Christchurch Catholic Club.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 43, 22 October 1903, Page 6

Christchurch Catholic Club.

(From our own correspondent ) Tin- hi w looms of the Christchurch Catholic Club, rcrenlly iii'cxl up in the Hibernian Hall, Baihadoes Mmvl "weie iounalh' opened on last Tuesday evening Hi-, Lni;M'.u> the Bishop, the Vciy Re\ Virar-CJeoei nl, the Re\ Fat'ads Marnane, Richards, and O'Connell, Sir G purge and L.i'lv Chflord, Mrs A. J. White, and the Misses White, and a large number of members and muted guests v.i'ic present The piesidenl, Mr R O. Duncan, in welcoming the Msitors, said 1 hat the iact of the large attendance was mi^t giatilyinir, and he honed was 'a good onion- for the futuie suoce-s and prospeiity of the Club In the past they had encountered ups and downs, and had many difficulties to contend with The fine library, placed at then dispo al by the Bishop in their old rooms, would lie missed, a\ least so far as easy access to its contents was concerned lie was sorry the Rev. Father McDonnell

was unable to be present that evening~f~ and ~ eulogised their devoted chaplain's good work in regard to the Club. Much credit for past success was due to members of former executive committees, and all were keenly interested m the welfare of what would be made one of tjhe leading Clubs of the city. Sir George Cliflord, in the course of a very fine address, said he desired first to thank the ladies for adding grace and attractiveness to the opening meeting. Personally, he was grateful to be present and privileged to take part in a work calculated to be of inestimable value. If their career in the past had not prospered as many should wish, the future was full of possibilities-. In gathering together in clubs such as ours we meet those of our own faith,; higher and nobler thoughts were engendered, the general tone of social intercourse elevated, all tended to make good Catholics, whose influence, when brought in contact with others, would combat that levity and lack of reverence so prevalent in the community. All should bear a part in extending the Church's dominion, and no power was better fitted for the task than Catholic organisations. Although we scarcely looked at the matter in the right perspective, slow but undoubtedly sure was the restoration of the Anglo-Saxon Englishspeaking race to the inheritance of St. Peter. Contemplate for a moment the majestic Cathedral, the glory of London, now about completed, and another a few paces from where we are at present gathered which is the admiration of New Zealand, and say have we not advanced. Moieover, the advantages gained are not grudged us by Christians of other denominations, they are advantages gained by the self-sacrificing devotion of our zealous clergy, who, prepared to face all the dangers of their predecessors of old, have inherited the esteem and admiration of all Christian citizens. Numerous examples could be quoted to illustrate the advantages to be gained by the individual and to religion in Catholic institutions such as the Club. The Church is not such a danger as it was formerly thought to be (of course erroneously), happy results largely contributed to by well-in-formed, good-living laity, spreading themselves among others, silently doing their duty to their religion, to their fellow-man, and to their country without cant and hypocrisy. He sincerely trusted the Club would prosper and continue to do the great work outlined in its constitution, and concluded by declaring the Club's rooms open. His Lordship Bishop Grimes' said he experienced a two-fold feeling at the speech just delivered. Admiration of the true Catholic sentiments expressed by Sir George Clifford, listened to with pleasure and satisfaction, and regret at not hearing him speak oftener in public. He desired to disagree with the president, who, in his introductory remarks, attributed most of the Club's past success to the clergy ; this he disavowed. He did not wish the cleigy to be too prominent in pursuits which were essentially the work of the laity. Such work would place the clergy at a disadvantage, and preludices once formed were often with difficulty 'removed. He wished the Cliub a successful career. Songs were 1 given by Miss A Carter, the Rev. Father O'Connell, and Messrs. E. McNamara, W. McKay, J F. Shanly, K. Hayward, F. Evans, and R. A. Home, and instrumental selections were given by Mr. j'. Wright's banjo band and Mr. C. Geoghegan's orchestra. Mr. Home was the accompanist. Light refreshments were provided. The Club rooms arc large and well fitted with all the appliances necessary to such an institution, among them being a first-class piano and a good billiard table, on which an exhibition game was played during the evening by Sir George Clifford and the president.