SONGS OF OLD ERIN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 64, 18 March 1943, Page 3

SONGS OF OLD ERIN

IRISH NATIONAL CONCERT POPULAR WANGANUI EVENT. Songs of old Ireland stirred memories in the minds of many in the audience when the annual St. Pati rick's night concert was held in the Opera House, Wanganui, last night. The theatre was packed to capacity and an excellent programme was presented. As in other years the concert proved a great attraction and well-earned applause frequently bore testimony to the popularity of the artists and the items selected. Favourite songs which have given Irish music a hign place in national airs was included and the programme was essentially "Old Erin” in character. Pupils of city and suburban Catholic schools took part, and their work was a credit to tne training given by the nuns and Marist Brothers. Proceeds of the concert go to the Aubert Home of Compassion. On bcnalf o' the sisters of the Home of Compassion, the parish priest, Rev. Father M. J. Burke, S.M., extended thanks lor the support given to the concert and those who had assisted to make it a success. The concert was arranged by Mr. F H. Stokes, the stage manager being Mr. B. R. Dobos and the accompanists Miss M. Missen and Mr. Fred Stokes. The programme opened with a selected overture by the Wanganui Garrison Band, conducted by Mr. J. Bevin, lollowed by the items, "Ireland i Love You" and “Irish Folk Dance," by the pupils of the Villa Maria. Ted Oliver’s Wanganui piano-accordion band played an instrumental number, "Irish Medley,” and pupils of St. Anthony’s School contributed "The Harp that Once ” and "Dear Old Ireland." Selected songs were sung by Mr. T. M. Meehan and an instrumental item, “Band Selection," was civen by pupils o£ the Aramoho Convent School. Mrs. H. R. Bellringer sang “The Last Rose of Summer" and the Misses Griffen danced the Irish Jig. Pupils of St. Mary’s Convent were heard in “Quid Ireland You’re My Darlin’ ” and "What an Irishman Means by Machree.” The second half of the programme opened with a playette by the choir of the Sacred Heart Convent, St. John's Hill, entitled, “Rosary Time In Ireland," and introducing “Kerry Dance", “Mother Machree”, and “Good-night and God Bless You.” Mrs. W Shardlow followed with a violin solo, “The Top of the Cork Road,” and punils of the Aramoho Convent School contributed a song and dance, "Dancin'i- Time in Kerry.” Miss Lydia Fennell sang. "That Old Irish Mother of Mine,” and the Irish Reel was subsequently danced by Ada Griffen, Therese Griffen, Lola Bosher and Iris Henderson. The concert concluded with songs by boys of the Marist Brothers' School —"A Little Bit of Heaven," "The Fairy Tales of Ireland," and “Rose o'Day."