SHAND'S TRACK.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 36, 12 June 1891, Page 31

SHAND'S TRACK.

(From an occasional Correspondent.) The annual concert in aid of the school was given on Tuesday evening, the 26th ult. As is usual in small communities, the affair was looked forward to with great interest for many days. The Rev. Father Halbwacbs was very busy in arranging first, the talent, and last, but not least, ths audience. His labours were crowned with success, as the manner in which the Bchoolroom was packed, not filled, on Tuesday evening, testified. The ccmmitfee who were told off to get tJWroom in order are deserving of a word of praise for the manubr in which they performed their various duties. In a conspicaous place outside was erected a marquee. On entering this, the visitor was treated to tea, coffee, cake, and other things too numerous for my pen to particularise. These were dispensed by a f«w ladies, who gave up the amusement of the evening in the interest of others. Oa coming away, the visitors' attention was again attracted by the jingle of something in a leather big, thrown over the necV of Mr. Teddy O'Rourke. A drag from Christchurch brought np a heavy load of performers, who immediately upon their arrival, commenced to discuss the " bill of fare." The first item on the program nee was an overture "Li Diademe," very sweetly rendered by the orchestra. After this came an entertainment by the Mohawk Minstrels, which I shall not commit myself by attempting to describe. Briefly, the Mohawks kept the house in an uproar until the fall of the curtain. lathe second part the orchestra played a selection, " Chevalier," Miss Doherty sang " The Dear Little Shamrock," with violin obbligato. A pianoforte duet by the Misses Leathern 4< Love's Dream land," wa9 loudly applauded. After Mr. H. Empson's comic song •• Haul mj back Again," Mr. J. Hennessy sang " Dublin Bay" in a manner that well pleased the audience. Mr. T. Kiely, in character, sang '• Old Home and Sunny Country," which received a well deserved encore. Master T. F,ilvey danced a Sailor's Hornpipe, in which he took possession of the house. Oa being encored, he responded with an Irish Jig. This little gentleman is a perfect wonder in the art of step-dancing, and should be seen to be appreciated. Mrs. J. Doherty gave " Norah Magee "in fine style. Mr. Dougal sang " Gallants of England." Mr. Price made a decided hit in his comic song •• The false Alarm," during the singing of which his facial expression alone was a thing not easily forgotten. In response to an encore he sang " 'Twas mine you know," which was also encored. Mr. Empson brought the concert to an end by a very funny water-can solo entitled " Regalisoliafoiio." Miss L. O'Brien acted as accompanist during the entertainment. The programme was arranged by Mr. W. Doherty, who proved himself thoroughly capable of " running the show." Another attraction here during the week was the inaugural meeting of the Springstone Racing Club, which has sprung into existence, and bids fair to be a big success. I am sorry to say the health of the Rev. Father Chervier, our beloved parish priesc, is fai from being good. He is reaping the reward of early labours in Canterbury by failing health. Since last I wrote to the Tablet, another of the pioneers of Shand's Track has gone over to the great majority. On Sunday, April 26, Mr. D. McVeigh passed peacefully away at the age of 78, after a long and tedious illness. In his son Dan he has left a true Catholic and patriotic irishman.