Oamaru

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LI, Issue 15, 10 April 1924, Page 31

Oamaru

(From our own correspondent.) April 3. Bishop Whyte paid his first visit to Oamaru last week since his trip abroad. He celebrated Mass at the Basilica at 8.30, gave, a brief instruction, and in the evening preached to a large congregation. The children of St. Joseph's entertained him to a concert which showed considerable latent talent among the children. The boys of St. Thomas' Academy also gave a very bright and entertaining programme in his Lordship's honor. At the annual meeting of the Celtic Football Club, Mr. M. F. Cooney presiding, it was decided to disband. Several factors operated against a continuance of the club, said the president, these being disinclination to practise whole-heartedly by' some of the members- of the teams, lack of proper coaching, and a dearth of recruits with some knowledge of the game—due to the fact that Oamaru is handicapped by the absence of a. teaching Order of Brothers to foster a love for the manly sports so essential to growing youths. The club had a record of which, it had no reason to be ashamed, and its absence from the football field this season will be much regretted. The St. Patrick's concert was held on the 24th ult., among the audience being Bishop Whyte. All the numbers were well received and recalls were numerous. The vocal side of the entertainment was made up of well-chosen national items by Mrs. Foote. Miss Bella Median, and Messrs. R. Holgate and Andrews. Mr. Allan Young pleased the audience immensely with the quality of his recitations and the manner in which he rendered thorn. Dancing items of a high order were indulged in by Misses Eileen McMahon, Eua Murray, and Bene Robinson, Miss A. Denholm accompanying one of the items. Miss Nance Spiers at the piano, Mr. W. Median with the bagpipes, and the Oamaru Municipal Band lent valuable aid in making the musical part of the performance a success; while Mr. James McKone carried out the duties of stage manager.