DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIII, Issue 23, 8 June 1905, Page 5

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(From our own correspondent.) June 1. Preparations for the amnual social in aid of the Cathedral parish funds have been begun. His Lordship Bisihop Grimes, S.M., arrived in 'Auckland last Saturday via the West Coast, and went on immediately by train to Te Aroha, where the Very Rev. 1 Dean Foley is staying. On Sunday evening special services were field in St. Patrick's Cathedral and St. Benedict's in honor of our Blessed Lady. The Rev. Father Holbrook preached at the Cathedral, and Very Rev. Father Gillan at St. Benedict's.

An ornamental street lamp has been placed upon each corner of the site on which St. Patrick's Cathedral stands. Not only are they ornamental but useful. The City Council has consented to defray the annual cost of lighting thorn. The two old lamps in front of the church are to be removed. Rev. Father Mahoney , of Puhoi, has been appointed by the Bisfhop to the charge of Qnehunga parish. Father Mahoney is a native of Auckland, and spent his primary schooldays at St. Peter's School, now under the care of the Manst Brothers. He is the third son of the late Mr. E. Mahoney, who for years practised here as an architect, which 'business is still carried on by Mr. Thomas Mahoney, the second son. Father Mahoney studied for the priesthood at Thurles College, Ireland. Since his ordination Father Mahoney has majie two extensive tours of the world. The Onehun^a branch of the 11.A.C.8. Society held a most successful entertainment in the Public Hall, Onehunga, last Tuesday evening, May 30. There was a crowded and enthusiastic audience. Many visitors went out from the city. Rev. Father Duffy and Rev. Father Cahill (chaplain of the Auckland branch), and Bros. Nerheny, D.V.P. ; Ka>ne, D.S. ; Little, P.D.P. ; Stead, P D.P. ; D. Flynn (treasurer Auckland branch), John O'Bren, VP. ; and M. J. Sheahan, D.T. (president Auckland brancn) were present. The fine banner of the Auckland branch adorned the stage. Bro. Higgins acted as stage manager, and Bro. Dane as hon. secj-etary of the concert committee. Songs were contributed by Misses L. Knight, Maud Donovan, Coleta Lorrigan, Moody, Mesisrs. R. Man tell, A. Ford, Higgins, a recitation by Mr. Harry Herbert, and pianoforte selections by Miss Simmons. ;The accompaniments were very capably played by Mr. A. Bartley. On last Friday evening a very large audience assembled in St. George's Hall, Coromandel, to give a welcome to the Right Rev. Dr. Lenihan. The chair was occupied by Mr. J. B. RocklifT, ami on the platform _w ere the Rev.. Father Lynch (parish priest), tho Rev. W. Thompson, M.A. ("Presbyterian), Messrs, Swindley (county chairman), T. W. FJhodcs, J.P., Rich. Harrison, J.P., John Lynch, Thos. Carroll, and John Lilhs. The chairman presented an address of welcome to his Lordship, expressive of the pleasure it was for the congregation and people of Coromandel to have their bishop with them, and hoped that his visit would be enjoyable, and that he may long enjoy good health to carry his good work in the Auckland diocese. His Lordship replied, thanking the Coromandel people for the hearty welcome extended him, and he s-aid he would like to come oftener to Coromandel to enjoy the beauties of the surrounding scenery and the short sea trip through the beautiful islands en route ; but his diocese was a vcrv large one, and, he was glad to state, growing much larger. When he was appointed eight yeara ago to the charge oi ihe Auckland district there were only 29 priests in the whole of the Auckland diocese, now there were 50 priests, so that tne people of Coromandel would see he had many other places to look after. He was glad to know that the congregation all spoke in such high appreciation of the Rev. Father Lynch r and where such good feeling existed between the pastor and his flock it was certain pood work would be done in the parisTi. The Rev. W. Thompson, in a humorous speech, accorded a hearty welcome to his Lordship on behalf of the non-Catholics of the district. An excellent programme of vocal and instrumental music was then submitted. On Sunday his Lordship administered Confirmation to a large number of children, and addressed the congregations during the day.