ST. PATRICK’S DAY

New Zealand Tablet, 24 March 1910, Page 454

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

DUNEDIN For some years the celebration of St. Patrick's Day in Dunedin has been confined to an Irish national concert. At one time it was thought that such an entertainment would not be a success from the attendance point of view without the inclusion in the programme of the alleged comic element, but time and experience have proved that high-class Irish music has a charm which appeals to all tastes, and is quite sufficient to draw a large audience, especially on such an occasion. "With one or two exceptions the concert given on Thursday night in the Garrison Hall was truly national; even the encores were in nearly all instances of that character. An excellent programme had been arranged by a committee of which the Rev. Father Coffey, Adm., was chairman and Mr. E. W. Spain secretary, and the best local talent was secured for the occasion, so that a successful entertainment was anticipated, and these hopes were realised to the .fullest extent. Nearly every item was encored, and the very large audience showed by their appreciative applause that they we're highly pleased with the concert. Mrs. R. Hudson, jun., who is a prime

favorite with the concert-going public, l sang with much feeling and expression The last rose of summer' and ' The ninepenny fidil' for both of which she was recalled, her- encore numbers being ' Killarney ' and ' The harp that once.' Miss Violet 'Mcintosh's programme items "were ' Kathleen Mavourneen' and ' The Irish emigrant,' which were given in a finished manner. Her encore numbers were two dainty items, The sleepy song and ' Lilies,' which met with much favor. Mr. James Jago is recognised as one of the leading vocalists in the city, and his singing of ' The minstrel boy and ' Connemara ' was in keeping with his reputation. As was to be expected, he was recalled for both items. Mr. J. McGrath, as an interpreter of rousing Irish national songs, has few equals, and his rendering of ' The wearing of the green' and ' A nation once again ' worked up the audience to a high state of enthusiasm. His encore numbers were The green flag' and ' God save Ireland,' in which he again scored a decided success. Mr. J. H. Brennan recited To be continued in our next,' in which he displayed his talent as a humorous impersonator. The inevitable recall followed, the encore item being productive of much amusement. Mr. Brennan also recited ' King Claudius on repentance' with much dramatic effect, and in response to an emphatic recall contented himself with bowing his acknowledgment. Two excellent items, ' The prayer' from ' Moses in Egypt' and the .' Gipsy chorus' from the ' Bohemian Girl,' were given by St. Joseph's Cathedral Choir, under the conductorship of Mr. ValHs. The overtures, ' Beauties of Ireland' and ' Tancredi,' by the Kaikorai Band, under the conductorship of Mr. G. B. Laidlaw, were not the least enjoyable items of a most successful entertainment. Mrs. J. Woods and Mr. A. Vallis shared the accompaniments during the evening. Just before the last item Rev. Father Coffey took the opportunity of thanking the performers for their services and the audience for attending in such large numbers. CHRISTCHURCH (From our own correspondent.) St. Patrick's Day was observed as a holiday in the Catholic schools, and the national ensign was flown from the Marist Brothers' School building and elsewhere. On the streets, in the trams, and where people commonly congregate the little bit of green ribbon, rosette, and other pretty and artistically designed emblems of Irish nationality which seem to be increasing year by year—were conspicuously displayed. As usual, the chief event in Christchurch in celebration of St. Patrick's Day was the national entertainment at His Majesty's Theatre in aid of Nazareth House, at which there was a large audience. All the local clergy and the Redemptorist Fathers now engaged in giving a mission here were present. At an interval the Very Rev. Dean Ginaty, S.M., V.G., in the absence of his Lordship the Bishop, returned thanks to the performers, the audience for their liberal patronage, and to all connected with working up the event. The following was the programme: Part I.: Organ solo, Arrangement of Irish