CONVERSAZIONE AT TOWN HALL

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LI, Issue 10, 6 March 1924, Page 6 (Supplement)

CONVERSAZIONE AT TOWN HALL

The conversazione at the Town Hall on Wednesday evening was a brilliant success. Prolonged cheers greeted the prelates on their entering the building, the "War March of the Priests" (Atilla) pealed forth from the organ. The venerable Jubilarian thanked the Australian prelates for the great honor their presence conferred on the Dominion, and expressed satisfaction at seeing thousands present to greet them. Archbishop O'Shea associated himself with the Most Rev. Dr. Redwood's remarks. Mr. P. J. O'Regan, in a vigorous speech, castigated the Mayor of Wellington, who clearly did not represent the people, for failing to do his duty. He referred to Dr. Liston as the only Bishop honored by prosecution for sedition, and commended the Mayor and Council of Nelson for their recognition of a great citizen. Archbishop Barry, Bishops Dwyer (Wagga), and Bishop O'Farrell also spoke, the latter references to Wellington's bumbledom was received with great applause. Rev. Father Ryan's singing delighted the vast audience, and the gathering provided a grand termination to a most successful series of celebrations. The musical part of the conversazione was of excellent quality. It consisted of the following items:—"Jubilee Song" (words by Eileen Duggan, music by Bernard Page), by the combined choirs, conducted by Signor A. Truda; song, "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms" (encore, "Mother Machree"), Mr. P. Fitzgerald; song, "The Fairy Tales of Ireland" (encore, "Waiata Poi"), Miss M. McKeowen; song, "The Ould Plaid Shawl" (encore, "Casey's Fiddle"), Mr. Charles Hickmott; song, "O'Donnell Abu" (encores, "Minstrel Boy," "My Little Kerry Cow," and "Snowy Breasted Pearl"), Rev. Father Ryan, S.M.; "Credo," from Gounod's ."Messe ; Solennelle," combined choirs- and "Faith of Our Fathers" (all). A feature of the concert was the singing of two Maori songs by a quartet of Maori ladies, "Greetings to the Visitors" and "Farewell." Father Ryan's fine voice was delightful, and he was at home equally in the Jiumor and pathos: of the '. Irish songs. Themassed singing was a fine .volume of melody, an inspiring experience. The enthusiasm throughout was quite remarkable. - '*-- .-•-* , ~ < --

"Caught by the Camera"

Two Great Archbishops Archbishop Redwood Archbishop Mannix