NAPIER.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 15, 10 April 1902, Page 4

NAPIER.

The Catholic Young Men's Association, Napier, held a social evening 1 in the Grtiety Theatre on Tuesday nght of last week (says the llawlies Bay Herald), for the puipose of bringing the aims and objects of the association more prominently before the public, and of increasing the inteiettaheady taken in it. There was a very large attendance of young people of both sexes. The room had been suitably arranged to enable those present to participate in games of every description, and even an occasional dance. Tables were distributed down the centie and sides of the ball, and round these wtre grouped small oottnes intent upon some indoor pastime. The proceedings were interspersed with songs and recitations contributed

by Misses O'Rourke (2), Messrs. Ledger, Pritchard, Bear, and Renouf, while Mr. J. Mullaney danced a sailor's hornpipe and Irish jig. Mrs.iCorry and Misses O'Rourke, Murnane, and Falconer played the accompaniments to the vooal items and dances. Tea, coSee, and light refreshments were handed round. Father Goggau, who presided, and who was untiring ia his endeavor to see that all enjoyed themselves, welcomed the company , and explained that the association sought to develop the mental, moral, and physical character* of the young men, to provide them with rational means of recreation which would be an outlet for their physical and mental energies. It was in no sense, however, a religious organisation. Indeed, it might be called non-sectarian, since the subject of religion was not obtruded upon members in any way. It was purely a social club. He trusted they might soon have a social hall, where not only Catholic young men, but others, would be made welcome, and which would help to bring the young men together and make for the advancement of the people. He thanked all who had assisted in any way in providing so enjoyable an evening's entertainment. The success of the evening was in a great measure due to the. efforts of Mr M. F. O'Rourke, who, owing to the illness of the hon. secretary (Mr J. P. Fortune, who i 3 laid up with typhoid at thehos ) pital), was called upon to carry out the duties of secretary pro tern and who spared no effort to promote the enjoyment of all. It was mentioned that the association already had over £200 in hand out of a sum of £450 required for the erection of a suitable hall, and that a good site had been offered to them.