FATHER HOLBROOK’S WIN

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1048, 12 August 1930, Page 10

FATHER HOLBROOK’S WIN

PARISH FUNDS BENEFIT BY £SOO OPENING OF NEW HALL "We have reason to be grateful to Providence for many favours indeed, and among these, my recent success in winning the second prize in The Sun Popularity Contest, which has meant more than £SOO for the benefit of the parish school funds,” said Archdeacon Holbrook, parish priest, who presided at an exceptionally well attended gathering last evening on the occasion of the opening of the new parish hall in connection with St. Joseph’s, Grey Lynn. There were between 700 and SOO present. Tn his opening address Father Holbrook welcomed his Lordship Bishop Liston and expressed thanks to the builders of the hall and many others who had given assistance. In commenting upon the £SOO won as a result of his contesting The Sun’s Popularity Competition, he said that, during the week, arrangements had also been completed for the consolidation of the parish debts and for a sinking fund for clearing off the debt. PART OF HIGH SCHOOL The building originally formed part of St. Mary's High School, Ponsonby, but on the completion of the new college at Ponsonby the building was purchased for St. Joseph's. The hall, thoroughly equipped, had cost £S69. and would certainly have cost even a greater figure than that had it not been for the voluntary services of many of the men. The same accomodation, were it erected with new ma terials, would today cost at lease £2,000. -CONGRATULATIONS His Lordship expressed great pleasure at being present to declare the hall open, and in doing so he congratulated Father Holbrook and the parishioners on the building, which would serve so usefully the needs of the parish. With a bright smile he referred to Father Holbrook’s recent success in The Sun contest, and offered him congratulations. “What a grand idea to have the members of the Holy Name Society undertake this work under Father Holbrook’s direction,” he said. It was gratifying to him to learn of the arrangements concerning the parish finances.

Musical items arranged by Mr. W. Dickson made the evening a most pleasant one. Various items were given by Father Duffy, Messrs. O'Halloran, Brobery and Parker, and after supper, which was supplied and served by the women of the parish, the rest of the evening was spent in dancing and cards.