The annual parade of our Star of the Sea Society was held on St. Patrick's Day and was one of the most successful in many years.

It is just forty years since the Association was founded by the late Rev. Father Irvine and the late Magistrate O'Reilly who remained president until his death.

 Through good times and hard times, fair weather and foul, it has held steadily on, and though at one time its membership had dwindled to a bare thirteen, thank God today, the members on the roll total nearly two hundred "good men and true," over forty of whom are serving at the front.

Leaving the hall accompanied by their band the body proceeded to Church where High Mass was celebrated by the Rt. Rev. Mgr. Reardon. After mass the society visited the good Sisters of the Convent where felicitations were exchanged. The [illeg] to the Rectory, where, in the unavoidable absence of the President, Mr. W. J. Walsh MHA, Vice-President Mr. Alexander Collins made a very appropriate speech and was warmly complimented by the Pastor in his reply.

After the march through the principal streets with the band discoursing sweet music on the way, return was made to the hall when the Fourtieth parade of the Placentia Star of the Sea was brought to a close.

At night a very eloquent lecture on the Irish Race was delivered to a select and appreciative audience by Richard H. Devereaux, Esq., MHA. To attempt a description of the oration is beyond the province of the writer. Suffice to say that those who have a knowledge of Mr. Deveraux as a lecturer will understand the intellectual treat afforded us. We are truly grateful with courtesy in coming here at such a busy time.

The speaker paid a well merited compliment to president Walsh in referring to his (Mr. W's) speech at the opening of the legislature which he describes as one of the best efforts made in the house in twenty years.

In suitable words Mr. M. Sinnott proposed a note of thanks to Mr. Devereaux which was seconded in an appropriate speech by Magistrate O'Reilly and unanimously carried.

Lieutenant O'Grady followed with a very fine description of the life and work of "ours" in Scotland and at the front. He was listened to with earnest attention. All of those present have either sons, relatives, or friends engaged in the European Conflict.

"God Save the King."

Placentia, March 18, 1916


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