airs, Mr. A. J. Biinz; song, 'Queen of Connemara,' Mr. Farquhar Young; songs, 'The harp that once' and 'I love a lad,' ; Miss Winnie Nixon; songs, 'The meeting of the waters and ' Oft in the stilly night,' Mr. C. D. Morris; song, Killarney/ Mrs. Arthur Mead; recitation, Mr. F. R. Bust. Part II.: Selection, Gems of Erin,' Christchurch Mandolin Orchestra (conductor, Mr. Joseph Wright); song, Ave Maria,' Mrs. Arthur Mead (violin obligato, Herr Zimmermann); organ soli—(a) ' Invocation ' (Guilmant), (b) Songs of the night' (Spinney), (c) ' Triumphal march (SaintonDolby) Mr. A. J. Biinz; recitation, 'Who fears to speak of '9B?' Mr. Farquhar Young; harp solo, 'Pot pourri of Irish airs,' Miss Lottie Barker; song, 'She's far from the land,' Mr. C. D. Morris; national da*ce, Mr. J. Gilmour. The accompaniments were played by Misses Hayward and O'Connor and Mr. R. A. Home. WELLINGTON (From our own correspondent.) St. Patrick's Day was celebrated by the Hibernians by the holding of a monster picnic and sports in Very Rev. Father Lane's grounds at the Lower Hutt. The outing this year was very successful. Those who were present spent the dav pleasantly, and also enjoyed the entertainment provided for them by the committee representing the Wellington Catholic Club and the city and suburban branches of the Hibernian Society. The proceedings began with a procession from St. Mary of the Angels Church, Boulcott street, of children and members of the Hibernian Society in the regalia, headed by the Wellington Garrison Band, for the Te Aro station. On arrival at the Hutt grounds the children were provided for by a large number of races and other contests, and there were also a tew athletic events for men and competitions for girls in Irish jigs and reels. Many sheltered spots under the willows and alongside the river were occupied by picnickers. The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) and Lady Ward, besides a large number of the Wellington district clergy, visited the gathering. The ladies in charge of the refreshments were Mesdames Casey, Connelly, Hickey, Lynch, 'Nazer, Sullivan, and Sullivan.

1, Ue X *?' ° u *.g at the Hutt a social gathering was held in the local Drill Hall, when there was a large gather! HfLlr BP S * most "WfcHe time. Messrs. A. and C. S yC,oßrien ' and N ' °' Shea worked hard to make the gathering a success. ' - . .-■ .-•■^~ M of It was most gratifying to the management committee or the entertainment whieh was held in the evening in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall to see that there was ofttTconcSt 1 "^ 00111 an , h ° Ur b l? re the commencement 11!; ?v? i The very large audience enjoyed the. programme, which was almost entirely composed of Irish music £«a « * I y em ,. had to be repeated, and the performers had a great reception. The concert was an undoubtedTcwere unabk to 35?" W f x P ressed the hundreds who tg! V*W SWf School acquitted thfmselves P S of the Marist Brothers' 'O'Donnell Aboo,' an oldlrisha r l™ 1 6 . 8- ; fcTS eicct number ' GoS? and Rupert UueSw >•' a ft to repeat the last verse mK M™ nl w 7 ' a^d had artistic violin :|fe^SggS3g^; reLand 'iT™ g u tT green,' and, m answer to a rouemand, 1 love old Ireland still.' Madame Groome was warm y encored for her fine singing of The Minstrel Boy,' and responded with < Kate O'Shfne ' Mr J.J. Carr sang he dear little shamrock' very pleasinglv' and afterwards 'Avourneen.' In the second Mtnf+u programme Miss Mary Bannin recited < FoSenoV 'and for an encore Only a simple picture,' with much spirit Mr Charles Hickmott sang 'Father' O'FlySn' S popufar ST' A d . Madame Marie Groome and Mr. F. SS were heard to advantage in the duet 'Ring out wild bel? m£ M^rf 3 "fi 18 ' Padd y' in an admirable manner, and Miss May Dona dson gave a couple of violin soli. Moore's b°y UC Mr ng Walter S MiI" h' land '' S «LiL™ im j was accompanist.. A novel item which produced much enthusiasm was the Irish pipe music played by Mr. P. Barry, who wore the Ir sh piper's costume-green jacket, with gilt stripes khaki kilt and apron, and khaki cap. He also danced an'lrish jig LAWRENCE 011 ™ Th - St. Patrick's Night concert proved an unqualified success in every way (says the Tuapeka Times). There was a crowded and enthus astie audience, which demonstrated its approval by -encoring most of the items on the programme while the performers acquitted themselves in a man! l7ml h nKf &6Cted t} i le Weh«rt credit on the management borne of the more classical items were a treat seldom experienced in local performances, and the male quintette party was a very decided acquisition to the programme which opened with an appreciated violin solo entitled 'St Patrick's Day' by Master J. Pearson, which was played most creditably for + S youthful a performer, as wa* also II Bacio waltz later on. Miss Pound, from Dunedin ™? A™ firSt PP e " a ?? 