Timaru

New Zealand Tablet, 3 April 1919, Page 42

Timaru

(From our own correspondent.)

March 24.

Father D. P. Buckley, of Dunedin, is at present on a visit to Timaru.

On Sunday, March 16, in anticipation of the feast of Ireland’s patron saint, the members of the Hibernian Society approached the Holy Table in a body, an exceptionally large number being present. " Father Bartley, S.M., M.A., who has come to replace Father Herbert, S.M., preached in the Sacred Heart, Basilica on Sunday evening. Father Bartley has recently returned from France, where he was attached as chaplain to the New Zealand. Division, and he gave an interesting account of his experiences there, and of the 'marvellous devotion of our New Zealand Catholic soldiers' to their holy faith.

On Thursday evening, March 20, at the invitation of the Very Rev. Dean Tubman, S.M.j a number of Catholic soldiers resident in the parish of Timaru assembled in the girls’ school hall, Craigie Avenue. The evening, which took the form of an “At Home,” was given as a welcome homo to the men who have lately returned from the Front. .Addresses of welcome and of appreciation of duty done were given by the Very Rev. host and by Mr. J. Maling (Mayor of Timaru), Mr. T. J. O’Connor returning thanks on behalf, of the returned soldiers. A most enjoyable evening was passed with progressive euchre, musical items, etc. On Tuesday evening, 18th inst., a splendid Irish national concert was given in celebration of the Feast of St. Patrick. For many years St. Patrick’s concert has been among the finest entertainments of its kind to be presented to a Timaru audience, and this year’s performance was well up to the usual standard. Those contributing items were Mrs. P. Rule (who was also associated with Mr G. H. Andrews in a couple of delightful duets), Miss Agnes Cunningham, A.T.C.L., L.A.8., Miss Paula Scherek (violinist), Mr. Watters (Oamaru), and Mr. G. IT. Andrews, all of whom had to respond to repeated recalls. Another thoroughly enjoyable item was an Irish jig by Miss Gwen Ritchie. Some excellent music was rendered by a local orchestra, under the direction of Mr. T. J. O’Connor. Mrs. N. D. Mangos acted as accompanist throughout the evening. At the close of the performance Very Rev. Dean Tubman, in thanking all who had contributed to the success of the evening, paid a graceful tribute to the zeal and energy of Mr. and Mrs. N. D. Mangos, who each year spare no pains in organising these concerts and in carrying them to a successful issue.