Queenstown

New Zealand Tablet, 15 December 1910, Page 2073

Queenstown

The pupils of the Dominican Convent, Queenstown, gave a concert in the Garrison Hall on Wednesday, November 30, when there Mas a vei;v representative attendance of the public (says a local paper). About children's performances, it might he said, there is always a peculiar charm. The tiny folk are so unaffected in all they do, and their little voices breathe of nought but simplicity and innocence, hence, doubtless, the attraction which ' their entertainments hold for the" grown-ups." The combined schools sang at different times during the evening three fine spirited choruses, namely, 'O'Donnell Aboo,' 'Little yellow bird,' and 'God defend New Zealand.' A couple of other songs and dances were prettily carried out by the elder girls dressed in character. These were ' Fairy moonlight' and ' Flower girls,' both of which were heartily applauded. The little tots did equally well in their number, ' What will you take for me.' Of dialogues there were two, one of these being entrusted to boys only, the parts in the others being shared by boys and girls. A recitation with actions was also a very acceptable item. Without doubt one of the gems of the evening was the song and sailor's hornpipe by a number of boys. The little chaps, who were all in white, nautical ' rigs,'" managed the various steps in capital style, and they were vociferously encored. There were four pianoforte duets on the programme, and in one and all the executants did themselves and their teachers the greatest credit. These, were ' Valse noble,' by Misses M. Hawson and M. Aldrirge; 'March in E flat,' Misses M. Aldridge and A. Craig; '"sans souci,' and ' Pegasus galop,' by Misses Walls and Dagg. The latter two young ladies were also heard to considerable advantage in pianoforte solos, ' Whispers from Erin' and ' Rustle of spring' respectively. Both handled the instrument in a very masterly way and proved they were musicians of no small merit. A most pleasing little item was a song, Will the angels let me play,', which was sweetly rendered by a dainty little lady of some eight summers, Miss Kathie Anderson. The greatest interest of the evening undoubtedly was centred in the children's cantata, 'The doll's house party,' which, altogether, was a delightful production. In this Miss Sophie Searle proved a most charming little

hostess. As may be imagined, the part made heavy demands upon her, but she was equal to them all. Indeed, it was quite amazing to note the ease and grace with which, for one so young, she carried herself, to say nothing of her really clever interpretation of the role. The accompaniments throughout were capably undertaken by Miss Walls. At an interval the Rev. Father O'Donnell took the opportuity to thank the audience for their patronage. Waihi i . (From our own correspondent.) _ December 6. The devotion of the Forty Hours' Adoration commenced at the 10 o'clock Mass on Sunday. All through the day large numbers of worshippers were present in the church. At the evening devotions the Very Rev. Father Brodie preached an impressive sermon on devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. A procession of the Blessed Sacrament took place on both Sunday and Monday evenings. On Monday evening the Very Rev. Dean Hackett, of Paeroa, assisted. Waihi used to be part of the Dean's parish, and he then gained such a warm place in the hearts oi his people, from which nothing can dethrone him, that his old parishioners did not lose the opportunity of again seeing his dear face and hearing his beloved voice. Many were present who heard him for the first time, and were greatly impressed with his eloquence! The church was filled to overflowing. The Very Rev. Dean Hackett delivered an eloquent discourse on the Mass, during which he referred to Cardinal Newman's warning of how those who started by missing Mass fell away shred by shred, and to Cardinal Manning's eulogy of the Irish people's devotion to the Mass. There can be no doubt that his discourse made a deep and lasting impression on his hearers. On the feast of the Immaculate Conception (Thursdav next) the Rev. Father Cahill, of Ngaruawahia, will assist the Very Rev. Father Brodie. The Children of Mary will receive Holy Communion at the 6.30 Mass, and at the 8 o clock Mass a large number of children will receive their r irst Communion. In common with other parishes in the diocese, Waihi will be represented in the testimonial of welcome to be presented to Bishop Cleary on his arrival. Wanganui (From our own correspondent.) Great preparations are being made for the annual ?2!!i • ? f the local convent, which takes place on the loth inst. At the half-past 7 o'clock Mass on Sunday over SO girls and boys received their First Communion. After the Mass the children were entertained at breakfast in the convent schoolroom by the ladies of the Altar Society to whom much credit is due for the admirable arrangements In the evening, after Vespers, the children renewed their Baptismal vows. In the procession of the Blessed Sacrament which followed over 150 children and adults took part. Mr. Swan, architect, Wellington, was in Wanganui during the week completing arrangements for the pulling down of the bin ding known as ' Villa Maria,' and occupied at present by the Sisters. An up-to-date convent is to be erected on the site. Tenders will be called for in a eaH/StmSnth"' *** *? building wiU be C ™™*ced Blenheim (From our own correspondent.) A retreat for the Confraternity of the Children of Marv commenced ,n St Mary's Church on Monday, December 5 Iho retreat, which was conducted by Rev. Father Murray, U.Sb.R., was brought to a conclusion on Thursday morning! .Rev. Father Murray, C.SS.R,, Wellington, preached an impressive sermon on the Last Judgment at the halfpast 10 o'clock Mass on Sunday, December 4, at St Mary's Church. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament was continued uuti the evening devotions, when Father Murray again preached on the Holy Eucharist. Then followed a strict Blessed SacramGiit in •** «■ Sa The rooms of the Blenheim Catholic Club are becoming a popular resort for our Catholic young men The committee have procured a fine piano for the™™ aid with the tastefully arranged pictures around the walls £ V club presents a very, cheerful appearance. It s a nitv takG a little in P the