ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN WAIMATE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XX, Issue 25, 8 April 1892, Page 29

ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN WAIMATE.

(From our Temuka Correspondent.)

Temnka, March 26, 1892. This rather remarkable-remarkable for its lively faith— parochial district, Waimate, celebrated the feast of their patron saint in a very special manner. Unfortunately the day, as well as several of the preceding ones, was extremely inclement. The Bey Father Foley came, at considerable inconvenience, from Timaru to preach the panegeric on St Patrick, which was as eloquent as it was expressive Before commencing, the rev. gentleman paid a high tribute of praise to the people, who, despite the inclement weather, as it rained in torrents, came to do honour to Ireland's great patron by attending the holy sacrifice of Mass— a strong proof that the faith was as strong in Waimate as it was among their forefathere wfcen they received it from St Patrick. Another proof of this wae the beautiful school and convent they had so nobly erected— Bpariug no cost, thinking no sacrifice too great, rather than that their children should be educated in those godless schools. Their fathers had waded through blood to ketp that faith, and they, if necessary, were ready to do the same. Then followed an eloquent panegyric on the life and labours of St Patrick, words which, no doubt, will long be cherished ia the hearts of those whose privilege it was to hear them. The 7 a.m., Mass was celebrated by the Bey Father Foley, and the High Mass at eleven by the Rev Father Begnault. At both Masses a large number observed the feast by receiving Holy Communion. In the evening tbe pupils attending St Patrick's convent school which is conducted by the Sisters of the famons Order of St Joseph] gave a most excellent entertainment. Though, as I before added \ the weather was unpropitious in the extreme, St Patrick's Hall was filled to excess with a very enthusiastic audience. The commodious ■tage was artistically draped with art muslin, while the floral aud fern decorations were of an unique design. These constituted the background, while the wings were similarly adorned. Tbe taste and judgment used in the get-up is really praiseworthy, and reflects great credit oo the realisation of the beautiful, for which the good Sisters are to notable. The crowning feature of the staging was the splendid illumination. Several Chinese lanterns were also suspended from the ceiling, while the motto Cead mille failthe could be read. The programme was opened precisely to time, with a duet. " Irish Quadrilles," by Misses Cummings and Toohers, highly delighted the audience, which was followed by the girls singing the ever-dear melody "The dear little Shamrock," which was responded in a manner as one should expect from the light where the " dear little plant " thrives. The dialogue "The pussy cut," was spoken by two little pussies, Misses D. Fowler and O. Cameron, in a manner that brought forth a round of applause. A solj and chorus, "Music and her Bister sm^.' followed. In this the girls displayed the careful training which had beea been bestowed upon them by their faithful teasers. Tae very patheue recitation, " Papa's letter," was reidirel in a clear vote 3, an! with much elocutionary power by Miss St Gjorge, for which the youag lady was loudly applauded. -Darby and Join" (in character) came next, and was rendered doubly droll by the apparent youth of the diatin-' guisbed actors— Master M. Edwards and Miss A. Shirley— their naive and charming manner of singing it being encored. The dialogue " Taking the Census," one woa d easily suppose a scene taken from real life, so ably and namrally were the characters pourtrayed. This was spoken by Misses Margaret O'Shea, O Kourke, and A. Bhirley. The chorus " Come O'er the Moonlight Bea," by the' girls followed. This was indeed a earn, one would almost imagine he heard the rippling sound of the flowing waters. Mas er J. Costello did full justice to the recitation, " A scene from Dublin Bay." The duet "A B C," by Misses B*rtosand Dooley proved very mirth-pro-voking, and was followed by the chorus " Let Erin Remember," (the girls), which, judging from the applause, seemed to awaken the deepest sentiments in the patriotic Irish heart. " Mrs Brown 'a Luggage" (comic song) was greetei with prolonged applause, tbe sweetness of MissNorah Hogan'i singing being extreme'.y penetrating. The lecitation " Paddy the Piper " proved a fair " knock out," the applause Master M. Lyons received being detfening." The chorus " The Travelling Musicians," which was suag with much earaestaess by tbe infants, brought the entertainment to the last item on the first part, tbe " Bose, Shamrock, and Thistle," which was sung with wonderful expression by Missea M. Hughes, Katie Flaherty, and Norah Hogan. The second part was opened with the duet (in character) 11 Hunting tower," by Miss M. O'Connor and D. McPherson, who seemed a very youthful pair for the maturity of the sentiments they so modestly expressed. The chorus "The minute gun "(boys and girls), was very successfully rendered, and was followed by the dialogue "School Discipline," by Miss M. O'Shea and Master P. McGratb, which proved inexpressibly droll. The vocal duet "Lief to the Convert Bells," was indeed listened to with rapt attention Misses Lily Bartos and Katie Flaherty imparting much unction to its rendition. Master J. O'Bourke recited the memorable eleven minute engagement at " Fontenoy," the recall of which seemed to

awaken a vigorous applause. Mias M. O'Shea, who deserves special praise for the heavy task whioh was allotted to her in the entertainment, and for the manner in which she sustained it, rendered (in character) the song " Camomile Tea," but it was evident that there was some good reason for the love of the tea. The next item was a recitation, « Children's choices," in which Mi* sea N. Hogan N Dooley, and N. Wall, and Masters 8t George and J. Him* acquitted themselvei capitally. The chorus » The old folks at home " followed. The « niggerly " appearance of the boys fairly brought down the house. The farce " A precious pickle," in which Misses Bt George, Dooley, Hughes, Bartos, Flaherty, McPherson, and O'Shea sustained tbe various parts, was given io a professional-ltke manner. The " picicle," indeed, was not to be pickled. There are songs which never fail to awaken in one sweet memories, and foremost amongst these is •' Killarney." Though on this occasion this ever-popular melody of the famous Irish bard was not rendered by one whose sympathies have been enkindled by the close connection with the Green Isle, yet the unction which Moore desired to be imparted to it was creditably sustained by Mias Bartos. In response to an encore, this young lady sang "Kathleen Mavourneen" witn great feeling. Your correspondent is pleased with this, for, indeed, both the singer and correspondent came from the land of music— Moravia. The dialogue " The new boy " was irresistibly laughable, in which Misses M.Hughes, and M. O'Shea, and J. Roach, and M. Lyons took part. The chorus •• Seesaw," by the girls, was succeeded by " Nell Haggerty's visit to Oork '* This kept the audience in roars of laughter, and was done full justice to by Miss M. O'Shea. « God defend New Zealand " brought a most enjoyable entertainment to a close. The singing, and it fact every, thing, was splendid. The Sisters are to be complimented on their labours of love. Everything disclosed most careful training. The children were a Bource of credit to them and pleasure to their parent*. It could not have been otherwise than successful, for wherever tbe Bisters of 8t Joseph are, there success reigns supreme. A word of praise 1b justly due to Father Eegnault, who worked very bard to make the entertainment a success.