AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 47, 25 March 1898, Page 19

AUCKLAND.

(From our own correspondent.)

St. Patrick's Day celebrations were begun Wednesday 16th inst., the local branch of the Hibernians held their* monster annual athletic gathering in conjunction with the children's feast. The day was perfect, and after the rains of the last few days the pastures wore a bright emerald, and tempered by a cool westerly breeze the outing was thoroughly enjoyable. The place of assembly was St. Patrick's where at 10 a.m. the Newton, Ponsonby and Parnell children gathered, the whole preceded by the Hibernian Society with their juvenile contingent, before whom marched the Newton band. The procession was lengthy and most imposing. The little ones in white decked with green sashes and rosettes, carrying bannerettes of varied colours attracted great attention from the crowds who thronged the streets en route to the' domain. The children alone mustered three thousand, and their orderliness and trim appearance created a very favourable impression. Such a turn out cannot but exert a potent influence in the city. His Lordship the Bishop was early on the ground, and stayed until late in the afternoon, entering hear ily into the fun of the little ones. Mons. McDonald joined the procession at St. Patrick's, and on hoi-seback headed it to the domain. There were also present the Very Rev. Dr. Bgan, Fathers Croke, Kehoe, Buckley, Purcon, Brodie and O'Gallagher. In the afternoon a vast concourse assembled, the lengthy programme was carried out without a hitch, every event going off to time and finishing at the advertised time, 5.15 p.m. The whole affair was a most pronounced success, and reflected credit upon all concerned. On the same night, St. Patrick's night, at the Opera House the festivities concluded with the production of the Irish drama " The wearing of the green," when a crowded house was assembled there. On the previous day the Hon. T. Thompson, M.H.R., Minister of Justice, telegraphed to one of the secretaries, " Best wishes to you all on the 17th. Trust you will have fiae weather and successful gathering. Kind regards to all friends." St. Patrick's Day festivities of 1898 in Auckland were a decided success, and the Irish and Catholic community may well fell proud of the celebration.