DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 18 January 1912, Page 23

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(By Telegraph from our own correspondent.)

January 15. Rev.-Father O’Connor, of Ross, continues to improve in health. : ; Rev. Father Creed left for the South by last night’s express to attend the retreat of the Christchurch clergy. Rev. Father Carran is still indisposed and is having a much-needed rest. ' * b Rev. Fathers Ganley and Ryan, of Melbourne, arrived here yesterday by the Maheno from Sydney. Rev. Father Skinner arrived here on Saturday, and celebrated his first Mass in the diocese at the Sacred Heart Church yesterday morning. The clergy begin their annual retreat this evening at the Sacred Heart College. It is to be l conducted by the Rev. Father Hunt, C.SS.R. ' In consequence of the retreat of the clergy the meeting of the St. Patrick’s Day committee, which was to be held this evening, has been postponed until the evening of January 22. Mr. John McCormack arrived here yesterday, and on Wednesday will be accorded a reception from the Irish residents in the Town Hall, His concert follows next evening. He leaves for Vancouver on Friday. In* America Miss Marie Narelle joins his company. After his tour in America he appears with Madame Melba at Covent Garden. In about two years he expects to revisit Australia and New Zealand. .An interesting incident worth recording occurred during the visit of the Japanese warships to Auckland last week. A young Irishman, connected with the law, visited one of the ships, and got into conversation with one . of the officers who, on discovering the visitor’s nationality, fairly astounded the latter with his knowledge of Ireland and her history, and its long, unceasing struggle for autonomy. The Japanese officer waxed quite enthusiastic over Home Rule. Then followed the explanation: the officer had studied at Harvard College (United States), and had as a companion there an Irish-American student, from whom he learned much of Ireland’s history. . At the last meeting for 1911 of the Altar Society m connection with the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Remuera, the following annual report was read by the president, Miss Agnes Mulvany:— new year began neQ l * r K °l number of 35, and work to the value of 7. . j 5d was disposed of, consisting of beautifully finished vestments, copes, albs, chasubles, etc. Through the kindness of the nuns a large well-lighted room has been assigned to the society as a workroom, the furniure for which was bought by means of an art union, organised by the president. Work will be resumed in March. The society has on hand for sale at present • a green vestment complete, £2 15s; white vestment, £5. Orders may be sent to the secretary, Miss Boylan, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Remuera.