DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 8 July 1915, Page 43

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(By telegraph, from our own correspondent.) July 5. Rev. Father Kelly of St. Benedict’s gave a three days’ mission last week in the Henderson district. The results were eminently satisfactory.

Rev. Father Cahill addressed the confraternity of the Holy Family at the last meeting. He informed members that it was likely a visiting priest would give an address at the next meeting of the confraternity.

There was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at the Cathedral on Sunday from the last Mass until after Vespers. Rev. Father Dunphy preached in the evening. After Vespers there was the usual procession, followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

A meeting of the Diocesan Executive of the Catholic Federation was held last evening, when there were present— McLaughlin (president), P. J. Nerixeriy and A. Rose (vice-presidents), F. Temm (secretary), M. J. Sheahan (treasurer), Right Rev. Mgr. Brodie, V.G., and Rev. Father Cahill. Correspondence from diocesan branches and various parts of the Dominion was read and considered, f It was decided to hold the half-yearly Diocesan Council meeting on Friday, July 23.

A most successful social in connection with the Parnell parish was held last week. Monsignor Brodie was present, and expressed great gratification at the success achieved. It proved to him that the parishioners generally had worked most zealously, and the result was evident that evening. lie hoped that many more such gatherings would - be held, thereby creating that community of interest' so essential to the welfare of the parish. A euchre tournament was held and Mr. Stanley won the gentleman's prize, and Mrs. McArtney the lady’s. A special word of praise is due to the excellent orchestra under Miss Wells.

At the meeting to-night of the local branch of the Hibernian Society the following officers were installed for the ensuing term:- —President, Bro. A. J. Woodley; vice-president, Bro. Patrick Duffm ; secretary, Bro. W. Kane; treasurer, Bro. M. Flynn ; warden, Bro. E. Hennelly; guardian, Bro. John McKenna; sick visitors, Bros. J. Corbett and Thos Walsh. Bro. M. J. Sheahan, assisted by Bro. P. J. Nerheny, installed the new officers, who returned thanks for the signal honor conferred on them. Bro. Nerheny, in an appropriate address, congratulated the officers on their election, and impressed on them their great responsibilities. Very Rev. Chancellor Holbrook closed the meeting with the usual prayer.

The members of the Remuera Catholic church and their friends attended in large numbers at a reception held in the Town Hall last Wednesday night. An efficient orchestra, with Mr. J. Stacey, musical director, supplied the music. A progressive euchre tournament was held. The masters of ceremonies were—Messrs. J. Barret, G. Barry, Buxton, J. Cotter, J. Farrell, F. McGovern, W. Little, E. F. Moonan, C. Paget. T. Pemberton, J. Wade, and W. Wright; stewards of the card —Messrs, L. Duffon, A. Gibbons, J. Melican, L. Paget, and A. Sneddon; hall stewards —Messrs. 1. P. Burke, P. Cronin, H. Hall, J. Pohlen, and J. Slater. An excellent supper was provided, and an enjoyable evening spent.

It is an understood thing that the public of Auckland appreciate to the fullest extent music and drama, but it is no exaggeration to say that the Marist Brothers’ boys electrified the audience which filled the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall to overflowing on last Wednesday evening. When the curtain was raised it revealed to the delighted spectators a splendid tableau, ‘ Britannia.’ Master J. Tubberty filled the role of Britannia to perfection, while round him were grouped in a very artistic way several uniformed cadets, who remained at the salute during the singing of ‘ God save the King’ and ‘Rule Britannia.’ This was followed by a chorus, ‘Lads in navy blue,’ which was received

with well-deserved and hearty applause. A special feature of the, evening was the manner in which the lads acquitted' themselves in their various drill, - dumbbell, club, maze, and statue exhibitions. The first and last mentioned received very high encomiums from some drill masters who were present among the audience with the express intention of being able to see for themselves these items. Masters W.- Smith and Bowman recited A boy’s opinion of babies ’. and ‘Boys’ rights’ in a most entertaining manner. The items were productive of great amusement. The duet ‘ Ora Pro Nobis’ was very sweetly rendered by Masters K. Righton and E. O’Donohue. This duet was sung in character, Masters H. Woodley and R. Malloy portraying the parts of the ragged child and the angel respectively. Master E. O’Donohue sang ‘Children’s voices’ in a very creditable way, while the pupils gave the chorus in three parts from behind the scenes; Other choruses, which were all received with hearty rounds of applause, were ‘Whispering hope,’ ‘ Chiming bells,’ ‘ Ireland, dear Ireland,’ and ‘ The happy farmer.’ The last-mentioned was followed by a whistling chorus, which charmed the audience. Master 11. Righton’s solo, ‘ Asleep ’neath the dark blue wave,’ was a marked success. He received, a well-merited encore, to which he responded in a feeling manner with Just a bunch of Irish shamrock.’ The evening was brought to a close by the staging of a drama, entitled ‘ The bushranger’s son,’ the principal parts being taken by Masters A. Page., R. Lanuigau, H. Righton, V. Cooke, and Ryan. It is the general verdict that this concert was one of the best ever given by the pupils of the Brothers’ schools, and some idea of the appreciation shown may be gained from the fact that the Brothers have been very specially requested to repeat it, which they have consented to do next Monday evening. Mr. Harry Hiscocks presided at the piano in his usual able manner.

Huntly (By telegraph, from our own correspondent.) July 5. The convent school re-opens next Monday, July 12. On Tuesday morning the Rev. Father J. Doherty proceeded to Taupirj where Mass was celebrated. Mr. R. IT, Fuller, who was reported wounded at the Dardanelles last weeks, is a Ngaruawahia boy, and is well known and respected by the community. Mr. John McGill, of ‘Home Farm’ (Huntly), has just received word, that his second son (Joss), who has been fighting in the North of France since the beginning of the war, has been severely wounded. On account of the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul falling on a Monday, it has been decided to hold the general Communion of the members of the St. Vincent dc Paul Society on the following Sunday, July 25. .

Hamilton (From our own correspondent.) The annual social of St. Mary’s Tennis Club was held on Tuesday evening, June 29, when the trophies won during the season were presented. The hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion, and much praise is due to the committee for their excellent arrangements. The attendance was very large. Very Rev. Dean Darby, in an appropriate speech, presented a fine tennis racquet, donated by himself, to the winner, Mrs. Peebles; whilst a gold medal was presented to Mr. E. Sweeney. Rev. Father Duffy responded on behalf of the winners. The secretary (Miss Edmonds) deserves a meed of praise for the social and financial success of the function.