ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 31 March 1921, Page 39

ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN CHRISTCHURCH

, SPORTS AT LANCASTER PARK. Z"'* _-C J-1, _ L X_ i.l, _ • _ ... kjiiv ui tuts xxxusu suuctMaoi ui »poxiiS gtitxxexxxxga evcx held at Lancaster Park was the second annual meeting of the St. Patrick’s Athletic Sports Association, on , Saturday (says the Press'). A fairly strong northwesterly wind blew during the afternoon-* which was rather trying for the competitors in some of the events, but otherwise the weather was ideal for athletic sports, being neither too hot nor too cold. There was a very large attendance of the public, and a little over £220 was taken at the gates. A splendid programme had been arranged, and the generous prize money and trophies, the total value of which was over £4OO, attracted a large number of entries from all classes of athletes. The result was that every event was keenly contested, and the spectators received full value lor their entrance money. Taking them all round, the performances were extremely good, while excellent handicapping considerably helped to make the competition close and interesting. One of the most popular wins of the day was that of P. O’Shea, the Australasian champion cyclist, in the three miles St. Patrick’s Wheel Race, which he won comfortably, even though he was giving away a lap all but 5 yards. The runners, -both amatures and professionals, acquitted -.themselves well, and the only regret expressed was that the amateur middle-distance champion, C. H. Taylor, had not sufficiently recovered from his Auckland injuries to compete. Taylor won the Shamrock Cup for most points last year, and had only to win it again to make it his own property. The cup, which was presented by Mr. D. J. Kelleher, and is valued at 25 guineas, was won by J. M. P. Canuck, of the Old Levs’ Club, with G points, W. A. Ford being a close second with 5 points. W. L. M.enrv and C. V. Hack, who each won two events, tied with six points for the New Head-, lord Cup, and Mr. T. P. O’Rourke's gold medal for most points in professional exents, L. 11. Dalzell, with 4.t points, being runner-up. Praise is due to the officials for the efficient manner in which they conducted the meeting, which may be judged by the fact that the last race of the big programme was run off only three minutes behind schedule time. Derry’s Rand played an excellent programme of music during the afternoon. IRISH NATIONAL CONCERT. The big area of the King Edward Barracks was crowded out on Saturday night, when an Irish national concert in further celebration of St. Patrick’s Day was given in aid of the Nazareth Home. A lengthy and most excellent programme was presented, the items almost entirely being of a nature distinctly appropriate to the occasion. All the old Irish favorite songs weie sung, and several newer and lesser known numbers were also presented. Particular interest was imparted to the concert by the appearance of Mr. W. , Watters, of Oamaru, and Mr. J. McGrath, both Irish songsters with more than local reputation. The cream of the Christchurch vocalists also assisted, and some very fine items were put on by the Christchurch Lvric Four— Messrs. R. J. Morgan, H. Blakelev, K. More, and E. J. Johnson—who sang “The Dear Little Shamrock, ’ “Softly Dreams,” and, by way of encore, some numbers in which they were equally successful. Derry’s Band opened the programme with a variety of Irish airs. Mr. A. McDonald sang “The Minstrel Roy” and several other songs to quell the clamor of applause. Miss Jean Wagner who is the possessor of a very clear and true soprano voice, sang the ever popular lll S ne ?L and also obliged with encore numbers, ±r - vy alters contributed “The Wearing of the Green, and “O’Donnell Abu,” as his main items, but in response to prolonged applause he sang others. Mr H. Glaysher, of the Greater Crystal Palace orchestra, played some pretty Irish melodies on that instrument rarely heard in solo work, the harp. Miss M O Connor, another fine and cultured soprano, sang Come Back to Erin,” together with enjoyable encore in ?™ B McGrath’s fine bass voice pealed out m The Wests Awake,” “My Irish Land,” and other A x/

stirring songs. Mr. Phil Jones also contributed to the programme. Mr. R. Moloney sang a budget of songs very acceptably, and Miss Olga Wacked confl'l'Untorl Q~ J” .1 A lxj-u-Liiwi vjWU. uavo jLJLCianu. turn ULlltU suiigs. jr± recitation, the only one on the programme, was given by Mr. Frank McDonald, “Shamus O’Brien.” At an' interval during the concert his Lordship Bishop Brodie, who was present with a party of his clergy, returned very sincere thanks to the performers and the organisers of the concert, and expressed the hope that a garden fete to be held shortly in aid of the same charity would achieve the success enjoyed by the concert, me work ,of the accompaniste, Miss Mina Ward, contributed largely to the success of the vocal efforts. -