ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13701, 18 March 1908, Page 8

ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

AUCKLAND CELEBRATIONS.

A CHILDREN'S DEMONSTRATION

The outward and visible rejoicing yesterday in connection with the festival of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was practically confined to the monster children's gathering on the Domain Cricket Ground, some, 2000 children, in addition to a largo number of adult*, taking part in the celebrations there. The weather was delightful, the sky making "the fairest tent of blue" all day long, and the spectacle of sueli a large gathering of young people engaged at their various (-ports and pastimes was a striking one, the effect being heightened by the refreshing greenness of the sward.

The starting-point of the,procession was St. Patrick's Cathedral, where some 2000 children from the various Roman Catholic schools of the city and suburbs foregathered under the superintendence of members of the clergy and others. The Garrison Band led the way, followed by members of the Hibernian Society in regalia, and the laity, the children of St. Patrick's Cathedral parish, the boys of St. Joseph's Orphanage, Takapuna, the children of St. Benedict's and Surrey Hills institutions, the A.M.R. Band, the Sacred Heart children, those from St. Mary's Orphanage, and the Parnell and Newmarket pupils. Shortly after 10 o'clock the long procession moved off, a route being taken along Hobson-street, Wolleeley-street, Symondsstreet, Kliyher Pass, and Grafton and Park Roads, into the Domain. On arrival at the Cricket. Ground, each parish held its own sports' programme, and the hilarity of the young people throughout the day was proof, of their enjoyment. The most important feature of the day's gathering was the annual compeliton for the drill banner, which was watched with keen interest by all present. Four teams competed Sacred Heart, St. Patrick's, Surrey Hills and the Takapuna Orphanage boys, and the first award went to last year's winners, the girls from Surrey Hille, who scored 30 points out of a maximum of 32. The Sacred Heart girls were second with 24 marks. Both teams competed with clubs, the exhibition given by the winners being an excellent one. The accompanying music was played by both bands, which were present throughout the day, and rendered selections, .at frequent intervals. The gathering was brought to a conclusion about 5.30 p.m. The children were in charge of the following;— St. Patrick's parish: The Rev Father Holbrook, Mr. E. Donovan, and Misses Julia Hist and K. Gough ; St. Benedict's parish: The Very Rev. Dean Gil lan V.G., and Messrs. Ward, .T. Foley, and W. Oasson ; Sacred Heart: The Rev. Father Edge, Messrs. J. T. O'Brien, W. Darby, H. C. McCoy, and Mrs. Mulavev ; Parnell: ' The Rev. Father Kehoe, Mr. Maenininian, Miss Movie, and the Misses McLean; Newmarket, Mr. Mclntce. The banks, law, and insurance offices were, closed throughout the day, in honour of the patron saint, also Mass was celebrated in the various Catholic churches in the,morning. • The ordinary business places were open as usual. A large number of townspeople.went to the Ngaruawahia regatta, whilst others spent the day in picnicking and other popular forms of recreation. - ' . : ' . / In the evening a patriotic concert was held in the Royal' Albert Hall, Albertstreet, being largely attended.. .The programme was as follows The Harp That Once" (Moore), combined schools choirs; song, "Thy Foe" (Blumenthal), Mr. M. Hamilton Hodges; song, "Killarney" (Balfe), Miss Coleta Lorrigan ; harmonised chorus, "The Last Rose of Summer ; (Moore), . orphanage children ; song, i "The Minstrel Boy" (Moore), Mr. ! David Ingram; chorus, " Sons of | the Shamrock" (Desmond), pupils of I St. Patrick's School ; song, " Terence's j Farewell (Lady Dufferin), Mr. Owen Prit- I chard; .song, "0 Steer My Barque to ' Lrm's Isle," Mrs. Barry (Miss Maud Donovan) ; dramatic recital, " Shamus O'Brien,'' I Mr. Harry Herbert.; song, " Kathleen Marvourneen" (Crouch), Miss Agnes Smith; chorus, " The Dear Little Shamrock," boys of Marist Brothers' School; and chorus, "Let Erin Remember" (Moore), combined schools choirs. Mr. ]». F. 'Hiscocks acted as conductor. Miss Julia Rist, Mil's Coleta ■ Dowry,' Mrs. 'Ralph, and Messrs. H. Hiscocks, H. Lamb, and <:. i\. Shorlarid as accompanists. The en- 1 fceiiainment was. concluded by the singing i ;of "God Save Ireland.'* and "God 'Save I the King.'' Cheers were also given for the '' Pope. i A large, number of ■ Otahuhu resident:--celebrated the day at Cornwall Park, the j outing proving most enjoyable. i