Hamilton

New Zealand Tablet, 22 August 1918, Page 37

Hamilton

(From our own correspondent.)

August 13

A conference of the. clergy of the Waikato deanery was held at Hamilton on last Wednesday morning. Fifteen priests were present under the presidency of the Right Rev. Mgr. Gillan, V.G., of St. Benedict’s, Auckland. At the conclusion of the conference the visitors were entertained by Dean Darby.

On last Thursday Requiem Masses were celebrated at 6.30 and 9 a.in. at'St. Mary’s Church for the repose of the souls of those of our Catholic soldiers killed during the war.

On Wednesday evening, August 7, a very successful concert was given, under the auspices of St. Mary’s Men’s Club, in the parish hall, which was completely crowded, many being unable to gain admittance. The programme was lengthy and varied, and gave much pleasure to the audience. Vocal numbers by Miss B. Tabbs, Mr. W. Jordan, and Mr. E. McGarrigle met with much acceptance. Choruses were beautifully rendered by the school girls, and, together with the drills, which were gone through with great precision, reflected most creditably on their teachers, the Sisters of the Missions. The musical contributions of Miss Marie Dold and her brother Joe, Miss Madge and Master Albert Lemon, were well received. Mr. Knight recited “Sheamus O’Brien” in fine style, and earned hearty applause. Masters Cyril Cooney and George Turner kept the audience highly amused with their dialogue, and subsequent sketch, in which they were aided by a number of their schoolmates. Much entertainment was also afforded by Messrs. W. McGloin and M.

Chainey in their blind-folded boxing. Miss C. Chainey and Miss. Myrtle Goldfinch were very successful in their recitations, as were also Miss Eileen Dunne and Master E. Grace in their selections. A feature of the evening was the singing. of a plaintive little song by Miss Thelma Hamblyn, the audience responding by showering coins upon the stage. The dancing of the little Misses Peebles and the sailor’s hornpipe by > some of the school children were much appreciated, and elicited the warm plaudits of the audience. The tableau, “Joan of Arc,” was beautifully staged, the spectacular effect being excellent. Miss Josie McNamara proved herself a painstaking and efficient accompanist. The decorations of the hall, the work of Messrs. W. Watters, B. Egan, and A. Dunne, were exceedingly effective. Father Byrne, as manager, filled an exacting position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned in the entertainment. The school library is to benefit to the extent of half the proceeds.

St. Mary’s Football Club is still going strong, and with the exception of a defeat of its players by the City team on last Saturday are keeping well in the forefront.

St. Mary’s basket ball team are apparently invincible. They have played Hamilton East School on three occasions, and each time have won the match.

On days of devotion to our Blessed Lady the school children sing appropriate hymns at the 9 o’clock Mass.

August 16.

The monthly social given by St. Mary’s Men’s Club eventuated on Wednesday, August 14, and, as usual, was highly successful. The hall -was tastefully decorated and excellent arrangements were made generally for the gathering. The attendance was good, and a very enjoyable time was spent. Attractive music was rendered by Miss Hawkins, and dainty refreshments were provided by lady friends of the members.

Lauriston. On the occasion of a farewell to Mr. and Mrs. J. Ryan and family, prior to their removal to Ethelton, the residents of Lauriston assembled in the local schoolroom recently, in the greatest number yet seen at any gathering in the district (writes a correspondent). Mr. W. Goodman presided, and in presenting an easy chair each to Mr. and Mrs. Ryan, spoke of their manifold good qualities. The vocal talents of Mrs. Ryan, so generously exercised at all the school, Red Cross, patriotic, and other concerts, were such he said, as would captivate any audience, and her efforts to assist in any good cause were, at all times, very highly appreciated. As for Mr. Ryan, he was one of the most patriotic men in Lauriston. Mr. A. Drummond, in endorsing the chairman’s remarks, said he, personally, regretted the departure of their' guests of that evening, who to him (the speaker) had been the best of neighbors. Mr. P. O’lTalloran also paid a glowing tribute to the good qualities of Mr. and Mrs. Ryan. Mr. Ryan, on behalf of himself, Mrs. Ryan and family sincerely thanked their many friends for their much valued gifts, and for the kind sentiments which accompanied them, and assured his hearers that the good people of Lauriston would be ever remembered by them. Cheers for the departing guests, and passing of a cordial vote of thanks to the chairman, terminated a very pleasant gathering. •