ASHBURTON

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 7, 14 February 1907, Page 24

ASHBURTON

(B'rom our own correspondent.)

February 12. The new Catholic presbytery is well nigh completed. Owing to the departure of ,Mr. A. J. Muller from this district, Mr. M. J. Burgess has taken over the conductorship of the choir, which is doing exceptionally well under his able guidance. Mr. H. P. Madden has been appointed to represent the local branch of the" H.A.C.B. "Society at the triennial movable meetting to be held at Auckland in March. The weather for some time past has been exceptionally dry, and business in connection with the sheep market is practically- at a. standstill. Many - grass fires have occurred of late-, one farmer having the whole of . his crop burnt. The Catholic Literary Society held their annual meeting a short time ago, when, the following officers were elected ;— President, Mr. S. Madden ; vice-presi-dent, Mr. W. Moriarty ; treasurer, Rev. 'Father McDonnell ; secretary, Mr. L. Madden ; librarian, Mr. Jos. Moison ; council, Messrs. M. J. Burgess, T. O'Carroll, D. McDonnell, M. Fitzgerald, and E. Hanrahan ; auditors, Messrs. F. Brophy and Jas. Murphy. On Thursday, February 7, tihe Literary Society gave an 'at home ' to which they invited their friends. There was a large attendance, and Mr. S. Madden (president) occupied- the cchar.i r . The programme consisted of games, music, and recitations. Those who assisted, we re :— Sb.ngs, Misses Brankdn, Hatnil, C. Mad"diMi, A. McDonnell, and E. McKenna, and Messrs* Jas. Hanrahan, T. and J. Healy, and '• T. Brophy ; pianoforte solos, Mrs. Scratt, Misses Brankin and CaUwright (Oamaru), and Mr. Fernandez ; (recitation, Mr. F. K. Cooper. ,During the evening opportunity was taken to present three diplomas of merit, from the. Executive of Ihe Federated Catholic Young Men's Societies to ' Messrs. F. K. Cooner, M. J. Burgess, and T). McDonnelHor distinguished- services to Ihe society. Mr. Burgess was also presented with a dinloma as first urize im the" local ■ club's oratorical comoetition. Mr. ' Madden in making' the wresmtatirvn made a few complimentary remarks, nsneciallv concSrati'laUng Mr. Burgess on his speech. The recipients suitably responded.