ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

New Zealand Tablet, 3 April 1919, Page 33

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

• NEW PLYMOUTH. The annual concert in honor of St. Patrick's Day nlnch was hold in the Holland Hall on Monday night, March 17, proved a great success. The attendance at the concert, was ample testimony to the popularity of these entertainments; before 8 o’clock. every available seat in the hall was occupied and many stood all the evening. . . The stage,. which was decorated with flags and large imitation shamrocks, was the scene of many talented performances in the course of the- evening. Those who gave songs- M. Blewman, 11. Fieldes, G. Hurley, Dew, R. Whittle, and Messrs. B. Bellringer, C. M. Trehey, and S. Dunstan—gave great pleasure and were in each case heartily applauded. The splendid recitations by Mrs. S. Russell and Miss H. Wright were very well received and double encores were insisted on. Quite a feature of the entertainment was. the step dancing of a little girl, Miss Tui Mcßae; while an Irish jig by Mr. Norris was also thoroughly enjoyed. Two banjo solos by Mr. R. Gadd proved very popular, and both times the performer was vociferously encored. Mrs. Moverley’s orchestra, which supplied the overtures and finales to both, halves of the programme, played in its usual bright style, and gave the finishing touches to the performance. The proceeds amounted to well over £ls, and the organisers .may well be proud of the results of their efforts. INVERCARGILL. The annual concert in honor of St. Patrick's Day was held in the Municipal Theatre on Monday evening, March 17, when, despite adverse weather conditions, the spacious theatre was veil filled. St; Patrick’s Night concert is usually the finest entertainment of its kind during the year, and this year’s was no exception to the rule. Both parts of the programme were opened by an instrumental quartet, composed of Messrs. B. Alehaffey (violin). J. McCrostie (violin), D. W. McKay (violoncello), and H. Gleeson (piano). Their playing was greatly appreciated. Air. Howard Foster was very successful in “Mother Afachrce” and “Macnshla,” and in his encore numbers. Miss Alargery Campbell contributed a monologue and a humorous, recitation, and responded to recalls. Miss Nataliua Ale-’ Callum (Dunedin) delighted everyone with her singing of “Killarney,” and was even more successful in “The Minstrel Boy.” Air. Brian Alehaffey is a skilled performer on the violin, and his solos earned for him insistent recalls. Aliss Rena Bradshaw-was heard to advantage in “For the Green” and “Maire, My Girl,” and also in her encore numbers. A vocal quartet, AUsses L. Officer and S. Leete, and Alessrs .C. Pearce and E. C. Service, gave a very nice rendering of “The Harp That Once,” and had to submit to the inevitable demand for another item. Air. James Halliday amused the audience immensely with bis humorous recitations. Invercargill is fortunate in possessing such an accomplished accompanist and musical director as Mr. H. A. Gleeson, arid his services were very greatly appreciated by the largo audience. OAAIARU. St. Patrick’s Night concert has come to be regarded as one of the musical events of the year, and it must bo gratifying to the promoters that the public should show their appreciation by the generous patronage bestowed upon this welcomed annual event. In view of the highclass, programme submitted at the Opera House on the occasion it was not surprising that a bumper house greeted , the visiting artists, who, assisted by local talent, gave the public a musical treat. From an artistic point of view, the concert was an unqualified success. The visiting artists are all well-known performers, and tho warmth of the reception given . them, and the hearty, appreciative applause, served but to express the popular verdict that the concert reached a high standard indeed. Among the visiting performers were artists from Timaru and Dunedin, and these were assisted by local favorites and four rather talented- juvenile performers. Miss Paula Scherek, of Dunedin, delighted the large audience by the consummate artistry of her; violin playing. Aliss Agnes Cunningham, L.A.8., of Timaru, who is the possessor of a charming mezzo-soprano voice of good range and quality, delighted the audience with her artistic singing. Mrs. Percy Rule, another visitor from Timaru, who is gifted with a light lyric soprano voice, scored a success in her nicely selected numbers. Mr. George Andrews, of Timaru, who scored a popular success . last, year, was again in good form and delighted his audience. Mrs. Rule and Mr. Andrews were heard to advantage in a popular duet. Mr. W. Watters is always a--popular favorite on the local concert platform, and his contributions to the programme met with great acceptance. Mr. J. Roxburgh was also a success in his singing of several pretty songs. One of the factors contributing to the success of the concert was the work of Mrs. N. B. ’ Mangos, who played the accompaniments with ’ * • • . . v.,- ■ .: ' ... ... ..... ..... . . • •••

artistic and sympathetic skill.; One ; of the features of the programme was the attractive work of the young people. A very successful concert was brought to a conclusion by the singing of the National Anthem.,

