Intercolonial

New Zealand Tablet, 22 July 1915, Page 43

Intercolonial

- At the final meeting of the celebration committee in connection with the golden jubilee of the Ven. Archpriest Hennebry (says the Monitor), mention was made that the cash testimonials were—From the laity, £285 ; the Hibernians, £SO; the clergy, £150; St. Virgil's pupils, £10; making a grand total of £495. Progress is the watchword of the Church in the archdiocese of Melbourne (writes the correspondent of the Freeman's Journal), as it is also in the suffragan dioceses of Ballarat, Sandhurst, and Sale. Of the 52 Sundays of the year there is scarcely one on which some building for religion, education, or charity is not blessed and opened, or the foundation-stone laid. All classes in the community joined in the celebrations which marked the silver jubilee of the ordination to the priesthood of the Rev. Father J. J. English, of Wee Waa, Armidale. The local convent school in which the celebrations were held was tastefully decorated. Prior to the function the convent pupils gave an entertainment in which was manifest special ability. A presentation of a beautiful roll-top desk, on behalf of the parishioners, and of a reading lamp, on behalf of the convent pupils, was made to Father English. The continuous lines of brave, dashing young Australians going into camp, and in clue course leaving for the front, demand new appointments of chaplains (writes the Melbourne correspondent of the Freeman's Journal). The following have been appointed:—Rev. W. Devine, 8.A., B.D. (St. Paul's, Coburg) ; Rev. P. Tighe, S.J. (St. Mary's," North Sydney) : Rev. T. A. Campbell, C.SS.R. (Redemptorist Monastery, Ballarat). For voyage only—Rev. W. Close (St. Alinius', Ballarat East), Rev. P." J. O'Doherty (Northcote). The Melbourne Tribune quotes an article from the Imperial Review with reference to Catholic schools, in which the following passage occurs:—'Meanwhile, glance at the splendid Catholic common schools. The Board of Health said of St. Brendan's, "There is not a finer State school in Victoria.'' Think of that. The Government, with all its resources, cannot beat the poor Catholics. St. Brendan's is only a sample of the beautiful edifices put up by the Catholics all round Melbourne. We declare that, with the loving spirit which pervades all their inside fittings, they are much better than the State schools. There is what you call the Government stroke. Love does not enter. Tilings are apt to be conventional and perfunctory. Teachers are hirelings. Not so with those glorious women who form the main strength of Catholic teaching. Each is a priestess, with an earnest care for souls. Their own secular education has been severe, because the State Government insists upon their efficiency, and will not allow anyone to teach unless secularly qualified.' The University College movement is making fast progress (says the Melbourne Tribune). A special executive is considering details as to the actual building and the proposed material structure. This matter is of the highest importance, and demands the most careful consideration. The executive body is proceeding as if the money were already in hand, so that in the event of a successful collection there will be no time lost in the signing of the contract for the building, which is one of the conditions for the gift of £30,000 donated by Mr. Donovan. It will hearten many people and stimulate their generosity to know that this is not a half-century movement like the building of a Cathedral. It is an appeal for an institution, the first stone of which will in all probability be laid about next March, and the opening of which will probably not be delayed beyond another twelve months. We venture to predict that March University term, 1917, will see the college in full swing. Meanwhile, the collections are proceeding satisfactorily, though it is a matter of urgent necessity that every youth and adult in the community should endeavor to contribute a share.