DIOCESE OP AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 25 September 1913, Page 25

DIOCESE OP AUCKLAND

(From our own correspondent.)

The sacred concert which was recently held in the Sacred Heart Church, Ponsonby, was given by the local choir under the conductorship of Mr. A. Dobbs, and several members of the Cathedral Choir and others assisted on the occasion.

Ah effort may be made to secure the attendance of the famous band of St. Augustine's Orphanage, Bendigo, for the Auckland Exhibition contest. The Exhibition Band Contest Committee is most anxious to secure the presence of the boys' band, and it is to be hoped success may crown its efforts.

' Bev. Father Roche was detained here last week, and did not, as intended, leave for Sydney on Monday. He addressed the members of the Holy Family confraternity at their usual weekly meeting. The annual week's mission to this confraternity will commence on Sunday, October 19, and will be conducted by one of the Redemptorist Fathers.

Reference was made recently to the work going on at the Sacred Heart Church, Ponsonby. The' improvements are extensive, and afford much-needed room, and will seat another 250 people, making the total seating accommodation 750. The additions include two transepts, and a sanctuary, the interior design now being cruciform. A new iron roof, replacing the old shingle one, has been put on, and the whole edifice has been repainted and renovated. A new sacristy and committee room have been added. The total improvements will cost £I2OO.

The monthly meeting of the Guard of Honor Society" was held in the Cathedral on the first Sunday, of September. The Rev. Father O'Doherty (spiritual director) was present, and Sister Mercedes presided over a large attendance of members. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: President, Miss C. Gough; vice-president, Miss B. Tuohey; secretary, Miss K. Commons; treasurer, Miss L. Kavanagh. Father O'Doherty congratulated the members on their successful social gathering, which was held in aid of the altar funds. He also thanked them for their presentation, and the social evening given in his honor on his feast day.

At the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Thursday evening a lecture on ' The life and times of Robert Emmet' was delivered by Mr. J. J. Sullivan. There was an excellent attendance. The lecturer dealt most interestingly with the exciting times in which the favorite patriot of the Irish people lived and played so important a part. The lecturer gave a very interesting account of Emmet's student days in Trinity College, during which time he gave promise of the high patriotic ideals by which he was animated in later years; of the Volunteer movement, Grattan's Parliament, and the shameful methods adopted for its destruction, and of the patriots of the time. The arrest and so-called trial, and Emmet's own vindication of his motives were graphically described. The position of Ireland then and now was compared. Belfast was then the nursery and home of Irish patriotism. What a contrast with the Belfast of to-day. The lecture throughout was highly instructive and entertaining. A cordial vote of thanks was accorded the lecturer at the close. Mr. George Higgins presided. During the evening several musical items were capably rendered. The net proceeds of the lecture are to be handed to the Sisters of St. Joseph, of St. Benedict's parish. -

Walhl (From our own correspondent.) , September 18. The Rev. Father Wright expects to leave Victoria on his return to Waihi about October 1.

The Young Men’s Club will hold a picture entertainment (Irish scenes, etc.,) in aid of the club funds on Friday night, October 31. It is expected that the new clubrooms will be erected by Christmas. The Catholic social, which was held on Friday night in the Miners’ Union Hall, proved most enjoyable, though the hall was much too small for the large number that attended. The refreshments supplied by the ladies’ committee were much appreciated. Three socials have now been held in aid of the schools, and have shown a credit balance of £l6 each, thanks to the great work of the ladies.