the Tailoresscs' Hall, Cook-street. It may safely be conjectured that the unusually large attendance was due to the pleasurable anticipation of hearing Mr. R. McVoagh's lecture on " Men Who have Fought and Died for New Zealand." The lecture was ably and eloquently delivered, and possessed many interesting features, apart from the careful delineation of character and vivid descriptions of fights, which the defenders of New Zealand had with the Maoris within the last 40 years. Mr. McVcagh pointed out that they should endeavour to encourage m their natures a love for the heroic and sentimental, and dealt briefly with the importance of these elements in forming human character. He drew attention to the fact that, as far as he was informed, there was no mention in the curriculum of the public schools of New Zealand's defenders, who had fought and died for the colony. He also gave a brief but capable account of Von Tempsky's life and death, and that of many others, who wore; contemporaries of Von Tempsky. On concluding, he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The president (Mr. F. E. Baume), who presided, and was supported on the platform by the Hon. J. Carroll, M.H.R., then presented a number of handsome trophies, won by the recipients at the Natives' Association picnic and sports held recently on Pine Island. Towards the conclusion of the meeting those present had the pleasure of listening to a short address by Mr. Carroll, who is a member of the New Zealand Natives' Association. ______^_