DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 50, 14 December 1899, Page 5

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

(From our own correspondent.)

December 7. The pupils of the Sisters of Mercy of St. Patrick's parish intend to give a concert in the Catholic Institute this week. The Very Rev. Dean O'Reilly paid a visit to the Thames in the early part of the week in connection with the local Hospital Board and returned to Auckland yesterday morning. The Rev. Father Patterson, lately of Palmerston North, is at present in Auckland, and on last Sunday preached a very fine sermon to a crowded congregation at St. Patrick's. Very many of the candidates for Auckland City when wooing the electors averred they were in favour of Ihe State examination of private schools. It is to be hoped our people will keep them to their promises.

The usual monthly procession of the Most Holy Sacrament took place last Sunday evening at t^e Cattu-dr.il. In the procession were the confraternities of the Children of Mary and the Guard of Honour, and the children of the Convent schools. There was a crowded congregation.

The General Election ha* absorbed local interest entirely It has completely dwarfed Elandsl.tagte, arid Modder River. Politics, however, play a secondary pait in it, pride of place being given to the liquor question. la this connection larye calico sheets were exposed in every part of the City, upon whhh, amongst other names, appeared that of the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes as denouncing prohibition.

Lieutenant-General Clery, whose name appears frequently in connection with the present operations in South Africa, is a brother of the Rev. Father Clery, who was the first parish priest of Onehunga, but now stationed in the diocese of South wark, England. Father Clery built the old church at Onehunga, having come to Auckland in 1850 and staying until ISod. The Clery family comes from County Cork.

Last Friday evening a large and representative meeting from the four city parishes, in connection with next St. Patrick's Day celebration, was held. The clergy were represented by the Very Rev Dean O'Reilly (St. Patrick's), and Rev. Fathers Gillan and Darby (St Benedict's) It was decided to ac once apply for the Domain Cricket Ground, and to hold a rational concert, etc., on St. Patrick's eve, Friday, March 16. The greatest interest was shown in the proceedings.

The Young Mens' Club, Ponsonby, gave another of their enjoyable entertainments in the Sacred Heart schoolroom on Monday evening last. The Very Key. Dr. Egan and Rev. Father Patterson were present. The first part of the programme comprised a chorus by the Club Choristers, and vocal items by Messrs. Harkins, Culhane, Bryant, White, and Reardon, and a recitation by Mr. Young. The second part consisted of a comic operetta, 'Offenbach,' by Messrs. Donovan and Young, a ventrilcquial entertainment by Very Rev. Dr. Egan. and a vocal duot, 'Life's dream is o'er,' by Messrs. Harkins and Patterson. The whole concluded with scene 3 from ' Handy Andy,' the parts being sustained by Messrs. Symons, Reardon, Culhane, Simpson Young and McCoy.