DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 20 September 1906, Page 14

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(From our own. correspondent.) September 14* The handsome new brick presbytery at Onehunga is nearing completion. Rev. Father Farthing arrives here next Sunday from Sydney for this diocese. The boys at the Takapuna Orphanage have .been presented with a fine set of cricketing material by Mr. C. Little. It was a timely and thoughtful act. Yesterday the Bishop left for Huntly, where Father Clune has been giving another mission. His Lordship will give Confirmation at its close next Sunday. Rev. Fathers Mangan and King, of Melbourne, arlived last Wednesday via the Islands in the 'Navua.' Yesterday morning both left for Rotorua, and will return in time to catch the steamer leaving here next Monday for Sydney. In last Wednesday's issue of our local morning journal appeared an interview with a young French lady by one of the staff, 'On the Church and State in France.' To our non-Catholic friends, who get their information from the cables, the news imparted by this young lady must have proved an eye-opener. His Lordship the Bishop was at Ngaruawahia last Sunday, when the administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to a large number of children and many adults. The Very Rev. Father Olune, C.SS.R., concluded his mission- . the same day, which throughout the week was exceedingly well attended. Rev. Father CabiU also assisted towards 'the close of the "mission. Last. Saturday was the fourth anniversary of theordination of the Rev. Father Holbrook.' The ohil/dren of the. catechism class were determined not to allow the occasion to pass without marking their ■high appreciation of the good work done for them by Father Holbrook., . They assembled in large numbers at . the convent school. There were also present Rev Father Murphy, Brothers George and Joachim, and ladies and -gentlemen of the parish:- Miss "Bessie McDonnell, on behalf of the children, read a most beautifully worded address, and afterwards handed a nicely framed picture containing the photos of the various classes with their teachers. Miss Patricia O'Con-

nor then recited a poem appropriate to the occasion. Several useful presents were given Father Holbrook! Rev. Brother George, on behalf of the boys, added his meed of praise of Father Holbxook for" his untiring efforts on their behalf. N The ; school, •had in him a warm and enthusiastic ' friend. He wished Father Holbrook many , years of successful labor - in their midst. Mr. M. J. Sheahan •also briefly addressed those present, and extolled the good work of Father Holbrook, particularly the great interest always evinced by him in the welfare of the children. Father HolbrooK on rising was warmly applauded, especially by the children. He heartily thanked the children for their nice presents,, which he would always treasure, and he thanked the good Sisters of Mercy who had arranged the programme for the afternoon, and which was so highly creditable to them and their pupils. He never " felt so much at home as when he was with- the children. They had appraised too highly his humble efforts. He thanked Brother George and Mr. Sheahan for their kind references to him, and Mrs. Lennardo and other kind friends for their useful presents. Refreshments were passed around, and several musical items were given by the children*