DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 3 June 1915, Page 25

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(By telegraph, from our own correspondent.) May 31. The final meeting of the St. Patrick's Day Celebration Committee was held on Sunday afternoon in St. Benedict's Clubroom. Right Rev. Mgr. Brodie, V.G., presided, and Very Rev. Chancellor Holbrook and Rev. Father Doyle were amongst those present. The balance sheet submitted was approved, and votes of thanks were accorded to the Marist Brothers, the Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of St. Joseph, the general secretary (Mr. Phil Carroll), the sports secretary ( Mr. A. J. Woodley), and all who had assisted at the sports and concert. It was decided to meet again in the month of October in connection with the next St. Patrick's Day celebration. The balance sheet showed that the total receipts were £338 12s 2d, the principal items being—cheque from his

Lordship the Bishop, £SO; Domain gate money, £l4O 13s 6d; donations, £l3 13s; nominations, £l9 2s; sale ; of privileges, £8 19s; concert receipts, '£lol 19s. -The ; chief items of expenditure were—printing, advertising, and stationery, £27 9s lOd; expenses in connection with concert, £27 17s; Domain rent, etc., £26 ss; bands, £25 ss; cash prizes and trophies, £67 9s sd; prizes for children, and handicapper, £l3 3s; cheque returned to his Lordship the Bishop, £SO; leaving a balance of £B2 8s sd. , , A meeting of the executive of the Diocesan Council of the Catholic Federation was held on Sunday afternoon in St. Benedict's when there were* presentßight Rev. Mgr. Gillan, V.G., Right Rev.. Mgr. Brodie, V.G., Very Rev.. Chancellor Holbrook, Rev. Father Doyle, Messrs. B. McLaughlan (president), Nerheny and Rose (vice-presidents), F. Teram (secretary), M. J. Sheahan (treasurer). A matter of vital importance was discussed at some length, and eventually it was unanimously decided to request the Dominion Executive to summon at an early date a meeting of delegates. . The May devotions in the city and suburban churches, particularly at St. Benedict's, have been wellattended. On Sunday night there were special devotions' in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary at St. Benedict's. The Blessed Virgin's altar was resplendent with lights and flowers. Right Rev. Mgr. Gillan delivered an eloquent and touching discourse, on devotion to the Blessed Mother of God, and dwelt on the efficacy of her intercession on our behalf. lie referred in a feeling manner to the war, and to the many casualties among the New Zealand soldiers, whose mothers were denied the consolation of comforting and helping their sons in their dying moments. After the sermon a procession took place, in which a handsome statue of the Blessed Virgin was borne. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament brought the ceremonies to a close. PRESENTATIONS TO REV. BROTHER CLEMENT. (By telegraph, from our own correspondent.) Rev. Brother Clement was entertained on Friday evening in the Marist Brothers' Old Boys' clubroom by the old students and friends. Right Rev. Mgr. Brodie, Rev. Fathers Brennan, Cahill, Murphy, Doyle, and many of the Marist Brothers were present. The room was tastefully decorated,- and presented a nice appearance. Mr. Daniel Flynn, who presided, opened the proceedings by stating that though the notice was short, so enthusiastic and spontaneous was the response by all,

that the committee's task was made light, because it was generally: felt that so good and great a man as Brother Clement had proved to. be was a good reason for not permitting . him to leave without showing him .their respect and gratitude. Mr. D. O'Connor read an address from the past students, which referred in eulogistic terms to the good and lasting work of Brother Clement. Right Rev. Mgr. Brodie, on behalf of the clergy, praised the magnificent work done by Brother Clement and his colleagues at the college. At no period in the world's history was religious education, he said, more necessary than at present, when the nations were vying with each other to frustrate the beneficent designs of God. While congratulating their guest on his high promotion, and wishing God's blessing on his work, all regretted his duties would take him away from the Sacred Heart College, where he and the Brothers associated with him had done so much good, evidence of which they had tonight in the speeches delivered by the two old students of the college. Rev. Father Cahill made a presentation of a travelling rug to Brother Clement from the Shamrock Hurling Club. Messrs. E. Mahoney and M. J. Sheahan also addressed the meeting. Mr. Edmund Mahoney presented Brother Clement with a purse of sovereigns. Rev. Brother Clement on rising to reply was received with rounds of applause. He thanked the priests, students, and friends for their kindness to him, which he understood was no personal favor but recognition of the work accomplished by those associated with him at the college. For this he was deeply grateful. The six years spent in Auckland were the happiest years of his connection with his great Order. Go where he may, his heart would yearn for Auckland and his many friends there. He bade them good-bye, and assured them his gratitude was heartfelt and lasting, and in his prayers he would ever remember them—a favor which he besought in return from them. Songs were given by Messrs. McClure, Miller, and Dod, and recitations by Messrs. Montague and Casey. The proceedings concluded by all rising and singing ' Auld lang syne,' ' God save Ireland,' and ' God save the King.' Mr. Harry Hiseocks presided at the piano. Last Thursday night the Sacred Heart College students had their usual social gathering, prior to departing for their winter vacation. The gathering was a very pleasant one. Many toasts were honored and several musical items were given in a capable manner by the boys. However, on this occasion, ' the tear and the smile were blended like the rainbow that shines in the sky,' and for this there was a reason, which Messrs. Liddell, lvavanagh, and Reddington explained in their eloquent tributes to their Brother Director (Rev. Brother Clement), who was presiding for the last time. On behalf of the boys, the above-mentioned students paid an eloquent tribute to the great progress the college had made under the zealous and able directorship of Brother Clement, in whom they had an excellent characterbuilder, a man whose own manliness and piety inspired all pupils with manliness, and a real Catholic spirit. The material progress of the college, the raising of the educational standard, the high tone and excellence of the work done were all evidences that they had been for the last six years under the direction of a man, who could easily take his place in the ranks of the best educators in the land. The students felt their immediate loss would eventually end in permanent gain to the college, and the work of Catholic education throughout Australasia, for, in leaving them to obey the behests of his superiors, who showed their appreciation of his ability and devotedness to duty by raising him to the office of Provincial, Brother Clement was going to reach out and spread his energies over a wider sphere, and great indeed would be his influence for good in these times of indifference and materialism.. As a, token of their appreciation of his efforts the students were happy to be in a position to present Brother Clement with a handsome cheque, made tip from their pocket money, and they hoped it would form a nucleus of a fund for