8 before a Lawrence audience, and S' 7 e 7 i or , able impression. Her numbers were Come back to Erin' and The dear little shmarock,' in both of which she received an undeniable encore, to which she kindly responded. The Male Quintette Party followed in Go where glory waits thee,' with Mr. A. Campbell, the favorite local tenor, as leader, which proved a most acceptable item. In the second, part the same quintette gave Let Erin remember ' with fine dash and spirit. Miss Mary Woods appeared in one of Moore's melodies, ' Has sorrow thy young days shaded?' and sang this number as she always does— artistically and r expressively, her enunciation being perfectly in accordance with the true spirit of the words. Mr. Sandys appeared in 'Eileen Alannan, with invisible chorus, and he also sang 'Remember me no more in the second part. Mr. Thomas Ryan, of Waitahuna, gave a taking recitation, 'How I envied McGmty, which was much appreciated by the audience an encore being demanded and given. In the Irish ballad Avourneen' Miss Kathleen Roche scored a decided success, and for an encore number sang ' Oh, Erin, dear Erin.' Miss Patricia Higgins danced an Irish jig and sailor's hornpipe, and fairly brought down the house by her graceful dancing and fairy-like movements. Mrs. Sandys rendered The Kerry dance' and 'Dublin Bay,' and was loudly recalled. Mrs. A. C. Orr-Loring gave the audience a musical treat in Gounod's 'Ave Maria' with violin obligato beautifully played by Miss Mary Woods. She also sang the waltz song i April morn,' which gave her an excellent opportunity of showing her qualities as a leading, lyric soprano. Miss Mary Woods acted as principal accompanist in her usual finished style, being assisted by Miss Isabel Simpson and Miss Zita Hart, who did their part exceedingly well. At the conclusion of the concert the Very Rev. Monsignor O'Leary thanked the performers and audience for then assistance, and paid a very high compliment to the artistic excellence of the entertainment, and in .his own name and that of the congregation expressed gratitude to all who had helped to make the entertainment so successful.

- V InvercargiH (From our own correspondent.) .The twenty-fourth. annual sports meeting of the Irish Athletic Society of Southland was held in Rugby Park on March 16. Unfortunately the weather was very unseasonable. Notwithstanding this, the public turned out in large numbers, and a sum of over £IOO was taken at the gates. Ihis amount does not include tickets sold before the meeting. Both the daily papers are loud in their praise of the excellent management of the meeting, which left nothing to be desired. A local athlete, H. S. Strang, was successful in the big Sheffield Handicap. The schools relay race proves more popular every year, and this year was no exception. Teams from six schools started. The race created great enthusiasm and excitement amongst the more youthful spectators. For the sixth year in succession the race was won by the Marist Brothers' No. 1 team. < A meeting of lady parishioners was held in St. Joseph's Schoolroom on Thursday last to make preliminary arrangements for a bazaar to be held shortly to raise funds to improve the grounds adjoining the Dominican Convent. A large number of ladies was present, and in their earnestness could be seen a sure proof of the ultimate success of the undertaking. . A further presentation was made to the Rev. Father Lynch at Rakahouka on Tuesday last, concerning which the Southland Times of 19th inst. says:—To indicate in some practical way -their great appreciation of the Rev. Father Lynch, who has been removed to Gore, parishioners from all parts of the district met in St. Patrick's Churoh, Rakahouka, on Tuesday evening, and presented him with an address and a purse