ST.PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

New Zealand Tablet, 1 April 1920, Page 21

ST.PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

CHRISTCHURCH. (From our own correspondent.) . The solemnity of the Feast of r St. Patrick was observed in the Cathedral on Sunday, " March 14. At the seven o’clock Mass, celebrated by his Lordship the Bishop, the members of the several -branches of the Hibernian Society—St. . Patrick’s, St. Matthew's ((Ladies’), and - Juvenile—to the number of over 300 attended in regalia and approached the Holy Table. Hymns appropriate to the festival were sung by the pupils .of- the Convent Schools. The Cathedral was thronged, and apart from the societies mentioned, almost the whole of the ■ congregation approached the Holy Table. In the evening the Hibernians in regalia attended Vespers, after- which his Lordship the Bishop preached an eloquent panegyric of St. Patrick, and officiated at Pontifical Benediction. The annual breakfast held in connection-with' the feast by the Hibernian Society took place after the Mass, in the Hibernian Hall, which was fully taxed for accommodation. His Lordship Bishop Brodie presided, Rev. Father Long (chaplain), the president and officers of St. Patrick’s branch, Rev. Brother Justin, Sister R. Rodgers (president St. Matthew’s branch), Bro. Sheridan, V.P., and Bro. J. Ormandy, P.P. of St. Mary’s branch, and Bro. L. Dobbs, president St. Patrick’s juvenile bjranch, being among those present. The arrangements for the breakfast were capably carried out by the sisters of St. Matthew’s branch. A lengthy toast list was honored. In responding to the toast of “The Bishop and Clergy,” proposed by Bro. J. M. Coffey, P.P., his Lordship Dr. Brodie congratulated the Hibernian Society on the great display of faith witnessed at Holy Mass, when such largo numbers of members were united in the great act of faith in the society’s general Communion. No society possessed more inspiring ideals than the Hibernian Society, whose motto, “Faith and Fatherland,” called up memories of centuries of bitter trials and glorious triumphs in the annals of Catholic faith and Irish nationality. The splendid gathering for the festivities of Ireland’s patron saint fully proved that the members of the various branches were actuated by the ideals suggested by their inspiring motto. The Hierarchy and clergy had always looked upon the Hibernians as willing workers in the cause of holy faith, and the Hibernians had always responded nobly and generously. The record of Catholic activities in Christchurch was truly a bright one, and in every work , the Hibernians were to be found taking a prominent part. The cause of Catholic education especially had been strengthened by their co-opera-tion and support, and their presence at the various gatherings had been an incentive to generosity and success. His Lordship briefly referred to the history of St. Patrick's and St. Matthew’s branches, and assured the members that the good wishes expressed by the president’s speech had been quite in keeping with the over ready and generous support accorded to the Bishop and clergy by tho various branches of the city and of "’the diocese. His Lordship the Bishop in proposing the toast of “The Hibernian Society,” expressed pleasure at the congenial task allotted him. “My heart,” he said, “has always been and will always remain warmly Hibernian.” Going over the aims, objects, and ideals of the society Bishop Brodie said that this was one organisation which should claim amongst its members every Catholic in New Zealand. He warmly congratulated the Marist Brothers on their very successful efforts in forming the juvenile branch. On behalf of tho society Bro. Grimes (secretary) replied, thanking the Bishop for his support and kindly references. He also pointed out. the progress made during the year numerically and financially. Sister R. Rodgers, on behalf of St. Matthew’s branch, thanked the Bishop, priests, and members of St. Patrick’s branch for the help given it in the past, and assured all that her sister officers were looking forward to a period of progress. Bro. L. Dobbs spoke on behalf of the juvenile branch, which nowshows a membership of 70, although formed only six or seven months. V.P. Bro. L. Courtney proposed “The Marist Brothers,” to whom he said all present owe a debt of gratitude. Rev. Brother Justin, in reply, referred to the grave difficulties and obstacles to which Catholic schools are subjected. Any measure of success attained (he said) depended entirely on the loyal support of a united Catholic people, and amongst them ranked foremost the members of the Hibernian Society. Rev. Father Long then unveiled a framed portrait of the late Bro. P. Grealey, presented by Mrs. Grealey.The Shamrock Cup, presented for the St. Patrick’s Day sports by Bro. D. Kelleher, was on view, and was greatly admired. '1 ‘ - "I

