NEW PLYMOUTH

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LI, Issue 49, 10 December 1924, Page 15

NEW PLYMOUTH

(From our own Correspondent.) December 1. Miss Teresa McEnroe, of Wellington, who was the principal soloist at the Male Choir Concerts held in New Plymouth this week, was the guest of honor at a social gathering arranged by a committee of members of St. Joseph’s Church, at the Rolland Flail. The Rev. Father Lynch presided, and in his speech of welcome referred in eloquent and thoughtful terms to the high artistic attainments of Miss McEnroe, and also to the influence on life generally which emanated from the great centre of art and learning of the old world. A few musical items and a dainty afternoon tea combined to make the function a pleasant one. Miss Maida Hooker, the talented young Hawera musician, is to give a recital in New Plymouth on December 9. Miss Hooker lias had, a brilliant career. In 1916 she was awarded the Associated Board’s Scholarship for the piano for the whole of Australasia, a much coveted honor. Since then she has been pursuing her studies, first under Air. F. Hutchens in Sydney, and afterwards in London., where for four years she was under Air. Alexander at the Royal College, and finished under Tobas Alatthay, one of the greatest teachers in England. In connection with the forthcoming carnival the West-end stall committee held a mart on the 15th ult., which was very successful. On November 22, at Mrs. Golding’s beautiful private residence and grounds, a garden party was held in aid of the children’s stall, when a large sum was raised. At an earlier date a garden party was held at Mrs. J. Maher’s residence and grounds, with the result that the West-end stall funds benefited appreciably. On the 24th ult. the Hibernians held another of their series of euchre parties and dances in the Rolland Hall. The final one of the year will be held next week. It is hoped they will be revived next year, for apart from their financial aspect they are a decided advantage in that they interest the younger generation of Hibernians and create an interest in the society, which has taken

a new lease of life, and it would be a matter lor deep regret were it allowed to languish in its .activities and usefulness. During the week his Grace Archbishop O’Shea paid a visit to this end of the archdiocese. A large number of children and several adults were confirmed by the Archbishop, who also paid a short visit to itara, where confirmation was administered. The Railway Department some time ago acquired a property of about 45 acres on Avenue Road, New Plymouth, for the purpose of providing homes for railway employees. The department lot a contract for the erection of the first 28 bouses, and already much of the timber and joinery, etc., is on the ground. Each house will consist of three bedrooms, living room, kitchen, bathroom, wasnlioo.se and scullery, with wood and coalshod and sanitary conveniences under separate roof. It is understood that the bouse rent will be one day’s wages per week. •