of sovereigns. Before the presentation a short musical programme was contributed by Sir., Mrs., and Miss Connor, and Messrs. Caulfield and Conniffe. Mr. J. R. Browne was chairman, and in his introductory remarks expressed the high esteem in which Father Lynch was held by him and all the parishioners. He had always found him an energetic worker, a zealous priest, and a true friend, and assured him that whenever he chose to visit Rakahouka he would find a hearty welcome awaiting him. •_ Messrs. J. J. Connor, W. F. Caulfield, and W. J. Hanning also spoke. ? They emphasised Father Lynch's kindliness and sterling character, and said his memory would be revered for all time. The chairman then presented Father Lynch with a purse of thirteen sovereigns and an address, which was couched in eulogistic terms. Rev. Father Lynch, who was greeted with applause, made an effective little speech, in which he expressed his sincere gratitude and thanks. After the meeting several of the audience, together with Councillor James Fleming, adjourned to the h6use of Mr. and Mrs. Caulfield close by, where a banquet awaited them. Several vocal items by the visitors and some pianoforte selections by the Misses Caulfield brought to a close a very pleasant evening. In accordance with the rule that the members shall receive Holy Communion in a body on the Sunday nearest St. Patrick's Day, the members of the local branch of the Hibernian Society turned out in large numbers on Sunday at the 8 o'clock Mass. A Communion breakfast was held, in St. Joseph's Schoolroom afterwards, Mr. James Mulvey (president) being in the chair. Breakfast being over, Mr. E. Columb, P.P., proposed the toast of 'Kindred Catholic Societies,' and in a neat speech referred in particular to the Catholic Club and Hibernian Band. He dealt at length on the good work achieved by both institutions. Mr. Jas. Collins (president of the Catholic Club) and Mr. T. McGrath (secretary of the band) responded to the toast. Rev. Brother Arthur proposed the toast of the ' Hibernian Society,' and gave some useful hints and advice to members, his remarks being loudly applauded. Mr. J. Mulvey thanked Brother Arthur for his kind remarks, and responded in a characteristic manner. "" Mr. J. Collins proposed the toast of ' The Clergy,' and referred in eulogistic terms to the admiration and veneration in which the clergy were held by every Catholic society. The Rev. Father Kavanagh, who responded, thanked Mr. Collins for:his kindly remarks in proposing the toast. He congratulated the members on the splendid muster that approached the Holy Table. He said that he felt very proud that morning; in the first place because such a splendid spectacle would gladden the heart of any. priest, and perhaps more especially one who was a fullfledged Hibernian; in the second- place because it was associated with the name Hibernian, and thirdly because it was all for the honor, and glory of God. The Rev,

pltuTe 1 .' 8 remarks were greeted with quite a furore of apV S^ fp° J <T 5 e ladies' was in the hands of Mr. l.bculiy, V.P., and was suitably acknowledged by?the tZ Z e \' ? r ?;r, Byi £ e - -, Br6 ' T." Pound, P.P , proposed the toast of' The President,' and after Bro. MulverreSSuJ a t ° ne ° f e £ mos t Successful-Functions of the kind held in Invercargill for some time concluded. Ha^vera ''''-'"J:)'^' 1 of 't^H^r^^™^ the members of the local branch body HACB - Society approached the Holy Table in a n + S eS l ay 10011 last * annual distribution of prizes took place by Very. Rev. Father , Power, 'after which the .children were entertained : at afternoon tea. i- The following is the list of awards:— Vl. Dolan, 1; Mary 0 Connor and Edward Cullinan, 2. Standard V —W. Kenwell, 1; C. O'Donnell, 2. " Standard IV.— Henderson, I■, Teresa Wallace, 2. Standard 111. Montefiore, 1; E Montefiore, 2. Standard Carthage Morrisey 1; Dolly Drury, 2. Standard I.—Fred Purser, 1; Q. McAlpme, 2. Irish Standard-Vl.—Kathleen Cullman and Owen Dolan. Standard V.—Eddie 'Zz - -Catechism prizes —Standard Vl.—Ruby Notter. and Owen Dolan. - Standard V.— Bartlett, Maisie } Fenriell, and Henry Jenkins. Standard IV.—Chanel Cullinan, 3Ueeu Troy, and Elsie Nicholson. Standard lll.—Phyllis Bretherton. Standard ll.—Carthage Morrissey. Standard L Laddie Hooker. - • - : c