CHRISTCHURCH, At the 7 o clock Alass in the Cathedral on Sunday (eve of St. Patrick’s Day), members of St.' Patrick’s and St. Matthew s (ladies’) branches of the Hibernian Society, and of the sodality of Children of Alary, approached the Holy Table in record numbers. His Lordship the Bishop was celebrant, and was attended by the Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy, Adm. At the conclusion of Mass the members of the Hibernian Society assembled, in the Hibernian Hall for the annual breakfast. B.P. Bro. J. M. Coffey-pre-sided, and among the guests present were his Lordship the Bishop, Very Rev. C. Graham, S.AI., AI.A. (rector of St. Bede’s College), and several of . tho Alarist Brothers. A lengthy toast list was duly honored, his Lordship Dr. Brodie and Father Graham replying to the toast of “The Bishop and Clergy.” Advantage was taken of the occasion to unveil a fine portrait painting of his Lordship the Bishop, which was procured by contributions from the two branches of the Hibernian. Society and from the Celtic Club. The singing of “God Save Ireland” brought the proceedings, which were most successful throughout, to a close. At the Cathedral in the evening Father D. P. Buckley (Dunedin) officiated at Vespers, and Father Cooney (Lyttelton) preached a panegyric on St. Patrick. His Lordship the Bishop, assisted by Fathers Cooney'and Burchell, gave Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Tho Colosseum was filled from end to end on the occasion of an Irish national concert to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The Countess of Liverpool attended and was received by,his Lordship Bishop Brodie and. the clergy. Tim concert was in aid of Nazareth House, and Bishop Brodie, in the course of a few remarks, explained the special claims of this institution on the generosity of the public. But before doing so, his Lordship thanked Lady Liverpool for her presence, and paid a tribute to her Excellency’s war work. Bishop Brodie then went on to say that during the influenza epidemic, the Sisters in charge of Nazareth House threw open the institution to many children who needed its shelter, and had a great many cases to nurse and care for. The Sisters were put to a great deal of extra expense, and the proceeds of the concert were, to recoup them of this outlay. Mr. Hamilton Hodges sang “An Irish Love Song” (Lang), “If I AAere King of Ireland” (Foster), and “Hills of Donegal” (Sanderson). The first two were bracketed and in response to the demands of the audience he sang two other numbers. Tho other vocalists were; —Air. Robert Lafferty, “Mother Alaehrec” and “Tho Mountains o’ Mourn©”; Aliss M. O’Connor, “Tho Meeting of the Waters,” “The Last Rose of Summer” ; Air. Harold Prescott, “The Alin strep Boy” and another selection; Aliss Dorothy Nottingham, “She is Far From the Land” ; Air. P. Jones, “Dublin Bay” Miss Dorothy Taylor, “Come Back to Erin.” Messrs..H. Alatheson, R. A. Beveridge, AY. .Toll, and S. Hawkes sang as a part-song, “Oft in the Stilly Night,” and Alessrs. H. Prescott. T. Power, If. Hiscocks, and J. Foley, “The Dear Little Shamrock.” Aliss Gladys Vincent, a clever child-violinist, and Air. L. AY. Bloy, mandolinist, played selections, and Air. J. Darragh danced an Irish jig. All the items were so generously received that the supplementary numbers doubled the length of the programme. Special mention should be made of the singing of the Alarist Brothers’ boys, and the children of the combined Catholic schools who were massed in the gallery at trie end of the building, rather far from the audience, but they sang well and heartily under the baton of Rev. Brother EmiHan, and their choruses were very pleasing. Mr. Frank Haughey, who appeared in uniform, played “Killarney” very nicely on the cornet. - The accompaniments were, capably played by Aliss K. O’Connor and Air. H. Hiscocks, and credit is due to Air. Tulloch who stage managed tho concert.

GREYAIOUTH. Despite the heavy rain St. Patrick’s Day was worthily honored in Greymouth. A great procession started from tho Hibernian Hall at 12.45 p.m. The procession was headed by the Citizens’ Band, followed by the Hibernians, carrying a banner, with the inscription “.Erin Go Bragh” thereon; then came the Bimanga Band, followed by pupils from the Marist Brothers’ School, the convent school, and general public. Various Irish flags were predominant in the procession, which was a very lengthy one,' and eclipsed anything • previously held in Greymouth. ... v / v..-O At the Park," the side-shows were, well supported. The various stalls were presided over by the following: Jumble stall, Mrs. Noonan ; sweets stall. Children of Mary; refreshment stall, . Mesdames D. Greaney ■ and Kennedy. Throughout the afternoon the Citizens’ Band, under the conductorship of Mr E. Franklin, enlivened the proceedings with a selection of charming airs. A feature of. the gathering and one that considerable interest was taken in as the snorts programme. • % .. r- ''” •. ‘.'’l':

The Opera House proved quite too small to hold the great crowd that •• gathered in tho evening, despite tho rain, for the Irish national concert, a considerable number being unable to secure admission. The programme proved a brilliant one, and every performer did splendidly. The appla’use was frequent and free, and the audience thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Father Quinn in returning thanks, specially referred to Mr. Pat Fitzgerald as the organiser of the concert; also the various performers and thanked the public for their attendance. He read telegrams from Bishop Brodie, Dean Regnault, and other leading ecclesiastics, , the executive heads and several branches of the Hibernians and others congratulating the local branch on its jubilee.* The singing of “God Save Ireland” by Miss E. O’Brien and Mr. T. Clarke, the audience joining in the chorus, concluded a memorable concert.

