DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 22 July 1915, Page 24

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) - July 19. Dr. and Mrs. Morkane returned last week from f> a visit to the Home countries. A retreat is being conducted at Mount Magdalafor the .inmates by the Rev. Father Kelly, C.SS.R. It will conclude on Thursday, the feast of St. Mary Magdalen. Rev. Brother Alphonsus, late Provincial of the Marist Brothers, and now director of the Sacred ' Heart

College, Auckland, was on a visit to Christchurch last week. • . : - _ ,- There was a most successful gathering at the Catholic Girls' Club, Cranmer square, on last Wednesday evening. The club members and boarders invited their friends, and the generous response clearly showed .the popularity of the club. About seventy-five guests were present, including the Rev. Fathers Hickson, S.M., Hoare, S.M., and Quinn, S.M., and two members of the Diocesan Council executive. A programme of ; a musical and social nature was greatly enjoyed, and the event tended to make the club more widely known and appreciated. Excellent items were given by the Rev. Father Hoare, S.M., Misses Stirling, Goggin, and Santoes, and Mr. ■D. McDavitt. Playing against East Christchurch at Lancaster Park on Monday in the senior grade of the primary schools' competition, the Marist Brothers' team put up a record score. Though the game lasted only two short spells of 25 minutes each, the points in their favor were 100 to nil —Holehan 7, Sloane 4, McDonald 3, Wilson 2, H. McCormack 2, Batchelor, W. McCormack, Detson, and O'Brien scored tries, of which Holehan converted 7, Batchelor 5, Sloane 1. Holehan and Sloane potted goals. This has brought their total for six games this season to 351 to nil. Writing to his mother from the Gallipoli Peninsula under date May 23, Mr. W. Rodgers, of Walpole street, Waltham, gives some interesting particulars relating to a soldier's life and experiences in the trenches. After thanking her for the papers sent, he says he always hands the Tablet round to the other boys. Although so far he has managed to dodge the bullets, quite a number of our boys have been knocked about. Want of paper is the cause advanced for not being able to answer letters received. 'We heard in Egypt, before leaving for the Dardanelles, of the death of Bishop Grimes. We had a hard time here, but now (at the time of writing) conditions were quieter, although on occasions bullets and shells drop amongst us. We had Mass last Saturday and Sunday, and I served the Sunday Mass. All the boys went to Communion, and it was a grand sight. The altar was a box with the altar cloth spread over it, and Rev. Father McMenamin had to borrow the vestments from another priest, his own being aboard ship. We were unfortunate this morning, being out when Mass was celebratedhard luck for us. We have been receiving mails for two days, and what a treat it is to hear about home again.' Last Tuesday evening was ' Members' Night' at the Christchurch Catholic Club. The programme was a ' mock banquet,' and a very enjoyable time was spent by the large number present. The president (Dr. A. B. O'Brien) was unavoidably absent, and Mr. J. R.

- i;--'-•■■;>-r-ri- a~v •:- i.i >.--■-.: -~~J_-'. £..-■■: : ' •■-.■. ;'-' : '".-, Hay ward (vice-president) presided. The toast list included * The Pope and King,! ' The Expeditionary Forces,' ' The Clergy,' ' Army and Navy,' Our Allies/ ' Kindred"' Societies,' -arid ' The Ladies,' the principal speakers being ' Rev. Father Murphy, 8.A., Mr. J. R. Hay ward, Mr. E. L. McKeon, Mr. P. McNamara, Mr. L. Madden, and Mr. F. O'Connell. During the evening musical and elocutionary items were given by the following : —Messrs. P. Augarde, F. Cordery, -W. Brittenden, J. R. Hayward, F. McNamara, and T. O'Connell. The National Anthem was sung as a finale. The Rev. Father Murphy suitably thanked the performers and all -who had contributed to the success of the function. . • Some few months ago the financial condition of the church and school [name omitted by our correspondent] was such, owing to an increased, though not a recurring outlay, that a strong and united effort on the part of the parishioners in that suburb became imperative. Under the direction of the Rev. Father Seward, a large committee, consisting in good part of energetic lady workers, was formed, and at once set about devising ways and means of at least reducing if not entirely liquidating all liabilities. . The debts at the outset confronting the committee were the main outstanding one, subject to interest <£9o, expenditure on grounds in compliance with urgent requirements <£44, and current expenses £l2. The last mentioned of these was immediately provided for by a stipulated number of families voluntarily pledging to contribute one shilling each per month. Socials were organised, the proceeds of which are intended first to pay off the second debt, and eventually to reduce the main one. Two of these socials have already been carried out, realising about £33. Another is to be held on Thursday, July 29, when it is hoped enough will be raised to pay off the second debt and substantially reduce the main liability. Other events are to follow at intervals, with the latter object in view. The committee, of which Mr. T. Kennedy is chairman and Mr. F. H. Garlick secretary, are deserving of every commendation for the able and zealous way Ihe position has been grappled with, and the successful results of their efforts.