OAMARU (From our own correspondent.) One of the largest audiences that has been present at a theatrical performance in Oamaru greeted the second appearance of St. Patrick’s Amateur Dramatic Society in Boucicault’s Irish drama, .‘Arrah-na-pogue,’ on St. Patrick’s Night, and the production was one worthy of the great reception _ accorded it. For weeks past the members, under their untiring director, worked assiduously to make the performance a memorable one, and so it proved to be in every way. The drama, which is a big undertaking for amateurs, was acknowledged to be as fine a performance as anything yet played in Oamaru by those outside the professional ranks. Every difficulty was surmounted, and the final result was most gratifying to performers and audience alike. The immense audience gave ample evidence of their satisfaction by frequent and sustained applause. The piece was splendidly mounted, and called forth universal commendation in this respect, and the whole production was carried out without the slightest hitch. The cast was a long one, and the interpretation of each character was remarkably goodthe work of the principals being of a distinctly high order—and evoked well-merited praise on all sides.. As Arrah Meelish, Mrs. Mulvihill added to her previous reputation as an amateur performer of great ability, and ; both looked and acted her part to perfection, as also did Mr. Mulvihill in the role of Shaun-the-Post, who was responsible for an immense amount of amusement in the lighter scenes. The acting of these two principals was exceedingly good throughout, the dramatic passages being admirably treated. Miss K. Hannon, as Fanny Power, had a lengthy and far from easy part to sustain, but she acquitted herself very creditably, and certainly looked charming. Mr. James Birss, who was entrusted with one of the most difficult roles as Michael Feeney, gained great distinction for his first public appearance in drama, his acting being highly spoken of by competent critics. Mr. C. Molloy had a fairly heavy part to portray as Beamish McCord; but no fault could be found in his impersonation of the character. Mr. T. Ford’s interpretation of The O’Grady added fresh, laurels to those already earned in * Our Boys,’ and he was perfectly at home in the part. Mr. E. Barry gave a faithful representation of Major Coggin, the officer who sacrifices everything to duty, and Mr, J. P. Cagney ably sustained the roll of Sergeant of Police. Mr. P. V. Corcoran’s impersonation of the Secretary of State in Act 3 was very pleasing, and as his valet, Mr. J. McKenzie created a great deal of merriment. Mr. W. Collins as Oiny Farrell, a rebel leader, acted his part well, being ably seconded by Mr. T. Cooney. Mr. J. Haggle, with the little Misses Cartwright and Haggie, danced an Irish jig, and Miss Barry sang ‘The wearing of the green ’ during the barn scene, both items being well received. Miss Annie Magee’s singing of ‘Good-bye, Mavourneen ’ , in the opening scene was one of the features of Act 1, being loudly applauded. The dear little shamrock was sung as an opening chorus by the company, assisted by local vocalists, while the Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mr. A. Frew, rendered valuable assistance during the performance. Miss M O’Grady officiated at the piano behind the scenes. The gross proceeds should total close upon £l2O, which is eminently satisfactory. The performance was notable in everv way, and reflected great credit on the director and his society. Later in the year the club will go into 'p.nearsal for the production of one of the brightest comedies that have been written. The performance was under the patronage of the Mayor and the Oamaru Hibernian Society. TIMARU (From our own correspondent.) The festival of Ireland’s patron saint was celebrated by a great national concert in the Theatre Royal. The theatre was crowded in every part, and the programme submitted consisted chiefly of songs of the Old Land, and was contributed to by the leading vocalists and instrumentalists of the district. Mrs. Lynch, and the Misses Cole, Sherlock, Dennehy, Annetts, and Messrs. Andrews, Rawlinson, J. and W. Coombs, Budd, Grant, Scott, Stewart, and Gilchrist gave items, which were highly appreciated. The Sacred Heart Choir added some excellent double quartettes, and the school girls gave a couple of taking choruses. The concert was one of the best that has been heard here on a St. Patrick’s Night, and Miss E. Dennehy, the accompanist, is to be congratulated on the success of her arrangements. ■'■■■■ - HAWERA (From our own correspondent.) St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated in Hawera on Thursday evening by a reunion, which took place in the Foresters’ Hall. ' The building was : crowded; and a thoroughly ,