,f“' After Vespers\ the District President (Bro. ' Kelly), who had just arrived from Auckland, was welcomed..in the Hibernian Hall by the president (Bro. O’Rourke), in the presence of a large gathering of members. On St. Patrick’s Day there was Solemn High Mass at the Cathedral. Rev. Father W. O’Sullivan was celebrant, Father Andersen deacon, and Father Long subdeacon. There was a large congregation, and, as at the earlier Masses, many approached the Holy Table. In the afternoon the. Convent School pupils were taken by their teachers (the Sisters of the Missions) for an outing to the various seaside resorts, and Rev. r Brother Phelan, with a large party of altar boys, made an excursion to Mt. Pleasant, and home via Lyttelton. IRISH NATIONAL CONCERT. The day set apart for celebrating the festival of Ireland’s patron saint was marked in Christchurch by a national concert. What the occasion lacked in the way of multitudinous recognition was amply compensated for by the enthusiasm with which the .programme presented in the Theatre Royal was received, by an audience that packed the building. Those responsible for the organisation had prepared a series of items truly national in character and presented by performers who knew their business. The Mayor, accompanied by Mrs. Thacker, and his Lordship Bishop Brodie arrived punctually at eight o’clock and, after the Tramways Brass Band had played a selection of Irish airs, the programme proper was entered upon. Every item was doubly encored. Miss Mary O'Connor is a soprano who sings simple songs in a simple way, and, after all, that is how such songs should be sung. Her voice is of pleasing quality and her intonation is perfect. Miss Kathleen Garven was well received, and her rich contralto was heard to advantage in the five numbers which comprised her contribution to the programme. Other well-known performers in the persons of Messrs. Farquhar Young, J. H. Cocks, and J. W. Trewern contributed to the general success of the evening. Variety was lent by a recitation by Miss Kathleen O’Connor, a piano solo by Miss Mina Ward, and an exhibition of physical drill by boys from Nazareth House. Mr. R. Jones was successful in several entertaining items. During the interval Mr. W. E. Simes conducted an auction of a basket of shamrocks from Ireland, the proceeds of which (£137) will be devoted to the furnishing of the new Nazareth Home for boys at Middleton. The net proceeds of the concert, also, will be applied to the same object. LEESTON. The annual picnic of the Leeston Catholic day school took place on St. Patrick’s Day at the Ellesmere Domain. A warm summer’s day favored the gathering, and a most enjoyable time was spent (says the Ellesmere. (luardian). The children were accompanied by a large number of parents and other friends from the different parts of the parish. The picnickers went, out to the domain during the morning and the greater part of tire day was spent in going through a lengthy programme of sports events, in which a great deal of interest was centred. Liberal prizes were given, and the events were all contested very keenly. A strong committee supervised the events, which were got off briskly, thanks largely to the work of Mr. W. O’Boyle, who acted as bell steward. - The parish priest, the Rev. Father Creed, was also a prominent member of the sports committee and evinced a lively interest in the day’s programme. The other officials were : Starter: Mr. Martin Slattery; judges: Messrs, R. r I Aviss, M. Twiss and V. A. Bendall; hand! cappers : Rev. Father Creed and Messrs. J. McCartin and R. G. Power. Mr. Bendall made a first-rate secretary. Liberal provision in the matter of refreshments was made by the ladies, who extended great kindness to visitors. The Ellesmere Pipe Band attended the picnic and contributed in a very large measure to the enjoyment of the outing. favorable comments upon the progress made by the band were heard on all sides, and the leader (Air. F. Marshall) was complimented by many of those who attended the picnic. Amongst the visitors was the Boa’. Father Leen, of Lincoln. An interesting event' of the day was the tug of war, married v. single, 13 men aside. The single men Avon the first pull, the married men the second, and the single men the third. There was very little to choose between the teams, the final pull being a very hard battle. The celebrations were continued at night, when a concert was held in the Leeston Town Hall. Tho interior of the hall had been tastefully and suitably decorated, and a full house greeted the concert party from Christchurch. the members of which received an excellent hearing. The programme was lengthy and varied, and a good number of encores were given. Mrs. Baxter opened with a pianoforte solo and Mr. Woodham followed with the

