ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17111, 17 March 1919, Page 6

ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

AUCKLAND CELEBRATIONS.

FESTIVAL FOR CHILDREN.

ATTRACTIVE PROCESSION.

The St.. Patrick's Day celebrations in Auckland this year have not been confined to the recognised holiday only. Although to-day, the l'fth, is the fixed date for the festival of the patron saint of Ireland; the festivities in. Auckland v?ere commenced on Saturday by the holding of the annual procession and sports in. the Domain. Ideal summer weather favoured the, gathering, and the proceedings throughput were marked by the true festive spirit. ,',. . . % The celebrations for the day commenced on Saturday with the procession to the Domain, a time-honoured feature of. the ■; occasion. Shortly , after 10 a.m., about : 2000 children representing all the Catholic schools in the city and suburbs assembled outside St, Patrick's Cathedral and. were arranged in order the. Rev. n Brother Calixtus; marshal of the' ceremonies. In order to ensure good marching on the part of the older boys, Brb. Calixtus arranged them into ''regiments"—"The Wexford Volunteers,',' " The Dublin Fp«ilierß," etc., with good effect. ' At' 10.30 a.m. the procession moved oft" down Wyndham Street and.along* Albert Street and Quay Street, thence marching up Queen Street; and acroES Karangaliape Road and the Grafton Bridge, to the Domain. The route of -the procession, was thronged with interested-spectators, who riot infrequently'applauded as the procession passed. Shortly after arrival at the Domain the children were provided with luncheon, after which, a lengthy, sports programme wafc decided. Dispiaya of club drill were'also Given, by the girls, t A feature of the celebrations was tho formation of a huge Celtic cross, the massed children bearing; green' and yellow flags above their heads. A display of flag drill which followed was heartily applauded by 1 the ' numerous spectators who thronged the enclosure, v , '

TO-DAY'S CELEBRATIONS.

- PROGRAMME OF ATTRACTIONS. To-doy St. Patrick's Day proper will be observed as a holiday by, the banks, the legal and insurance offices, and- the Stock Exchange. To .celebrate the/ holiday a lengthy programme of amusements of van. ons kinds has been, arranged. The Nfjarua. wahia regatta should attract many visitors from the city. Several Auckland oarsmen, representing various clubs, will, compete, and tho native eyerita will be a feature of the lay. A picnic, for which special ferry services have been arranged, is to be held at Motutapii. . There will also bo a cricket matchi Grammar School Old Boys v, the schools' first XL, at tho Domain,. ami croquet, tennis, and bowling tournaments on, various lawns and greens. Another attraction will be a swimming i carnival under the auspices of the Akarana Club, to be held in the Tepid Baths this evening. The" annual national Irish concert will also be held in the Town Hall | this evening.