ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XX, Issue 25, 8 April 1892, Page 13

ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN AUCKLAND.

- ■ m (Auckland Star, March 21.) Owing to (he downpour of rain on St. Patrick's Day, tbe children's annual feast was held at Pun mure instead of Howick ac first arranged. The gathering of children was one of the largest yet seen at any previous celebration. The Messrs Crawford kiodly placed their two large 'busses at tbe disposal of Monsignor McDonald to convey tbe children, the band, and friends from Howick to the hom«ly village of Panmure, with its attractive lake, well-arranged farms, anl last, though not least, that wonder of wooders so frequently visited by touriotß, " Mount Wellington," which ia in cluse proximity to the Wellington Paik, the property of tbe enterprising and truly kind neighbour, Thoe, Morrnn, Esq. In addition to tbe Howick contingent, the brakes of Messrs J. Pi k ngton, D. McPherson and F. O'Connor took tbe children and fiienda from Ellerslie to the quarter of rendezvous. It sbou.d be a tat id that the members of Father Walter's Fife and Dram played the contingents on arrival to the Panmure hall (St. Patrick's), when the air resounded with ringing cheers. The two bands, under tbe able conductorship ot Mr J. Smith, discoursed sweet music during the day, to the intense delight of the very big gathering. Various events in the way of raoes, the capturing and hot pursuit of a greasy pig, manipulated and cleverly captured by Master S. Flemiog after a Jong and trying contest— the same having been offered by Ma ars Wnite and Hill for the amusement of the little oaes. It is needless to Bay that this item of tbe day's performance proved exceedingly amusing. A lei; of mutton was also ghen by Mr T. Gill. Pakauranga, for tbe quickest to ascend a very high pole. The races between the members of both banda were very exciting, the principal one falling to the lot of Mr Searchneld. The junior members too eagaged in well-oonteste«i race*. The ladies also came to the front, the prizes in this case being a quarter chest of tea and a box of well-se ected toys. Tbe commissariat was considered the best ever witnessed by those present, the satns being served with Mr Robertson's well-known taste and ability. At an interval, the Monsignor p reseated, in a few well-chosen sentences, a pretty riding whip to Mr Smiih, and a valuable 'bus whip to Mr Crawtord. The presents were made on behalf of the children, tbe Sports Committee and his own. The above gentlemen suitably replied, when ringing cheers were accorded them. A number of Auckland carriages as usual, put in appearance, and were cordially welcomed by their old friend, Father Walter and the settlers. The Monsignor gave a handsome prize to a baby holding a green whip in its hand.

I should not omit mentiou'n? that a very pleasing event look place during the afternoon, namely, tbe presenting of seven bright and pretty babies before three ladies, who, after a long and caretul examination, decided i a awarding the fi r st prize to Mrs T. Dunn's baby, Panmure. The children sang very prettily from time to time some national airs, and were deservedly applauded. Tne day may be truly regarded as a red-letter day for the children of Howick, Panmure and Ellerslie, as also for their parents and friends. In the

evening at the Public Hall, Howick, a very successful concert and ■ocial were given, consisting of the national and very feeling songs of dear old Ireland. A great profusion of rosettes, St. Patrick crosses, hearts, streamers, and pretty baonsrettea were displayed by the children.