• Subsequently there were socials at the Druids’ Hall and St. Columba Clubrooms, bringing to a close a day’s celebrations that will be long remembered by all who participated in them.

KAIKOURA.

The celebrations in h«nor of St. Patrick’s Day were held under most favorable weather conditions, and tho beautiful grounds of Mrs. J. W. Harris, where the sports gathering was held, presented a very gay appearance. Nothing was left undone by the officials to ensure the thorough enjoyment of tho large crowd in attendance. A refreshment stall, under the management of several ladies of the congregation, and a sweets stall in charge of Airs. McSwigan, were very freely patronised. Air. J. J. Macklo proved to be a most energetic and capable secretary. Others who rendered good service were Messrs. F. J. Monk, E. Wallace, and G. Hamilton (judges), F. Smith (starter), and N. C. Vale and M. Alackle (handicappers). A number of sports events and several guessing competitions were got off during the day. In the evening the Drill Hall was crowded for tho Irish national concert, over 800 persons being present. An excellent programme was presented, and the rendition of the various numbers by quite a large party of performers gave general satisfaction» Towards the conclusion of the programme Father Kelly expressed his gratitude for the splendid patronage accorded the concert and sports gathering. He felt (ho said) deeply grateful to the performers, especially those of other denominations, for their much appreciated services. The National Anthem was sung at the close of the programme.

LEESTON. Notwithstanding the disagreeable nor’-west wind, a large number of members of the Catholic congregations at Leeston and Southbridge, together with many other friends, met at the Ellesmere Domain on Monday, March 17, in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The outing took the form of a picnic-sports, and was run on similar lines to the gathering held last year. It was a thoroughly representative assemblage, for there were people present from all parts of the Ellesmere district and a few from

Christchurch and other places at a distance. It was

certainly a happy gathering; everybody was out to spend a good time and to give everybody else a pleasant outing.

The picnic was arranged primarily in the interests of the children and no effort was spared to make the occasion a memorable one for them. A sum of over £25 was raised at Southbridge and Leeston to provide prizes for the races, and the prizes 'given were very liberal, more so than at any similar gathering held in the district for a long time. * At night the celebrations were , continued, a very successful concert being held in the Catholic Hall, under the auspices of the St. John’s branch of the Hibernian Society. The hall had been very tastefully decorated, the colors of the Emerald Isle predominating. Mr. Joseph Carroll, jun. (president of -the society), made an able chairman, and there were with him on the platform Fathers Creed and Berger and several members of the social committee. In thanking the performers. Father Creed said that the concert from start to finish had been thoroughly enjoyable. Indeed, the concert would have done credit to any. town in the Dominion. The talent in this district was, he considered, as good as in any other district he knew of. They were especially indebted to the visiting performers for the part they had taken. After supper had been served by tho ladies a social was held. The musicians were Mesdames Marshall and Delargey. Altogether the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations were a great success.

CARTERTON.

The King's Theatre was crowded on the occasion of Iho celebrations in honor of the feast of the Apostle of Ireland, testifying to the popularity of the annual St. Patrick’s concert in Carterton, and to the efficiency of the organisation of its promoters. Mr. J. A. Dudson was in charge of the stage. Proceedings commenced with a pianoforte overture, Lite's “Rhapsody,” by Miss Ruby Curran, played in artistic style and encored, “Home, Sweet Home” being given in response to a recall. Miss Berrill sang several numbers most successfully. Miss Dolly Dudson played very sweetly a violin ’solo, “The Harp That Once,” and had to respond to an enthusiastic encore, Miss Dudson playing the accompaniments most effectively. Mr. Fraser followed with a. song, and so greatly pleased the audience that he had to respond to double encores. “The Irish Emigrant,” by Miss May Stannaway; “The Little Shawl of Blue,” by Miss Curran; the duet, “Parted,” by Miss and Air. Welch, were all well rendered and encored, as was also “The Dance of the Allies,” gracefully performed by Miss Eila Liardet. The second part of the programme was opened by an overture by Mr. Fraser. Mr. Welch sang with good effect “For the Green” ; Miss Stannaway gave the ever-popular “Kathleen Mavourneen” ; Miss Dolly Dudson again pleased the audience with her violin, this time with “The Carnival do Venice” ; Miss Liardet gave a fine exposition of the toe dance, and Miss Welch sang “Soul of Mine.” All the performers were encored. The concert section of the programme being ended, the floor was quickly cleared for the social, and a further enjoyable time was spent to the music of Hayden’s orchestra, a bountiful supper forming a decidedly important item in the proceedings. The 1919 St. Patrick’s Day concert and social was thus one of tho best yet.