the establishing of a bursary for the education of youths, who desired to follow Brother Clement in the work of education in the great Marist Order," and that at some future day they would see some of the gifted sons of the Sacred Heart College occupying the position he was now vacating. Brother Clement, in responding, paid a high compliment to the great body of students who had passed through his hands. He would ever remember them and their needs, he said, and as far as lay in his power, when they asked for bread he would not give them a stone. He would continue to be interested in the wellbeing of the old school, and, : knowing its needs, he would do his utmost to ensure its progress. He looked to the present boys, when they would.join the ranks of the ex-students, to put their shoulders to the wheel. After Brother Clement had finished, Mr. Levy, advance agent for Mr. Allen Doone, a great friend and admirer of the Sacred Heart College, then presented the school with a handsome cup, which Mr. Doone had sent from Australia. The cup is a very excellent piece of work. The dux of the college will have the honor of having his name inscribed on the cup on which is a beautiful representation of that patriot, Robert Emmet. During the rest of the evening the old hall resounded with Allan Doone's songs, "Here's a toast to Erin ' being given with great gusto. Before concluding, Mr. P. Sheridan gave the toast of ' The students,' coupled with the names of Mr. E. Mahoney,LL.B., Mr. Quinn, 8.A., and Mr. D. O'Connor. The ex-students, said he, had already sprung into fame in the various walks of life, and were gaining distinctions not only in the Dominion itself, but in other lands. Two of the first editors of the college magazine were now reflecting honor on their Alma Mater from —Lance-Corporal O'Brien, who was wounded at the Dardanelles, and Mr. E. Kavanagh, whom all will remember as a brilliant speaker, a good poet, and a clever humorist, has just terminated his first year in medicine in the Edinburgh University. In that examination he obtained distinction in chemistry, and passed in physics, botany, zoology, and satisfied the first year's examiner for anatomy. Many other achievements of old boys were enumerated, and on their behalf, Mr. Mahoney replied, saying he remembered sitting down to meals as the twelfth student. He was happy that night to see that the twelve were not reduced to eleven, but, under Brother Clement's able administration had risen to the grand number of 120. After an eloquent address by Mr. D. O'Connor the meeting concluded with cheers for Brother Clement, and the singing of ' Auld lang syne.' Huntly (By telegraph, from our own correspondent.) May 31. The school boys Soccer football team are practising assiduously, and expect to give a good account of themselves this season. Mr. George Monaghan, who has been a member of the local Government Railway staff, has been transferred to a station near Auckland. Mr. Monaghan is a member of the Hibernian and other societies, and much regret is felt at his departure from the district. The social, held at Taupiri on May 27 in aid of the convent school, was a pronounced success, and a substantial sum has been added to the funds. The school committee sincerely thank all those who generously gave their services, and helped to make the entertainment a success. After the 11 o'clock Mass on Sunday, the Rev. Father O'Doherty, accompanied by Mr. F. J. Farrell (secretary of the Hibernian Society), proceeded by motor to Hamilton, where he assisted at the conclusion of the May devotions, and also preached the occasional sermon at the grotto of our Lady of Lourdes in the church grounds. At the conclusion of the business of the meeting of the H.A.C.B. Society on Sunday evening, Bro. George

Monaghan, who is' leaving tho -district, and who has been an officer of the branch since its inception, was presented with a large pair of handsomely framed pictures,* as a small token of the esteem and respect in which he is held by the members.