Oamaru

New Zealand Tablet, 9 July 1908, Page 23

Oamaru

(From Our Own Correspondent.) July 6. Iherc was a good attendance at the Catholic Club rooms on Friday evening last, when an attractive subject for discussion, 'Socialism: Would its adoption be for the benefit of mankind?' was debated. The Rev. Father O'Neill occupied the chair, and the debate was opened by Mr. John Griffiths in the affirmative, his supporters being Messrs. F. Mulvihill and T. O'Grady. The speakers on the negative side were Messrs. E. Barry (leader), Rev. Father O'Neill, J. O'Donnell, and J. Wallace. The discussion created much interest, and the speeches showed careful preparation. The decision of the umpires was unanimously in favor of the negative side. The annual general meeting of the Oamaru Catholic Club was held in St. Patrick's Hall yesterday afternoon. There was a large muster of members, and Rev. Father O'Neill was voted to the chair. The annual report and balance sheet were read by the secretary (Mr. F. J. Mulvihill), and showed the club to be in a sound position, having a credit balance to begin the year. Both were adopted without discussion. The election of officers resulted as follows :— Patron, Right Rev. Mgr. Mackay ; spiritual director, Rev. Father O'Neill ; president, Mr. T. O'Gradj ; vice-presidents— Messrs. J. B. Grave, P. C. Hjorring, T. Tanscy, P. Kelly, C. Browne, E. Curran, P. Corcoran, J. Cooncy, T. Griffiths, and P. I. Duggan ; secretary, Mr. F. Cooncy; treasurer, Mr. J. Wallace; custodians and librarians, Messrs. A. Kay and D. Wright ; auditors, Messrs. W. McCombie and J. Brccn ; executive committee— Messrs. J. O'Donnell, J. Molloy, E. Barry, T. Ford, and Jno. Breen. The newly-elected president took the chair amid applause, and in a felicitous speech thanked the club for the honor conferred upon him. The various officers also returned thanks for their election. Rev. Father O'Neill paid a tribute to the popular ex-secretary, Mr. F Mulvihill, who had, since the club's inception, always taken such pains to make it a success, his efforts being ably seconded by Mrs. Mulvihill. The speaker moved a hearty vote of thanks which was carried amid prolonged applause. A similar compliment was paid to Rev. Father O'Neill, who had been most assiduous in the club's interests, attending the meetings of the club every week regardless of weather, and who took such a deep interest in the welfare of the club and its members. The meeting also passed a vote of thanks to the outgoing officers