HAWERA CATHOLIC ENTERTAINMENT.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 107, 19 April 1876, Page 2

HAWERA CATHOLIC ENTERTAINMENT.

Easter Monday at llawcra was marked by one of the largest, most successful, and enjoyable gatherings ever held in that town. For several days previous to the event, the ladies, who had undertaken the onerous duties of furnishing the tables were most active in preparing the materials to regale their guests. A glance at the tables convinced them that the fair donors were endeavoring to vie with each other in the line of catering, and it would certainly be invidious on our part were we to make any distinction in the efforts of the several ladies who had so liberally aided in the movements. Suffice to say that no pains or expense were spared to make the affair a complete success. At half-past seven o’clock, the tables presented a most animated appearance, being surrounded hy a galaxy of young ladies, with a sprinkling of the sterner sex, and after full justice had been done to the fluids and solids, the party retired, and were replaced by a second detachment, who made an attack with equal success upon the bill of faro presented to their choice. At about nine o’clock, the tables failed to he of further attraction, and it was evident thatal! were fully satisfied, and anxious to proceed to the musical portion of the eiiteilainmcnt. On the signal being given, the tab’es were quickly cleared and moved outside the building. In a few minutes the Blockhouse was crowded, and after an impromptu programme was arranged, Mr J. S. Greig intimated to the audience that lie had been invited to act as conductor, and explained that the several ladies who had kindly consented to take part in the entertainment had made no prepaiation in the way of rehearsal, and trusted the audience would not expect too much. The first item on the programme was a duct by Miss Coackley and Mr J. S. Greig, entitled '* Juanita,” which was exceedingly well rendered. This was followed hy ‘‘Little Nell,” sustained by Miss K. Ward, and was very fairly sung. Mrs O’Shea’s “ Tara’s Hall” wju sung with good effect and feeling, and was well received by a hearty applause. Miss Quinlivan then followed with “Jessie’s Dream," and at its conclusion elicited the approbation of the audience. The next item was “Silver Threads Among the Gold," which was very nicely sung by Miss Coackley. Miss Loubaro’s rendering of the “ Gipsy’s Warning,” declared the fact that she possessed the foundation of an excellent voice, and with a little cultivation, is capable of great improvement. Tin's was followed by Mrs J. Burke singing “ Sweet Spirit Hoar My Prayer,” with good taste. “Mother Take Me Home,” by Miss Larcombc was undoubtedly the gem of the evening. This young lady, though of tender years, is in possession of an exquisite voice, and she sang with great confidence. At the conclusion of her song she had .to respond to an absolute encore by singing those “ Evening Bells,” with equally good taste. This brought the musical portion of the enterlainmont to a close, and the' Rev, Father Pertnis then stepped forward, and thanked all present for their kind co operation in giving the entertainment their presence that evening, the result of which, he was glad to say, would materially assist in enabling the Catholics of Hawera to improve the building now in course of erection. It also afforded him additional pleasure to witness the cordial feeling which appeared to exist between all denominations in the Patea District, which fact was evinced that evening by the numerous attendance of all sects of the community, and lie trusted the Catholics would at no distant date, bo able to reciprocate the kindness and ibcrality shown towards them that evening. A number of the audience here retired, but it was evident from the appearance of the ladies, that there was yet something to follow, to complete the evening’s amusement, and after making making inquiries, we discovered that the votaries of Terpsichore wore awaiting the preparation of the floor, and the arrival of the Messrs Connolly. The alteration had the effect of causing the room to be uncomfortably over-crowded, and it was next to impossible to dance with anything like comfort crease. At the very lowest computation there must have been at least 40 couples, to say nothing of the large number of on-lookers, who, of course, seriously encroached upon the very limited dancing accommodation, Dancing was kept up with unflagging spirit till day - light, when the remnant of the party dispersed. The Messrs Connolly from Patea, most liberally provided the dance music,-assisted by Mr M‘Crae, of Waihi,who operated with great effect upon the violin. We forgot to - mention that the tables were furnished by—No. 1. Mrs Quinlivan and Mrs Furlong ; No. 2. Mrs Espagne and Mrs Keohine ; No. 3. Mrs and Miss Malone.

It is anticipated that something like £23 willbe realised from tho entertain-