Ashburton

New Zealand Tablet, 15 July 1915, Page 15

Ashburton

(From our own correspondent.) ■ ( The weekly meetings of the Catholic Young Men’s Club continue .to draw satisfactory attendances. The programmes submitted are varied—catering alike for those who desire a debate on a set subject, as well as for those who are socially inclined. The half-yearly meeting of the local branch of the Hibernian Society was held on Monday of last week. The attendance was fair, and Pro. J. A. Lennon (president) presided. The report and balance sheet, as read, showed the society to be in a sound position, financially and otherwise. The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing half-year:—President, Pro. J. A. Lennon; vice-president, Bro. P. Prosnahau; treasurer, Rev. Father O’Donnell secretary, Pro. F. Prophy; warden, Bro. E. Devlin; guardian, Bro. T. Brophy; sick visitors, Bros. T. Purcell and J. A. Lennon; auditors, Pros. S. Madden and J. Hannigan. Amongst the Infantry Reinforcements who left Ashburton for Trentham last month was Mr. Vincent Madden, second son of Mr. IT. P. Madden, of this town. A member of every local Catholic society, and also an enthusiastic worker, his absence will undoubtedly prove a loss to the respective societies. Prior to his departure a social was tendered him by the local Catholic choir and Catholic Young Men’s Club. Mr. J. A. Lennon occupied the chair. An apology for absence was received from Rev. Father O’Donnell. The proceedings took the form of a progressive euchre tournament and musical evening. The progressive euchre prizes were won by Miss M. Fitzgerald and Mr. E. Lennon. The musical portion of the programme was contributed to by Misses M. Quigley, T. Hicks, and Bradley, and Messrs. W. J. Cunningham, M. J. Burgess, V. Madden, and I). MacDonald. Mrs. D. Crowe played the accompaniments. During the evening the chairman (Mr. Lennon), in a feeling and characteristic speech, eulogised the guest of the evening, praising his response to the Empire’s call, and expressing the hope that before long they would see him in his accustomed place at the meetings of the several Catholic bodies to which he belonged. On behalf of the members of the Catholic Young Men’s Club and the Catholic choir, he asked Mr. Madden’s acceptance of a gentleman’s companion - and pipe. Mr. Madden briefly and feelingly responded, hoping and trusting he would be with them all once again. He resumed his seat amidst loud and continuous applause. Refreshments were handed round by the ladies (under the supervision of Mrs. D. McCormick), and were much appreciated. The singing of ‘ Auld lang syne ’ terminated a pleasing function.