LEESTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIII, Issue 48, 26 March 1886, Page 17

LEESTON.

(From an occasional correspondent.) Or all the days in the year, the 17th of March is dearest to the true Irish heart. On that day memories of days gone by are revived, recollections of old friends are renewed, and the old childhood sport e and pastimes are talked of. In this Colony many attempts have been made to celebrate the day as it should be— Catholic societies hold sports, and clergymen organise school treats for children attending the Catholic schools. In the Ellesmere district there is a flourishing Catholic school at Leeston. to the children attending which, the two preceding years, a treat was given by the local Hibernians. This year, however, it was determined to have the treat a parochial undertaking, according to the advice of Father Walshe, the revered assistant of Father Chervier. Preparations had been made Borne time previous for this, the third annual outing of the Leeston-cim-Southbridge congregations, donations were willingly handed in, prizes procured, and arrangements made with the generous ladies of the congregation for providing refreshments. The children looked forward to St. Patrick's Day with anxious expectations. Bain had been threatening for some time, and many a little heart beat double quick as the morning was ushered in with slight showers. Notwithstanding this, all the children, with their parents, proceeded to Leeston to hear Mass. At 10 o'clock a.m., nearly all preeent put on their green sashes, and as they entered the church the scene was strikingly picturesque, and reminded one of the words — " Well rally round, from shore to shore ; The green we'll wear, and nothing more." After Mass, and a splendid sermon by Father Walshe, a start was made for Mr. Holley's Grove Farm (which was kindly lent for the occasion), where various sports were held, both for children and adults. The prizes consisted principally of sacred objects and patriotic pictures, with which all seemed pleased. During the day the girls were in charge of Miss E . Holley, who helped materially in making them enjoy themselves— the boys being left to the tender mercy of their teacher, Mr. Murphy. From time to time Mr. Kilbride on his violin cheered the dull disposed, and raised the hearts of all, with rare selections of Irish tunes. The tables were carefully looked after by Mesdames Holley, Fay, Flood, Milner, Donohue, McEvedy, Gettins, McCabe, and Miss Rowe, while Mr. T. Donoghue was engaged in more laborious work in the back ground. Father Walshe was the moving spirit of the day, in fact all the events were carried out under his supervision, all being pleased to have the young " soggarth aroon " in their midst ; regret, however, was expressed on every Bide at the unavoidable absence of Father Chervier from the gathering, as never before, since he took charge of the parish (nearly twenty years), had he been absent from one such meeting. After ample justice bad been done to all things provided, both sports and refreshments, all gathered round Father Walshe, who addressed them, at considerable length, on the obligations they lay under to Father Chervier and on the great success of the day. He then banded presents to all the ladies who attended at table, and as a fitting conclusion asked the choir children to sing " All Hail to St. Patrick," which was rendered very nicely. Too much credit cannot be given to Miss E. Holley for the great trouble tak?n by her to traia the children V* sing so well. I forgot to mention that the same young lady presided in the choir during Mass. Before separating three cheers were given each for Fathers Chervier and Walshe and Mr. Holley's family. Cheers were also given for the teacher, Mr. Murphy. Thus ended the first celebration of St. Patrick's day at Leeston. and all proceeded home with the hope that on March 17, 1887, they shall meet again, for " The flag Is raised, and 'neath its fold The flashing hue of green and gold ; So as our fathers stood well Btand For thee, our own dear mother land."