Lawrence

New Zealand Tablet, 1 April 1915, Page 19

Lawrence

Sunday, March 21, in accordance with the decree of his Holiness Pope Benedict XV., was observed as a day of expiation, and intercession for peace in St. Patrick’s Church, Lawrence. There was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from Mass until the evening devotions, and the prayers prescribed by his Holiness were offered. In addition to the sum of £56 7s, subscribed by the congregation of St. Patrick’s Church, Lawrence, for the Belgian relief fund, a sum of £6 11s was collected at Waitahuna, and £6 8s at Ivonini. Shannon . A very successful concert was held (says the local paper) in the Gillandia Hall on St. Patrick’s Night. There was a large attendance, who appreciated the splendid programme presented, which was opened by Mrs. Butler’s orchestra with an overture entitled ‘ The anthem of the Allies.’ In the second part of the programme they played Erin’s wreath.' Mr. J. J. Trainer sang ‘ O’Donnell Aboo.’ Miss Kilsby, a very talented singer, sang ‘ The last rose of summer ’ and ‘ It is morn,’ on both occasions being encored. Master Reggie Merwood gave a violin solo. Mrs. Costello sang ‘ 11 bade,’ ‘ Barney O’Hea,’ and ‘ Leonore,’ each time being recalled. Misses E.'Butler, M. Carran, P. Pickett, and M. Bilderbeck gave the Spanish dance. Mr. Rogers sang ‘ The minstrel boy ’ and ‘ Mother Machree,’ both items being encored. Miss Flynn sang ‘ Maytime,’ and Miss Mavis Terry sang ‘ The flower girl ’ in a very pleasing manner. Mr. Powell was especially good in ‘ The blue dragoons.’ Mr. Alex. .McDonald gave a well-executed banjo solo. Miss Olive Laurvig was heard to perfection in ‘My own land,’ for which she was encored. Mr. James Curran, an especial favorite, sang ‘ The boys from County Clare,’ and later danced an Irish jig with Misses Molly Curran and Eileen Butler. Mark Hall sang ‘ Little grey home in the west,’ and for a well-deserved encore ‘ If we should meet. Mr. Young sang ‘ Father O’Flynn’ and ‘My life for thee.’ Little Miss Knyvett sang ‘ Swinging,’ and for an encore ‘ Jungle town.’ Mr Yates sang two Scotch comic songs, to which he introduced some of his usual good humor. Mrs. Hall gave

the ‘ Irish washerwoman dance,’ and Eileen and Freda Butler and Molly Curran danced a Highland fling. Invercargill (From our own correspondent.) '■ . March 28. The church collection in aid of the distressed Belgians realised £65, which is considered very satisfactory. J In accordance with the decree of his Holiness the ope in connection with the prayers for peace,. there was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament last Sunday from the eleven o’clock Mass until after the evening devotions. During the afternoon large numbers paid visits to the church. Mr. John McNamara, one of the secretaries of the local branch of the Catholic Federation, who has just returned from a holiday visit to Christchurch, speaks in appreciative terms of the kindnesses extended to him by Federation members in the cathedral city. Devotions during Holy Week in St. Mary’s Basilica will be as follow:—Thursday morning, High Mass at 6.30 o’clock; Friday morning, Mass of the Piesanctified at 9 o clock; Saturday morning, Mass at 8 o’clock. On the evenings of the days mentioned the Office of Tenebrae will be sung. The Very Rev. Father O’Donnell, of Gore, will preach on Wednesday evening, Very Rev. Father Lynch, of Wrey’s Bush, on Thursday evening, and the Rev. Father Murphy’ of Riverton, on Friday morning. The members of the local branch of the Hibernian Society, together with the boys of the juvenile branch, approached the Holy Table in a body on last Sunday week. There was a splendid muster, and the Hibernians in their regalia made an impressive spectacle. The Very Rev. Dean Burke congratulated the society on their splendid manifestation of faith, and referred to the necessity of, and the good work performed by, such societies in the various parishes. At the same Mass the Children of Mary also received Holy Communion, and the Dean’s' remarks referred to both organisations. On St. Patrick’s Night an Irish national concert was held in the Municipal Theatre, when there was a very satisfactory attendance. The first part of the programme consisted of a lecture on the European Situation ’ by the Very Rev. Dean Burke, V.F. This item proved highly interesting and instructive, and was listened to with rapt attention throughout, the remarks of the Dean being loudly applauded at the conclusion. The second part was devoted to instrumental and vocal items, all of which were well received. Mr. John Shepherd was chairman of the committee, and the secretarial work was capably carried out by Mr. N. Grace. These two gentlemen, and the committee associated with them, are to be congratulated on the success of the entertainment, the proceeds of which will be devoted to the requirements of the Marist Brothers’ School.