ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATIONS

New Zealand Tablet, 26 February 1920, Page 33

ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATIONS

- : ■ WELLINGTON. i^X^o';^\ (From our own correspondent.) February 14. s, „. The St. Patrick's Day Celebration Committee met last Wednesday evening, Mr. J. P. McGowan presiding. There was a good attendance, and the progress reports made by the members of the various sub-committees were most encouraging. For the concert the services of Mrs. Agnes Grant and Mr. ~Fred. G. Bourke, of Auckland, Misses Mabel Esquilant and Mary McKeowen, and Kevin Dillon have been secured, which is an indication that the programme to be submitted will be in keeping with the high standard attained in the past. The committee is paying special attention to the sports feature, and by liberal prizemoney hopes to induce a large number of entries for each event. The dancing portion of the programme should ais.> attract a large number of entries. It was decided to engage two bands for tho procession, and vehicles for the conveyance of children, who are too young to march. These conveyances will form part of the procession. A surprise packet scheme will also be provided, as well as raffles, side-shows, and various other attractions. CHRISTCHURCH. (From our own correspondent.) The meetings held each Tuesday evening recently in the Hibernian Hall by the newly-inaugurated St. Patrick's Athletic Association, are remarkable alike for the numerical attendance and for individual enthusiasm and practical interest. The president of St. Patrick's branch of the Hibernian Society, Bro. T. P. O'Rourke, is chairman. At one of the meetings, the association's patron, Right Rev. Dr. Brodie, said he. had been looking - forward for years to the time when Christchurch might celebrate St. Patrick's Day in a fitting manner—a manner that would raise this great festival to a higher place in the minds of all, and would foster a greater love for Ireland. In order to show his practical support, he would guarantee the gathering against loss to the extent of £IOO, and give a'donation of £2O besides. Lordship took a keen interest in the drawing up of the programme, and offered .suggestions which were enthusiastically received. The energetic and practical secretary (Mr. J. S. Tulloch) has devoted a great amount of time to the work of organisation, and now has the magnificent programme of events printed and published, to the entire satisfaction of the Programme Committee. The meeting will be held at Lancaster (Victory) Park on Saturday, April 10, the grounds not being available prior to that date; the Park authorities undertake to guarantee the association to make the grounds available in future years as close to St. Patrick's Day as possible, if not on the day itself. £255 is to be given in prize-money, and besides the general athletic events carried out at gatherings such as this there are to be numerous other attractive displays. The proceeds, on the suggestion of his Lordship the Bishop, will be devoted to Nazareth House. Mr. D. Kelleher has donated a "Shamrock Cup," valued at 15 guineas, for the winner of the most championship points on the day; to become the property of any competitor winning it two years in succession or three years at intervals. Mr. D. Flaherty has offered a contribution and Mr. J. Anderson has given £5. Messrs. G. Ryan, E. McCullough, and J. Close deposited at the last meeting £IOO each with the committee, as guarantors. Mr. B. J. McKenna expressed,appreciation of the work of the secretary (Mr. Tulloch), and moved that a vote of thanks be accorded to his Lordship the Bishop, who in the first instance made the St. Patrick's Day sports meeting possible, and to Messrs. Ryan, McCullough, and Close. Messrs. M. Grimes and M. Mannix are assistant secretaries, and the association is composed of keen sports. •