DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 26 June 1913, Page 31

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(By telegraph, from our own correspondent.) June 23. His Lordship Bishop Cleary, who had been unwell during the past week, is now greatly improved. Another new branch of the Hibernian Society was most successfully opened yesterday at Pukekohe, of which Rev. Father Molloy is parish priest. Bro. Kane (district secretary) left for Pukekohe on Saturday morning, and in the evening had the majority of those seeking admission to the branch examined by the doctor, and had also arranged the preliminaries connected with the opening ceremony. Bros. Flynn (district president), A. Martin (vice-president), and Sheahan (treasurer) motored out on Sunday morning. Rev. Father Molloy, in an earnest address to the congregation, pointed out the great advantages of belonging to the Hibernian Society. He exhorted every eligible member in the parish to join this excellent Catholic Society, as it would be the best answer to give in reply to the correspondence now going on in the columns of the Tablet. After Mass he invited all to a meeting in the convent schoolroom to hear addresses from the district officers. This invitation was cordially accepted, and the four officers briefly addressed the meeting ; each, from different standpoints, showed the advantages gained by belonging to the society. Rev. Father Molloy then asked all to return at half-past 2 o’clock in the afternoon, at which hour the hall was filled, many ladies being present. The twenty-five candidates who presented themselves were duly elected. They were introduced by the district vice-president. The district president delivered the initiation address, and was assisted by the district treasurer. It was decided to name the new branch St. Patrick’s, and to meet every alternate Monday night. The following officers were chosen:President, Bro. Russell; vicepresident, Bro. Costello; secretary, Bro.. W. Duggan; treasurer, Bro. J. Ready; warden, Bro. G. Flynn; guardian, Bro. R. Lonergan; sick visitors, Bros. W. McNaulty and E. Ryan; trustees ßros. P. P. McGovern, T. Hogan, and J. Costello. The district president expressed his great pleasure and satisfaction at the prospects of the new branch. Right Rev. Mgr. Brodie, through the district treasurer, sent his heartiest congratulations and best wishes to the new branch. He said he knew from experience of the excellent work accomplished throughout Australasia, by the society. The district secretary then explained in detail the financial aspect of the society, and gave to the members good advice as to the working of the branch. In conclusion, he thanked Father Molloy for the valuable assistance rendered in bringing about the formation of St. Patrick’s branch, Pukekohe. Father Molloy, in reply, thanked the Sisters for the use of the schoolroom. The branch president thanked the district officers for their attendance and good work. Father Molloy heartily supported the motion, which was replied to by the district president. Ten candidates will be proposed at the next meeting night. At Huntly, on next Sunday, another new branch of the society will be opened. 1

Rev. Father Holbrook, writing to the Tablet correspondent from the House of Commons, states that he had been splendidly entertained by Messrs. Devlin and Hazleton, who made many inquiries about friends in Auckland, especially his Lordship Bishop Cleary. Rev. Father Holbrook was introduced to Mr. John Bedmond, M.P., who sent this message to New Zealand: We are most grateful to the people of New Zealand

for their loyal support of the National cause. Victory is certain, unless something extraordinary happens. Unless we strike an iceberg as unexpectedly ■: as - did the Titanic, we shall have Home Rule, and that in a very short time.’ Father Holbrook continued: ‘This is His message as well as I ■ can remember his words. It '. is simply a matter of playing the waiting game to keep the } Government in power until at least May, 1914, when the Bill becomes law. It is a moral ...certainty that the Liberal Administration must remain in power. It is supported by— (l) the Irish members for Home Rule; (2) the Scottish members, for the Licensing Bill (3) the Welsh members, for the Disestablishment Bill ; and (4) the Labor members, for all they can get for labor.’ . The Marist Brothers’ Old Boys received 'Holy Communion at a special Mass at 8 , o’clock in the Cathedral on Sunday. Monsignor Brodie was the celebrant of the Mass, after which all assembled in the convent school for breakfast. ' • '