S B^nS a ?„ SPei,t - : ™« 4rrt portion-.of,tho tfirmi*!, Caplt *i m ? si^al Programme was then gone to thf LTnft b6ing great] y appreciated Owing 2,«t. JSF? f he , programme encores were forbidden £^KatSen') V Mis, y r Ml « .°' C # ia » ('Terence's fareweli S e e') W Mi I'B FTv? "?« W-$ Mrs S LITt M and a 1;; '- Jynn ( Insn emigrant') The Misses H FWnn". • r °^ tn^l^ ed a Pianoforte duet, and Miss s'fc a vlolln sold 'The harp that once while Mi festosw _s__ J : GORE ~~ (From an occasional correspondent.) \ branch TS HA 6 V %£?»**& H „ a " * the M was very largely^led ™^____"!?_3!* tion, and anneal +n + l?f e branch S 1^ ce fts "Jaugurafoin fcKVI 7mu f , men of the district to §_& s - Jfe smith. Recitations Mere given bv Brn<? n'n«r,T„T. i Lamer; Bro. D Kean il_ n 7_ul « -i > V u Connor and Irish iirr Ar-7" n t danced a sailor's hornpipe and an Dlaved f-L J • L - P °PP and Miss D Carmody" ?St B^.lX P Tr n tha„tpd *M 3 P the -„„i ~ JV »"v, r-.r., thanked all who had +« AUCKLAND (By telegraph from our own correspondent.) +J, D * P A atric k's Day was celebrated in Auckland with the utmost enthusiasm. The early morning betokened in IS bhe h' with I «Jil** lowers, butVsThe"day ad" yanced the weather conditions ee t perfect. The Drinoinnl attraction was the children's treat P At the varfou? 15 Sf»« S?* rbßn ? l i rC S eS all assem Wed at an early hour for : Mass after which they marched to the Grey Statue at of ou?F°at£ een St A reet ' --nited]y y sang* Faith of our Fathers.' „ A procession was. then formed in th« following order:-Battalion Band, Cathedral children Par nell children, City Band then came the children of If Benedict's, Ponsonby, including orphan children and pupik ffl 6 ll He,ollege ' Otahuhu and P with the Cathedral contingent were the boys from the Takanuna Orphanage, attired in grey suits, all wearing green sashes Three thousand five hundred children took part fn the procession, which extended from the Grey Statue to the Queen street wharf At Devonport the local cMdren awaited the mam body, and then the whole marched to lakapuna racecourse, where each contingent filed off to its respective tent in the centre of the course. The scene was mo , inspiring and animated. Soon' after the children had been regaled the sports were started. A feature of the proceedings was the drill competition for a champion banner presented by Mr. Nerheny, which was won by the pupils of Surry Hill Convent School, Ponsonby being second, and the Cathedral School third. Sports, in which amateur and professional athletes competed, were in the meantime held on the course proper, and spirited races: were run, furnishing close finishes. There were over 3000 adults present in the afternoon, and the grandstand was well patronised. As the shades of evening drew near the children reassembled and marched to the ferry boats which conveyed them safely to the city. Those in charge of the children deserve commendation for the manner in which the arrangements were carried out. Nothing occurred during the day to mar the proceedings. The magnitude, appearance, and orderliness of the procession was the theme of discussion by all who witnessed it. It was a wonderful sight, and many who had travelled widely expressed the opinion that they had. not seen anything to excel-it. It certainly was a credit to the Catholic and Irish ' community. - The national concert, held on the evening before in StBenedict's Hall, though successful, did not equal - those of former years, due, it is said, to not holding it on St. Patrick's Night. The whole will realise a financial profit* which will go to swell the funds to make education in the primary schools of the diocese free to all. ~--,; ; MILTON ' : ■ • ; ; A most successful entertainment was held in the Coronation Hall, Milton, on St. Patrick's Night. The hall was* crowded in every part, and nearly every item on an excellent programme was encored. The • greater part ,of the

