Diocesan News

New Zealand Tablet, 15 May 1913, Page 24

Diocesan News

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON (Frem our own correspondent.) ■ •- -. , May 9. The many friends of. Mr. J. C. Scanlon, chief gaoler at Wellington, who has been seriously ill with double pneumonia for the past six weeks, will be pleased to learn that he is now well on the road to recovery. The membership of the arch-confraternity of the Holy Rosary, which was erected in St.-Anne's, Wellington South, some time ago, has now reached 1300. The last Sunday of the month is set aside as the devotional Sunday for the confraternity. The St. Aloysius branch of the H.A.C.B. Society, Wellington \ South, has organised a series of winter socials which are being well patronised at St. Anne's Hall. Last Monday evening there was a large attendance and a most enjoyable evening was spent. The Public Schools' Rugby Union, which is controlled by the public school teachers, has again declined to allow the Marist Brothers' boys to compete for the championship. This unsportsmanlike action has caused some adverse comment, but all to no avail. On Sunday, May 3, a number of children made their Fifst Communion at St. Mary of the Angels', Boulcott street, at the 8 o'clock Mass, which was celebrated by the Rev. Father Joseph Herring, S.M., who had prepared the children for this most important event of their lives. After Mass the children were entertained at breakfast by Mrs. T .G. Macarthy in St. • Patrick's Hall.

The men’s branch of the arch-confraternity of the Sacred Heart met at St. Anne’s Church on Friday evening last, there being a fair attendance of members. The Rev. Father A. T. Herring, S.M., gave a very interesting instruction on the Holy Rosary. This confraternity is now affiliated to the arch-confraternity in Rome.

The Rev. Father Venning memorial committee met last Wednesday evening under the presidency of the Very Rev. Dean O’Shea, S.M., V.G. Owing to the many calls that are being made on the Wellington Catholics at the present time, it was decided to stop the active canvassing and invest the amount already collected. For this purpose Colonel Collins, C.M:G., 1.5.0., and Messrs. Callaghan and Ellis were appointed trustees. Donations of course will still be thankfully received by the treasurer (Mr. B. Ellis, Feather street), or the secretary (Mr. P. D. Hoskins, 15 Emerson street), or any of the clergy. At some future date active canvassing will again be undertaken by the committee.

The usual fortnightly meeting of St. Mary’s (ladies’) branch of the H.A.C.B. Society was held in St. Patrick’s Hall on last Monday evening, Sister D. McGrath, 8.P., being in the chair. Rev. Father J. Herring (chaplain) was also present. The delegates to the Napier conference (Sisters D. McGrath and G. O’Flaherty) presented their report, and were accorded a hearty vote of thanks for the same. A hearty vote of thanks was also passed to the Napier, Hastings, and Waipawa branches for their hospitality to the delegates during the conference. Members were reminded of the annual social to be held in St. Peter’s Hall on June 18. The balance sheet for the quarter disclosed a most satisfactory position, from both a financial and numerical point of view.

On last Wednesday evening the Te Aro schools’ social took place in the large Town Hall. This year the social was under the auspices of the Wellington Catholic Education Board, and proved a great success. The large hall was crowded. The first part of the evening was devoted to moving pictures which were thoroughly enjoyed. It is anticipated that as a result of this social tho funds of the Education Board will be considerably augmented. The next social in aid of the fund is being

organised by the Newtown Catholic school committee. The date is fixed for May 28, and it twill held at St. Anne's Hall. • The tickets are in. circulation, and those who purchase- them, will help i the great i cause of Catholic education. A pleasant and enjoyable;evening is guaranteed by the committee under the Jdirection of Newtown's popular pastor, the Ven. Archdeacon Devoy. The ; Catholic Club's dramatic - branch'■* staged the drama, The Barrister,' before a large and appreciative audience on last Thursday evening at St. Peter's Schoolroom. The piece was well staged, and the acting throughout was of. a high order of merit and reflected much credit on the performers. The proceeds will be devoted towards defraying the expenses of the delegates to the Federated Club's conference at Christchurch last Easter. At the conclusion of the performance the members of the dramatic branch met at supper with a few visitors, when a number of toasts were duly honored. After the toast list had been gone through, Mr. W. B. Keany, in a few well-chosen words, presented Mr. C. J. McErleam with a handsome goldmounted fountain pen as a token of esteem from his fellow-members of the dramatic branch on the occasion of his transfer from Wellington. Mr. McErlean suitably responded.