GUILD OF ST. ALOYSIUS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XX, Issue 37, 1 July 1892, Page 15

GUILD OF ST. ALOYSIUS.

Chrißtchnrcb, Jane 25, 1892. On Thursday, June 23, the Guild of St Aloysius held their first anniversary in their hall, Tuam street. The hall was very prettily decorated with evergreens, flowers, flags, and magic lanterns. Four large tables were laid out in the hall with an abundance of good things which were provided by Mr Edwards. At 8 o'clock the hall was packed with people, when his Lordship Bishop Grimes arrived accompanied by the Rev Father Le Menant de Chesnais, Marnane (of St Mary's), Purton, Bell, and John, also the Bey Brothers Joseph, Charles, and Daniel. After three chetrs were given for his Lordship, the programme (which was an exceedingly good one), was opened by Mrs Scrimgeour with an overture oo the piano, which was very much appreciated. •• The last muster," by Mr J. Hennessy was well received. Miss Cunningham received an encore for " Strangers' Yet." Mr W. Bagley sang " Happy moments " very nicely. Mr C. Oakes received an encore for his comic song "Maloney's wedding day," and responded with "John Maloney." Miss Bryant was highly applauded for her singing of " Daddy," A recitation, "Michael Dwyer," by Mr J. J. O'Shea was very well rendered. Mr W. Cunningham played a violin solo, " Aye Maria," which was very well executed. The first part of the programme was concluded by a stage hornpipe by Mr W. Delaney, who had to reappear. In the interval tea and coffee was served out, and ample justice was done to the good things on the tables. His Lordship then ascended the stage, when an address was read from the members of the Guild by Mr J. J. O'Shea (hon sec), wishing his Lordship many happy returns of his feast. His Lordship, in reply, thanked the Guild for its address, which was a surprise to him. He was very pleased at the progress the Guild had made for its first year. He gave great praise to the Rev Father Aubrey, its founder, also Father Bell, president, for the great interest they had taken in the Guild's welfare. He referred to the Guild as a training bchool for members who would later on join the Literary Society, for which Society he bad a particular affection. He also announced that his Holiness the Pope had conferred a very great title (Knight of St Gregory) on one of the former presidents of that Society, who now represented New Zealand as Agent-General in London. His Lordship concluded by wishing them every success, and thanking those present for their patronage that evening. The second part of the programme opened with Mr Beamish singing the solo of " Maggie," the Guild joining in the chorus. Mr A. J. Dobbs received an encore for " The lessons I learnt on Mother's knee." Miss Scott sang" Won't you tell me why, Robin" very nicely, and had to respond, when she gave " Comin' thro' the Rye," which was also well given. Mr A Bagley gave " Some day I'll wander back again" very well. Mr Mulvihill gave a recitation which was exceedingly well given. Mr C. Oakes fairly brought down the house with his comical BingiDg of " Mulligan's home made Pie," and had to reappear, when he gave " Arry." Miss Bryant sang another song and narrowly missed an encore. An Irish jig by W. Delaney, which had to be repeated concluded a very excellent programme. The president, Father Bell, then thanked the p ople on behalf of the Guild for their patrcnage that evening. Mr R. P Clarkson thanked the ladies and gentlemen who had contributed to the programme after which the proceedings concluded.