SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

New Zealand Tablet, Volume 31, Issue 44, 31 October 1907, Page 30

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

CATHEDRAL CONFERENCE, CHRISTCHURCH.

Patron, Right Rev. J. J. Grimes, S.M., D.D., Bishop of Christchurch ; spiritual director, Venerable Arch-priest Le Menant des Chesnais, S.M., succeeded by Rev. Father O'Harej president, Bro. E. O'Connor, J.P. ; vice-presidents, Bros.. J. M'Cormack and G. C. Hayward; secretary, Bro. E. Shaniey j treasurer, Bro. P. O'Connell; wardrobe keepers, Bros. F. __ O'Connell and G. Gill; librarian, Bro. J. Hendron. Report and Bala&ce-sheet for Year Ended July 19, 1907 :—: — In presenting our twentieth annual report and balance-sheet of the Cathedral Conference it is our pleasing duty to once again thank most sincerely our beloved chief pastor, His Lordship the Bishop, and his devoted- clergy, notably our late spiritual director, _the Yen. Arch-priest Le Menant des Chesnais, S.M., for many acts of kindly interest and encduragement. To the Rev. . Father M'Dermott, C.S S.R., who so eloquently and effectively pleaded the cause ot the poor and distressed on the occasion of the last annual "appeal, we are deeply indebted. "To - all who, on that occasion and since, have generously subscribed to the funds of the Conference' and have given donations in kind, we return heartfelt thanks on behalf of our numerous deserving clients. Briefly summarised hereunder is an 'account" of the year's work : — A full number of weekly meetings were held during the year, with a fair average attendance. Thirty-seven visits of the Brothers were made to the hospital, -and thirty-five to the Consumptive Camp, at each of which a great deal of good Catholic literature was distributed. Regular visits were made to the various charitable institutions, and the wants of the Catholic inmates within the scope of the society supplied. Relief in food, clothing, fuel, etc., was granted wherever need existed. In several deserving cases monetary help was given, and in seven cases travelling expenses were granted' to enable recipients to go to employment. Twenty-two needy cases were given temporary board and lodging, and employment was found for four persons. With the. assistance of the Conference Catholic inmates of the Jubilee Home were enabled to attend Mass regularly, and, until relieved by the Woolston Conference," the Sisters teaching in the school there were kept supplied with travelling expenses. The Brothers . of the Conterence assist in th© Christian doctrine classes in the Cathedral and at Addington, and also interest themselves in the Boys' Club, under . the direction of Rev. Father O'Dwyer. The efforts of the Conference are unrelaxingin " regard to neglected children, and, mainly through its endeavors, children have been admitted during the year into the Sacred. Heart Orphanage, Stoke Industrial School, and Mother Aubert's Home of Compassion, and necessary expenses were provided through the Conference for the burial of a poor friendless person. The Conference suffered a severe loss during the year owing to the removal to another sphere of duty of our beloved and deeply-devoted spiritual director, the Yen. Arch-priest Le Menant des Chesnais. In his successor, the Rev. Father O'Hare, we .welcomed one who has taken a keen and active interest in the work of the society. We feel this" report would not be complete unless grateful reference was made to Nazareth House, and the splendid work being done in our midst by the devoted Sisters of Nazareth. We warmly recommend their noble mission to the charitable consideration of all classes. Like our own society, no distinction is made in creed or nationality. Sufficient that need exists, and benefactions to the full limit of resources are extended to deserving applicants. Our Conference, in common with others, had the honor of welcoming during the year the Hon. L. F. Heydon, M.L.C., president of the Superior Council of Australasia, whose address, given under the auspices of the society, greatly edified and strengthened the work of members. BALANCE SHEET.

aJMjßixrxot BXPENDITUBB. To Cash balance for- £ b. d. ward B 8 7J „ Collections . at weekly meetings 9 15 o£ „ Special collection on occasion of last annual appeal 20 3 6 i,, Donations 2 10 0 [ „ Interest on deposit in P.O. Savings Bank .0 4 10 v n Subscriptions towardß funeral By Donation to La- £ s. d. dies of Charity 5 6 0 ,„ ClothiQg, books, blankets, etc... 215 0 „ Coals, - groceries, etc.... 1 13 6 „ Funeral expenses 7 4 0 „ Tram fares (inmates of institutions and Teaching Sisters) 4 17 . 6 „ Board and lodging casuals 4 6 0 „ Schoolbooks, liter a t.u r e for Hospital, etc. 7 14 0- „ Assisted passages 2 5 0 „ Printing report, • donation to Particular . Council, and sundries 4 10 3 „ Caßh and balance in hand 4 16 2 expenses ... * 7 4 0 £45" 6 5 . £45 6 5