ST. PATRICK'S DAY AT GREYMOUTH

New Zealand Tablet, 8 April 1920, Page 19

ST. PATRICK'S DAY AT GREYMOUTH

In the face of a westerly gale, huge crowds made their way to the Irish national concert held in the Town Hall last night (says the Greymouth Evening Star of March 17). So great was the crowd that when the curtain rose standing room only was available. The programme was an admirable one. The opening numbers were "Hail, Glorious St. Patrick" (a) and "Tunes We Love to Hear" (b), by the Marist Brothers' boys and conducted by Brother Luke. The boys' spirited singing proved very popular and prolonged applause arose at the conclusion of each song. Allan Doone's catchy "Toast to Erin" was the encore item, sung splendidly by the boys, all dressed in the school uniform, composed of white shirts and shorts, with green ties and sashes. A gem was the "Dear Little Shamrock," as sung by Mr. Fred Smith, as was also his return number, "Oft in the Stilly Night." The instrumental selections by Misses Plielan, Fletcher, Brown, Laylor, Hudd, Kelly, Wallace, Master Moore (violins)', and Miss Daly (piano) were all exceptionally well played. The stage appearance and technique of the young players were of a very high order indeed. Their encore numbers were also greatly appreciated. "Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms" and an encore number were both sung by Miss M. Griffen with perfect enunciation and charm. The Irish jig was nicely danced by the Misses Fletcher, who, in response to loud applause, gave a sand jig. The fine singing of Mr. Berti was most popular, and only after singing "The Irish Emigrant" and two encores was lie allowed to retire. Miss Hatch sang the "Minstrel Boy" excellently. The same applies to her recall number. "Ireland, I Love You" was sung by Miss A. McGrath delightfully, and she was equally successful in her response to a recall. Great applause greeted Mr. J. Molloy's song, "Irish Volunteers," which he acknowledged in a very appropriate encore. The vocal selection, "Erin, Oh Erin" was very well sung by Misses Higgins, Fowler' Bellamy, Williams, O'Reilly, Messrs Stapp, Clarke, Molloy, and Giffney. Miss D. Daly played the piano solo Kathleen Mavourneen" and an encore number brilliantly. "The Ringers" was sung in a masterly style by Mr. E. H. Short, whose encore number, "Friends Once Again," made a special appeal. An overture by the Peerless Orchestra opened the remainder of the programme, after which the

Marist boys again delighted the audience with their fine singing oF “Ireland, My Ireland” “O’Donnell Aboo.” Mr. T. Stopforth . sang “For the Green,” ; and for an encore “Mother Machree.” ‘‘She Is ’ Far From the Land” was beautifully sung by Miss Jones. Her 'encore ■ number was “Athlone.” “Little Irish Girl,” sung by : Miss 'A. owler, met with much acceptance, as also her encore. The ‘‘lrish National Dance” -'was given in costume by Miss M. Hannan. In response to continued applause the dance, was repeated. The vocal selection, “Last Rose of Summer,” was sung very sweetly by Misses Higgins, Fowler, 0 Reilly, Griffon, Williams, and Bellamy. A very fine item was “Emmet’s Speech From the Dock,” studiously delivered by Mr. A. Giffney. Mr.' Berti again favored the audience with his fine singing in “Eileen Mavourneen” and In the Cathedral.” The concluding item was a tableau tastefully arranged and well balanced. The members of the tableau sang “A Nation Once Again” in spirited style, and were loudly applauded, which terminated a memorable evening. / v h - ■,; / IRISH SELF-DETERMINATION FUND. A meeting of members of the Hibernian Society was held last week to arrange for the canvass of the Greymouth district to further the cause of Ireland’s claim for self-determination. It was decided to appoint collectors in the country districts, and to hold a gathering of the friends of Ireland in Columba Hall on Friday week next (Easter week), admission to be free and subscription lists to circulate in the hall. Appropriate addresses and musical items will form the evening’s programme, *. and representative speakers are to be invited. A record meeting is anticipated. Father McGrath was appointed treasurer of the fund.