CATHOLIC SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT AT LEESTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 15, 27 January 1893, Page 19

CATHOLIC SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT AT LEESTON.

(From the Ellemere Guardian.) The annual entertainment in aid of the Catholic School Fund wu held at the Town Hall, Leeston, on Tuesday evening, the 10th imt. As usual on ocaasionß of this kind, the bnilding waa packed with a large audience, and standing room was hardly obtainable shortly after the time of opening, which had been fixed for 7.30. The ball was very tastefully decorated with evergreens and flowers, etc, and looked exceedingly pretty, and on the stage the furnishings and decorations added greatly to the general effect, Evidently the committee had worked hard to make everything as successful as possible, and we are glad to state tuat their efforts were duly appreciated if we may judge from the hearty applause from the audience which followed the rising of the curtain. Owing to the absence of one or two of the performers the programme bad to be riightly altered. It was much to be regretted that Mrs J. Hay don and Mr Fletcher wen unavoidably prevented from appearing, particularly the latter; ai the committee had specially arranged for new talent at the entertainment. No blame whatever, can be attached to the committee for this, and h»d they known previous to the entertainment that two of the principal performers would be absent, they would have arranged for someone else to take their places. Fortunately, Mr A, Cooper overcame the difficulty and kindly filled the vacancies very creditably at a moment's notice. The first part of the programme opened with an overture on the piano, " Grand March," by Miss J. Henley and Master Henley, which was nicely rendered. That forever fond song to Irish hearts "The Dear Little Shamrock" was very sweetly sung by Miss Williams. Mrs J. P. Kelly followed with "Katey's Letter," which she sang with much expression and her usnal ability. In this item the audience were load in demanding an encore, which was kindly responded to. Mr T. Wood gave one of bis clever character sketches and stump speeches, which, together with his droll antics, fairly convulsed the house. A sailor's hornpipe, extremely well danced, was also given by Mr Wood, for which he received a most enthusiastic encore, ani had to repeat the item. Miss Williams sang •' Dear Robin, I'll be true," very nicely. A negro character sketch of an extremely laughable description by Mr Wood concluded the first part. The second part opened with the piano duet " Qui Vive," which was excellently played by Miss J. and Master Henley. The vocal duet, 'Life's dream is o'er," by Mr and Mrs J. P. Kelly, was very nicely sung indeed, bat the piano accompaniment was slightly loud on one or two occasions. Mrs Kelly gave " Many a mile away " in her usual pleasiog manner, and had to respond to a loud and enthusiastic recall. Miss M. Williams sang " Bring back my sailor boy" very nicely indeed. Mr A. Cooper sang two comic songs, which were highly appreciated, and Mr T. Wood created roars of laughter with bis burlesque acting, singing, and dancing. His Irish dancing was very well done, and be had to respond to the demands of the audience for a repetition, notwithstanding the exertion (owing to the abnormal heat of the stage), had almost caused him to reach a "boiling-down" state. Misses Holley and Maude O'Brien played the accompaniments. The entertainment concluded with a laughable farcical sketch, entitled " Bum'ns from Rome," given by the Southbridge Amateur Variety Troupe, in which Messrs Paddy, Whitehouse, W. Moore, Dyce, Penfold, and Hibbard took part, and the piece went fairly well, although we should have liked to have seen it go better than it did. We believe, however, that the audience were pleased, as the amusing fcituations in the piece seamed to cause muoh laughter. Mr Henley thea stepped forward and thanked the large audience for their attendance and support. The object was one in which be was glad to see every person in the district took an interest aud that they sympathised in a practical manner with their efforts to provide that instruction for Catholic children which continued under very great disadvantages aB compared with others. He had the pleasure to announce that the proceeds of this entertainment would exceed that of last year by upwards of £15 (applause). He regretted that the programme had to be curtailed, owing to the nonappearance of several performers who promised to assist. He begged to move a hearty vote of thanks to those who had helped to make the entertainment as enjoyable as it had been. The motion was carried with acclamation. The singing of the New Zealand National Anthem brought the entertainment to a cloße. The whole of the performers were then very thoughtfully invited to an excellent supper, laid in a marquee adjoining the hall, at which tea and coffee and refreshments of all kinds were provided in a most liberal and reclterohe manner. We mnst not forget to mention the kindness which members of the variety troupe received at the hands of Meesrß Murphy, the indefatigable secretary, Kilbride, Henley, Holley, and others, wbo also were most attentive to the visitors and to our representative in particular. Several lady friends who also assisted in the supper and refreshment marquee deserve Bpeoial mention for their kindness and attention during the evening.