programme was contributed by visitors from Dunedin, who received a very enthusiastic reception. Miss A. Heffernan (South Dunedin) scored a distinct success in her two items, Come back to Erin -Vj and 'A lover and his lass,' for both of which she -was enthusiastically encored. i A similar compliment was paid Miss Kerr (South Dunedin) for her finished rendering of ' Dermot Asthore.' The Christian Brothers' boys' choir (Dunedin), under Brother Cusack, contributed ' O Signore' (Verdi) and the quartet '. The green shores of Erin.' The boys met with a very flattering reception, and were recalled for both items. A number of pupils from the same school gave a very clever exhibition of club-swinging, which met with such favor that it hadto be repeated. Mr. T. Laffey recited with much feeling The exile's return,' and on being recalled gave * Wolsey's soliloquy.' Another item that was well received was the amusing farce, '. The Unwilling Witness,' contributed by Mr T. Laffey and Master E. Stanaway. The most popular items of the evening were the Irish jig and Highland fling by Masters C. and D. Mackenzie, who weYe enthusiastically applauded, and had to respond to an undeniable encore. Mr. Kirby was also recalled for his singing of ' The old green isle.' The success of the contributions of the Christian Brothers' choir was due in no small measure to Miss Violet Frazer, who, at much personal inconvenience, went to Milton to play the accompaniments. The other accompanists during the evening were Misses Coleman and Kerr. At the interval the Rev. Father Howard thanked the performers for their assistance and the audience for their presence in such large numbers that evening. The Christian Brothers' boys _ brought back with them to Dunedin very pleasant recollections of the hospitality of the people of Milton. On the following day they were kindly shown over the local woollen mills by the manager, whose interesting and instructive explanation of the various processes which the wool undergoes in the course of its manufacture into cloth was an educational treat. MASTERTON The celebratioM of St.- Patrick's Day in Masterton took the form of a concert in the evening. The concert (says the local Daily Times) was a very enjoyable one, and was certainly accredit to those responsible for the selection of the items, while the performers acquitted themselves with no little ability. The first item was a pianoforte duet, McKenna. Both players imparted a feeling to their piece that was pleasing. A song, ( Queen of Connemara,' by Mr. W. Iggulden, followed, and met with the hearty appreciation of the audience. Misses Welch and Bennington came next in order with a comic duet. The item was pleasingly rendered, and the action of the singers in keeping with their parts. Miss Agnes M. Segrief, A.T.C.L., L.A.8., sang 'Kathleen Mavourneen ' in a very charming manner. She had to respond to an imperative encore. A humorous monologue, 'The Irish orchestra,' by Mr. D. Kenny, will not easily be forgotten. Mr. Kenny's humor was of that quality that irresistibly carries the audience with it, and he had to submit to an encore. Messrs. W. Jago, F. Elcoate, G. Branson, and W. Iggulden gave an excellent rendering of the part song, 'Comrades-in-arms.' A song, .' Terence's farewell to Kathleen,' by Miss Rosie Segrief, A.T.C.L., followed, the audience showing their appreciation by demanding an encore. An Irish jig by Misses Corbett and Hanley and Messrs. Hanley and Lyons was excellently performed, and they, too, were recalled. Miss McKenzie sang She is far from the land nicely, and had to submit to an enthusiastic encore. A trio, 4 Erin mavourneen,' by Misses E., A., and R. Segrief, was sweetly rendered and well received. An Irish dance by Miss Corbett fo'lowed, and was enthusiastically encored. For the next.item Miss Agnes Segrief sang ' The wearing of the green,' and as in her former item she was imperatively recalled. This portion of the programme concluded with another humorous dialogue, ' Under the circumstances,' by Mr. Kenny. .At the conclusion the Very Rev. Dean McKenna very cordially thanked those present for their attendance, and stated that the gathering was but the forerunner of others of a similar character.