- •. - :■ » v' - ; ? - • songs - “River Shannon” and “Colleen BaAvn.” The same performer contributed' two other songs later in the'' evening... Miss N. Baxter, a clever girl dancer, gave an j Irish jig, sailor’s hornpipe, and Highland fling in good style. Mrs. Ford sang “Come Back to Erin,” “I Know a Lovely Garden,’ ’, and ..“The Last Rose of Summer.” ,7 Mr. McFarlane was very entertaining with his humorous items,v and his clog dancing was decidedly good. Mrs. Baxter sang with good effect .“Mickey,” “Kiilarnoy,” and “Old Erin, the Shamrock , and You.” Miss M. Baxter, a youthful performer, r. sang “Little Drop of -Irish Blood” and Mr. S. Jameson- gave humorous songs in character. Mr. Fisher’s contributions to o the,. programme included “Mother Machree” and “A Nation Once Again.” Air. Wil-liams-Wood proved himself to be a ventriloquist above the average, and his turn created much amusement. . Welcome additions to the programme were two recitations given by Mr. P. J. Eccleton. At the conclusion the performers .were thanked by Mr. J. P. McEvedy, who also conveyed the thanks of the sports committee and concert committee to the Ellesmere Pipe Band for its services both during the day and again before the concert. The ladies dispensed, supper at a social which followed, Mrs. Baxter, Mr. Mercer, and others providing the music. Altogether the St. Patrick’s Day holiday passed very pleasantly. ' HAMILTON. That the holding of an Irish national concert appealed to many as a fitting conclusion to St. Patrick’s Day was evidenced on March 17, when the Town Hall, Hamilton, was crowded, and many people had to te turned away owing to the lack of accommodation. A very enjoyable programme was presented, and the songs and dances of Erin aroused the audience, to enthusiasm. The convent pupils in their drill-dance, “Hoops,” went through a number of evolutions with grace and precision, and also sang- tho chorus “Oh, Erin, My Country,” with much success. Miss Cora Melvin’s sweet and ’cultured soprano was heard to the fullest advantage in “Killarney” anti “Tho Last Rose of Summer,” and she was warmly recalled. Mr. J. Lonergan quickly became a favorite with the audience, the effectiveness of his fine voice being fully displayed in “The Wearin’ o’ tho Green,” “Off to Philadelphia,” and other numbers, Mrs. E. Kyne sang “Come Back to Erin” and “Where the River Shannon Flows,” and Miss L. Murphy, “A Cottage in God’s Garden,” both being encored. Mr. R. Blackie was heard in a humorous number, Mr. R. P. Donnelly in “An Irishman's Dream,” Air. J. de Silva in a recitation, and Air. M. Brunnette in two well-played clarinet selections. The national dances were a popular feature of the programme, Miss Gladys Denz giving an Irish jig, the Misses Peebles an Irish dance, Air. M. Halcrow a jig, and Air. J. Budge a clog dance and the sailor’s hornpipe. The latter proved himself an exceptionally talented performer. Messrs. J. H. Gittos and Wynyard played the pianoforte accompaniments very sympathetically, and Air. A. Dickson acted as piper for the dances. An enjoyable concert closed with the singing of “God Save Ireland.”