HOKITIKA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVIII, Issue 20, 10 September 1886, Page 9

HOKITIKA.

(From an occasional Correspondent.) On Thursday, the 19th inst., the festival of the Her. Mother Superioress, a musical and dramatic entertainment was given by the pupils of the Convent schools, Hokitika. The hall was tastefully decorated with evergreens, while the fern and floral designs on the stage bore evidences of great skill and originality. " Many Happy Returns of the Day," artistically executed, occupied a conspicuous place, and was quite appropriate as expressive of the sentiments of every one present. At the opening, seven p. m., every available seat was occupied. Those who arrived after that hour experienced some inconvenience through the difficulty in obtaining seats. Among those present were the Rev, Father Ahearne of Ross, Hon. J. A. Bonar, M.L.C., J. Tait, Esq., Mayor, Mrs. Bonar and Miss Diff. Owing to a severe attack of rheumatism, the Rev. Father Martin was unable to attend. The illness of the Rev. Father Walshe, of Kumara, prevented his attendance, as well as that of the Rev. Father Browne, and a telegram regretting his absence was received from the Rev. Father Carew of Grey mouth. The programme opened with a "Festive Glee" from the Singing Class given in excellent harmony. The congratulatory address was read very fluently by Miss M. Walker, who, descending from the stage, presented it to the Rev. Mother. Another selection from the Singing Class, " Let Music and Song be our Pastime," was given in a manner that showed the attention given to this accomplishment. A piano solo by Miss Dowling was nicely played. " The Dear Little Shamrock," by Master D. Clarke, was sung with spirit and precision, and enthusiastically applauded. Misses Gribben and MSller, played a piano duett in a masterly manner,which was received favourably by the audience. Then followed a one-act drama, " The Orphan Sisters " — Characters were Teresa (eldest sister), Miss M. Moller ; Laura, Miss Jannie Farrel ; Martha, Miss Mary Daly ; Rose, Miss Josephine Dyson j Minnie, Miss Rachel Mandl . This little piece, illustrative of the irreligious atheistical tendencies of the age, was enacted very creditably. Miss Moller, with her clear and exact pronounciation sustained the leading part admirably. The same may be said of Misses Farrell and Daly, while the smaller parts by Misses Dyson and Mandl left no room for improvement. The appearance of Miss Maggie Bourke, in the comical concert, "Jones' Musical Party," was the signal for applause, j and, indeed, her rendition of it more than justified the high expectations of the audience. A piano solo, " The Mocking Bird," received ample justice at the hands of Miss Mary Gribben, and brought the programme to the leading feature of the entertainment — " My Aunt's Hieress " (a comedy in one act). The characters were as follows -.—Mrs John Smith, Miss Maggie Dowling : Anna Maria, Miss Bertha Atkinson ; Jemima, Miss Sissy Dyson ; Sophia, Miss Lizzie Dowling ; Arabella, Miss Maggie Bourke ; Matilda, Mies Katie Cassidy ; Clementina, Miss May King ; Jane, Miss Mary Duggan ; Mrs. Alexander de Courcy Smith, M iss Annie Lynch ; Betsy Brown, Miss Mary Gribben ; Sippeto (servant to Mrs. Smith), Miss Maggie Ward. It is difficult to particularise the merits of the performers. Each acquitted herself in a manner that indicated the great pains taken in preparation, as well as dramatic talent of a", high order. The leading and somewhat difficult part assigned to Miss Maggie Dowling, was played with a naturalness quite unexpected from one of tender years. Miss Annie Lynch also sustained a difficult part with precision, while the parts assigned to Misses Mary Gribben and Kate Cassidy (around whom the chief interest centred) were enacted in capital style. May King and Maiy Duggan (aged eight and six respectively), discharged their duties in keeping with those of their more advanced companions, and the comicalities of Miss Maggie Ward showed her keen perception of the ridiculous, and created much amusement. A piano solo sweetly played by Miss MSller, and another item from the SingiDg Class concluded the programme. The Hon. i, A. Bonar expressed the great pleasure the entertainment had given him. This was the seventh occasion they had assembled in that hall to wish Rev. Mother " Many happy returns of the day " and he noticed that each succeeding year showed improvement. To those who are interested in the education of youth, it was gratifying to witness the work the convent schools. It was now nearly eight years since the Sisters arrived in Hokitika to establish the first school of the Order on the West Coast. He well remembered that even the weather conspired to give the place a dreary aspect, for it rained almost continuously for some four or five weeks, but the Bisters were not dispirited. They faced every obstacle, and the exhibition that evening showed how complete was their success. Their self-denial in thus severing all social and kindred ties cannot be too highly rewarded, and he hoped they would be long Bpared in their midlst in the cause o\ charity and education. He concluded by wishing Rev. Mothei many happy returns of the day. The Rev. Father Ahearne could endorse the remarks of th< Hon. Mr. Bonar as expressing the labours of the Sisters in th« cause of education. The entertainment just over showed the pains taking nature of the instruction given by the Sisters, and also J dramatic and musical talent of a high order on the part of th< pupils. He hoped to have the privilege of witnessing many simila: exhibitions, and that they might often meet again to wish dear Rev Mother many happy returns of the day.