PALMERSTON NORTH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 49, 2 April 1897, Page 23

PALMERSTON NORTH.

(From an occasional Correspondent.)

Thi: tea party, national concert and social which was held in the Theatre Royal last evening in honour of the patron saint of Ireland was in aid of St. Patrick's Church. It attracted an enormous attendance and Father Patterson scored a distinct success. The largest hall in Palinerston was too small to hold the great crowd. The rev. gentleman is to be complimented upon the excellent manner in which the entertainment was carried out, all thoroughly enjoying themselves. The theatre, which was nicely decorated with bunting and evergreens and flowers, had a most inviting appearance. A very large and lovely green flag, with large harp and shamrocks in centre, held a most conspicuous place in the hall. For the tea there were five tables, presided over as follows : — No. 1 table — Mesdames Scanlan and Hodgins, assisted by the Misses Scanlan. Hodyins and Spillane. No. 2 table (bachelors) — Mesdames Scon and Brophy, assisted by the Misses Brandon, Brophy and Rush. No. 8 table — Mevdames Oakley, Hanlon, J. H. Anderson and Stevenson assisted by Mrs. Harper and other young ladies. No. 4 table — Mr*. Blythc and Misses Dixon, Stevenson and Ford. No. 5 table (children) — Mesdames Sellars and Hickey, assisted by Misses llickey, Oakley and McDonald. The tables were laden with an abundant supply of refreshments, and after full justice had been done to the good things provided the hall was cleared for the concert. The following programme was submitted : — Overture, orchestral band ; song, " Off to Philadelphia," Mr. Hunn ; song,

" Killarncy." Miss Burr ; son;?, " The Irish emigrant," Mr. Gamble ; song, '• Old Ireland, you're my darling 1 ," in character, Miss Hickey ; Irish jig. Mr. Tegnar ; recitation, " Sham us O'Brien," Mr. Hanley ; song, '" Land of the West," Miss Brandon ; Irish hornpipe, Mr. Tegnar ; stump speech, Mr. Mullins ; overture, orchestra. The various items were warmly applauded, each performer meeting with a hearty reception. Mi»a Hickey and Mr. William Gamble were in capital voice and their contributions quite delighted the audience. Mr. Tegnar's dancing is also deserviug of special mention. The Rev. Father Patterson thanked the ladies and their assistants who gave the trays, also the singers and instrumentalists and all who kindly attended the annual Feast of St. Patrick.