DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 26 March 1914, Page 34

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(By telegraph, from our own correspondent.)

March 23. The Rev. Father Roach, C-SS.R., preached in the Cathedral on Sunday evening, on St. Joseph. - Miss McEnroe, of Wellington, sang at the 11 o’clock Mass and Vespers at the Cathedral on Sunday, The Bishop and all the diocesan clergy left by a special steamer to-night for Kawau Island, where the annual retreat will take place. The party will return to the city next Friday evening. -V . The outdoor portion of the national Irish festival took place last Saturday, amidst glorious sunshine; a pleasant contrast to the weather prevailing. on the 17th. At 1 10 o’clock the children of the city and suburban parishes assembled in Cathedral square. There were children from the Cathedral parish, and from Ofiehunga, St. Benedict’s, Parnell, , Remuera, Devqriport, Ellerslie, Panmure, Otahuhu, and the new parish ‘ of Grey Lynn. The orphan boys from Takapuria, arid

the orphan girls from Hillsborough were also present, and the Garrison and Onehunga Bands accompanied the procession, which filed off four deep through Wyndham, Albert, Quay, and Queen streets, passing along Karangahape road And. Grafton Bridge, to the Domain Cricket Ground. The footpaths along the route were crowded, while from windows, verandahs, and every place of vantage, crowds eagerly watched the magnificent cavalcade. The children looked splendid in their white dresses and green sashes and rosettes. Two beautifully painted banners attracted much attention. The first contained an artistic representation of Erin, with her harp, while over her head were the words in large letters— * Ireland a Nation.’ The other banner, ■which was borne before the boys in procession, had the words ‘ Sons of Ireland ’ emblazoned upon it. Many eyes rested on these significantly worded bankers; indeed, to look upon the seemingly unending procession so ably marshalled and so orderly in its bearing, the tasteful dresses, and above all, the buoyant, lightsome spirit pervading the whole, stirred every fibre in one’s composition, and prompted reflections upon the trials and vicissitudes of a race whose virility and tenacity of purpose were so strikingly manifested by this pageant. Apropos of this, the Mayor of Auckland remarked to bis Lordship Bishop Cleary:-‘No section of our community but yours could make such a display, or exhibit so much enthusiasm.’ On arriving at the ground, the children scattered round, and were soon in the midst of games of all kinds, superintended by the Marist Brothers and by numerous willing workers, both ladies and gentlemen. How they did enjoy themselves ! it did one’s heart good to see it. The children’s races, in which big numbers started, were thoughtfully run past the pavilion, to the great delight of its patrons. Later on, the adult sports began, comprising athletic events of various kinds, sprints', long distance races, bicycle races, and Irish jig dancing in costume. A special feature was a hurling match between the Celtic Society’s team and all comers. Rev. Father Cahill being referee. This was a most interesting contest, fast and spectacular; and should become popular at similar gatherings. At the conclusion of the athletic events, the field was cleared, and two thousand children entered from various points, concentrating in the centre. They were led by their teachers and instructors, while Brother George directed 'the evolutions with a megaphone from an elevated position. They were splendidily carried out. The many and varied colors exhibited by the thousands of small, flags borne by . the children produced a magnificent ‘spectacle. The big muster was then mechanically moved into position, with the result that the words ‘ Ireland a Nation ’ in living letters were shown. This evoked wild and enthusiastic cheering. Then, forming into columns four deep, the children marched in steady formation to the music of the band, until they reached within twenty yards of the bulk of the people. Halting at a given signal, the whole two thousand,, accompanied by the band, sang ‘ God save Ireland.’ The big crowd listened with rapt attention, and at the conclusion of the anthem they broke out into hearty cheering. It was a splendid finale to the -day’s proceedings. *- His Lordship Bishop Cleary and nearly all the priests in and around the city were present; and the Bishop expressed his intense delight and satisfaction at the whole demonstration. Rev. Father Paul Kehoe, from Wexford, the Bishop’s guest, remarked that it was cheering and comforting, so many thousands of miles from Ireland, to find such a virile spirit existing, and such love of Faith and Fatherland. This intense feeling was an eye-opener to him, and on his return home he would gladly describe it in Ireland. It is estimated that six thousand people were present,, and the gathering was a most triumphant success. " ' k In the evening, in the Concert Chamber .of the Town Hall, .the national concert was repeated, and-was largely attended. This ended the memorable celebration . of the national festival, which compares favorably with its many predecessors. s ' ‘