Greymouth

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 47, 21 November 1907, Page 13

Greymouth

. (From our own correspondent.) November 13. ,„ There _ was a large attendance at -the St. Columba Club rooms last Monday evening, - the occasion being the oratorical competition. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed. A gold rr,edal, . presented by the executive of the club-, together with a handsome diploma presented by the executive ©f the Federated Clubs of" New Zealand, were ofiered to the competitor who took first, place, whilsj a silver medal with gold centre presented by a well wisher of the club - was offered as second prize. The following were the competitors and their subjects :— Mr. J. Roche (' Christopher Columbus '),• Mr. A. Fraser (« Michael Davitt '), Mr/W. Du&V (' Charles Uavan Duffy '•)', Mr. P. Smyth (' St Columba '), Mr.- T. Heffernan (' R. J. Seddon '), Mr. T.Barry (' President Roosevelt '). The judges awarded the last-named competitor the, first' prize. His manner, . style, and delivery were pleasing, animated, and convincing. He promises to become the champion" orator of the club. The judejes awarded "the second prize to. Mr. T. Heffernan. All agreed that this was -one of the most entertaining evenings ever spent at the club. A smoke • concert was , heia in the St. Columba Club rooms last Wednesday evening to wind up the session of 1907. The members and their friends - attended in large numbers. -;The president .(Mr. W. Duffy) occupied the chair. The following toast list was gone through :—' The Pope and King,' Mr. W. Duffy': 'The Dominion, of JNew^'Zealand,' Mr. E. Casev :• ' Sports and pastimes,' Mr D. Butler ; ' St. Columba Club,' Mr. B. J. Ph.il.hps';. "Kindred 'clubs,' Mr. R. C. Heffesrnan ; ' RZ. Parliament,' Mr. Wm. Bade ; < The" ladies ,' Mr. T. O»Donneir; ' TEe Press,' Mr. J. Mea'de. Several spngsi and recitataons were "given, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. - „ "J he st - Columba Club held their annual picnic on i.he King s Birthday. - The place selected was the pretty little country township of Ahaura. The members and ;their friends attended in large numbers, and a most enjoyable day was spent. The thanks of the club are ° Mn John Ke n ned y, who gave the use of his paddock for the occasion, and did all in his power to make the picnic a success. - The grounds, -situated on the banks, of the Ahaura River, proved an ideal spot for a picnic. ' ■ : v