Ashburton

New Zealand Tablet, 4 September 1913, Page 45

Ashburton

(From our own correspondent.) Rev. Father lianrahan, of Ross, has been spending a couple of days with his people in Ashburton. Matters in connection with the local Catholic Young Men's Club are progressing satisfactorily. One of the most interesting and keenly contested debates yet held by the club took place last week. The subject for debate was, 'ls an Elective Executive preferable to a Ministry under the party system?' Mr. E. McSherry led for the affirmative side of the question, while Mr. T. M. Brophy championed the party system. Following the leaders, speeches were made by several of the members—-

all the speakers giving evidence of haying given considerable thought to the subject. A vote resulted in the chairman (Mr. M. J. Moriarty) announcing a victory for Mr. McSherry's party. - ' • .: , Consequent on her approaching marriage, the members of the Catholic choir and friends made a suitable presentation in the schoolroom, on Monday night last to Miss C. Madden. In presenting Miss Madden with an electro-plated tea service, the Very Rev. : Dean O'Donnell spoke in very complimentary terms of the recipient's work as a choir member, and wished her every blessing in her new life. Mr. H. P. Madden, on behalf of his daughter, briefly thanked the Dean for his kind remarks, also the large number of subscribers; for their handsome present. Games were indulged in during the evening, Very Rev. Dean O'Donnell and Mrs. S. Madden winning special prizes in the competitions. The following contributed to a musical ; programme: —Misses K. Nealon, M. Cunningham, C. Madden, and T. Hicks, Messrs. Duncan McDonald, T.. M. Brophy, W. J. Cunningham, E. McSherry, T. Purcell, M. J. Burgess, and J. Lennon. Mesdames D. McCormick and Walsh, who kindly superintended the refereshments, provided a much appreciated supper. The singing of ' Auld lang syne' terminated an enjoyable evening. Cromwell The pupils of the Dominican Convent, assisted by many past pupils and several of our leading local talent, gave their annual entertainment in the hall on Wednesday evening, and were greeted with an audience which packed the building to the doors. The programme, 'despite the. task of selecting new items year after year, was of a most varied nature, and the success of the nuns in this respect was clearly manifest in all directions. With so many juveniles taking part it would be Unjust to individualise; suffice it to remark that the leading figures and assistants in several lengthy items 'portrayed their parts to perfection, and gave striking proof of the skill and attention of the nuns in the many rehearsals during the last few weeks. A solo by Mrs. Morris, and a duet by Mrs. and Miss Morris were both Well received. The accompanists during the evening Were Misses Cahill, F. Robertson, and A. Thomas. The proceeds amounted to over £3O. Westport A large gathering of friends and club members was held at St. Canice's rooms, to farewell one of the members, Mr. J. W. Ahem, of the local P. and T. staff, 'under orders of transfer to the operating gallery at Oamaru (says the Westport News of August 8). During an interval, the chairman, Mr. F. Calnon, mentioned the object of the gathering, namely, to farewell one of. their most popular members and to wish him everysuccess. The chairman then called on Mr. Pearce, the; •club secretary, to make a presentation of a set of military brushes, suitably inscribed, as a mark of the esteem 'in which their departing member was held. In an appropriate speech, Mr. Pearce referred to the good work the recipient had done in bringing in junior members to the club, and the ready assistance he had always given at their social functions. Mr. Ahem, in reply, thanked the members for their kindly action, and expressed the hope that he would be shortly back again With them. Songs, recitations, etc., completed a very pleasant evening's programme. Mr. Ahem was also the recipient from the P. and T. Hockey Club, of which he had been an active member, of a handsome goldmounted watch guard, the presentation being made by Mr. Egan, who paid a meed of < praise to the good qualities of Mr. Ahern. " ; -'■■'..%""' - *