Napier

New Zealand Tablet, 18 December 1913, Page 27

Napier

(From our own correspondent.) December 12. Napier for many years had been regarded as a conservative town, and therefore under a reproach for its want of progressiveness, but in the last two years a remarkable change has been effected. In the matter of municipal enterprise Napier is now in the forefront. A splendid theatre, which is the pride of citizens, was opened about a year ago, whilst electric tramways and electric lighting have recently been established. A year ago a club was formed with the title, ' The Napier Thirty Thousand Club.' Among its objects are the beautifying of the town, and the advertising of the attractions of this seaside resort and the sur-

rounding district. The club has now in hand the promotion of a great carnival, called the ' Mardi Cras,' to be held on Boxing Day and the following day. It is probably the first of its kind to be held in the Dominion, and as elaborate preparations are being made, it promises to be unique. Already the election of ' Queen of the Carnival' and her bridesmaids by popular vote has taken place, and was the cause of much interest and excitement. Fine weather is all that is necessary to the success of the enterprise. The Marist Brothers' pupils gave their annual concert in the Municipal Theatre on Wednesday evening. Although many persons must have been prevented, on account of the boisterous weather, from venturing out last night (says the Daily Telegraph of December 11) there was a large attendance at the Municipal Theatre, the occasion being the annual concert of the Marist Brothers' School. A very t efficient orchestra held sway until the concert opened'at 8 o'clock. The first item showed the boys of the school costumed in white suits, with blue sashes, arranged on a specially erected platform. They sang 'Men of Harlech' and ' Hark, the Vesper hymn,' with pleasing effect, and received, a great ovation. The curtain went up on rather a novel scene in the next item. It was a tableau representing Christmas Eve on the goldfields, and every detail seemed to be included, even to the ' billy ' with the scalding tea. The chorus of pupils gave a creditable rendering of Rattray Rache's Take me back to Bendigo.' The items which followed were. all given round the camp fire-side. Master W. Kohleis recited ' Old Bendigo,' Master Archie McGrath sang ' 'Mid the hush of the corn,' and Master E. Murrow ' Poor old Joe.' Master Duncan McKenzie was exceedingly pleasing in his recitation, ' Boys' rights,' for which he received a hearty encore. An action number, ' Song of the monkey,' was given by the junior pupils, and the full chorus later sang ' Bonnie Prince Charlie-' and 'A toast to Erin.' Master J. Pearcey sang 'Sons of New Zealand,' Master C. Callaghan recited a piece entitled ' A fact,' and the first half concluded with a vocal solo and tableau, ' Adeste Fideles,' in which Master Archie McGrath took the solo. Opening the second portion of the programme, Master McGrath sang 'Ave Maria,' with violin obligato, and gave a creditable rendering. The remainder of the evening was devoted to a drama in four parts, entitled ' Sebastian, or The Roman Martyr.' The performers acted their respective parts with great credit, and on the whole this portion of the programme, besides being of educational value, was very enjoyable. The characters were taken by Masters F. O'Connor, F. Murray, P. Ahearn, C. La Broome, F. O'Donoghue, S. O'Donovah, W. Kohlies, G. Rankin, T. Lawton, V. McHardy, J. Rankin, T. McCarthy, M. Murray, G. Madigan, J. McGrath, H. Sweeney, J. Vaughan, G. O'Connor, J. Kearney, J. Doody, C. Kenny, and J. Doody. From start to finish the entertainment was one of undoubted enjoyment, a proof of which was found in the loud and hearty applause which followed each item. Credit in this respect is due to the Marist Brothers for their pains in bringing the lads to so high a standard of efficiency, and to the scholars themselves for the way in which they carried out their respective parts. Miss McGrath acted as accompanist, and Miss Lillian Strangman (violin) and the Vincentian orchestra assisted at intervals.

Timaru (From our own correspondent.) The Rev. Father Baker, S.J., preached in the Sacred Heart Church on Sunday, when there was a large congregation. The pupils of Miss Essie Spring, A.T.C.L., one of our local iJatholic teachers of music, gave a most successful concert last week, which the local press states reflected the greatest credit on the teacher. The Very Rev. Dean Tubman, S.M., at the 11 o'clock Mass yesterday, announced that a Tablet representative was in Timaru at present, and he advised every Catholic head of a family and others to subscribe to New Zealand's only Catholic paper.