A NIGHT IN INVERCARGILL.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XII, Issue 12, 11 July 1884, Page 14

A NIGHT IN INVERCARGILL.

TO THB EDITOR OF THE N.Z. TABLET. Sib,— Only those who have been rusticated for years and removed from the humanizing and civilizing influence of Catholic society could appreciate my feelings of happiness and joy in attending a concert in the Catholic School of Jnvercargill a few nights back. What pleasant recollections of sinless youth and of Catholic associations formed in that dear old land of faith, where the blood of martyrs became the seed of Oatholicty (sanguis inartyrum, est semen Christianorum), rose up in my mind ! The weather, although not the most inviting, did not prevent the hall from being well filled with a highly respectable audience. The scenic decorations by Mr. Nash were admirably executed. The entertainment from beginning to the end, ab ove ad indium, passed off most successfully,— every one of the performers being quite at home in their respective riles and discharging their parts iv the most faultless manner. The programme presented a most judicious selection of sentimental and comic songs, the latter being given in character. As I have been publicly informed, great credit is due to Mr. M. Rooney for his untiring zeal and strenuous efforts to make the concert a success from every point. The pupil* of the Convent led the way with a vocal chorus entitled the " Mermaid's Song," which was rendered with great precision and bespoke careful training. In the comic department, Mr. Win. C<»vanagh could not be surpassed in the song " The hat my father wore." The came can be truthfully said of Mr. Anthony in two songs, '• There never was a coward where the Shamrock grows," and " Jack's come home to-day." Good things, and done in the very best style, are always expected from Mrs. M. Rooney, and the audience were not disappointed, but their highest expectations were fully realized by her exquisite rendering of two charming songs, " The Last Rose of Summer," and " Flow on, thou shining river." Mr. M. Rooney detracted nothing from the merits of his better half in two songs, one of which 11 The Cottage by the Sea " was sune in capital style and deserves honorable mention. To say one word too complimentary of Mr, Dunn's concertina playing would be impossible.— lt would be only painting f the lily to attempt a description. Shakespeare's "King John" was well enacted by two of the Convent.'pupils, both of whom displayed great elocutionary merit and careful training. Songs from Mre. Gavin and Mr. Wend were most creditably rendered and well received! Miss Thompson discharged her duties at the piano in most artistic style and rendered in valuable assistance to the singers. I cannot omit to state that this entertainment for variety and success has far surpassed anything of the kind previously held here, which should at least be ] highlygratifying to Mr. Rooney and the other projectors. Everyone was delighted, and the words, " Bmium estnobis 7doesse" — " It is good for us to be here "—were legible in the faces of the audience. This should be both an encouragement and guarantee for the success of i future entertainments, of which there cannot be too many, as they will serve the double purpose of providing a healthy entertainment for i Catholic youth and keeping them in the right path, and at the same time aid Catholic education which should be the aim of every sincere well-wisher of Catholicity in this age of rank infidelity. It is many years since I have been in Invercargill, and the changes which I experience are truly marvellous. Well, indeed, may it be said, •• Digitus Bel est Me "— " The hand of Gon is here." The distinguished and saintly pastor who has charge of the mission, the good nuns and the Catholic flock are engaged in the work of God and his right hand sustains them. "Msi Domimis adificaverit domum vanwin laboraverwnt qui cedificaiit earn"— l am, etc., Invercargill, July 2. j.M.