DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 13 March 1919, Page 21

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(From our own correspondent.) March 7. Father Harnett, of the archdiocese of Wellington is at present on a visit to Auckland. His Lordship the Bishop returns from Wellington to-day. Next week his Lordship commences a short visitation of the diocese. At last week's meeting of the Holy Family Confraternity at St. Patrick's Cathedral Father Brady, of St. Benedict's, delivered a very interesting discourse on "Devotion to the Sacred Heart." On Saturday afternoon last the members of St. Patrick's Catholic Tennis Club journeyed to Otahuhu to play the Otahuhu Catholic Tennis Club, when a very pleasant afternoon was spent on the local club's courts. In the evening a social was held in the schoolroom. Arrangements are now well in hand for the celebrations of St. Patrick's Day. A number of entries have been received for the various sports events. At the national concert, to be held in the Town Hall on the evening of March 17, the following resolution will be submitted to the gathering—" This meeting of N.Z. citizens, mainly of Irish descent, is of opinion that the time has arrived when Ireland should be granted a similar measure of self-government to that enjoyed by the self-governing British Dominions." Also "That copies of this resolution be forwarded to President Wilson, Mr. Lloyd George, Hon. Mr. Massey, and Sir Joseph Ward." On Saturday afternoon last, the Auckland Automobile Association organised a motor run for children from the various charitable institutions of the city, to commemorate the victory of the Allies. Over 190 motor cars were used to convey the children to Buckland's Beach, where a most enjoyable day was spent by the little ones. Eleven cars were well filled by the girls from the Pah Orphanage, Onehunga. His Lordship the Bishop and Very Rev. Chancellor Holbrook accompanied the party. During the afternoon the children were given an exhibition of flying, by the pupils of the Flying School at Kohimarama, and this they watched with great interest. Altogether the outing was a complete success, and the promoters deserve to be complimented on their thoughtfulness of the children, and on the organisation displayed.

. Thames ■')■<:: (From our own correspondent.) . , " March 6. The annual meeting of parishioners of St. Francis' Church, Thames, was held on Sunday evening, February 16, Very Rev. F. J. Dignan, presiding. The annual report showed the parish to be in a good sound position, special mention being made of our new church building fund, which now runs into four figures. With further efforts during the ensuing year it is hoped to considerably augment this fund. Congratulations were extended to Father Dignan on progress made since he took charge of the parish. The Thames Jockey Club has again offered its beautiful grounds, gratis, for the children's annual treat, to be given on St. Patrick's Day. An energetic committee, with Mr. J. Connolly as secretary, have arrangements well in' hand, and the .young folks may rest assured of an enjoyable time. It is again intended to promote a series of winter socials, and these, it is hoped, will prove financially successful as well as enjoyable. St. Francis' Tennis Club recently held an "invitation afternoon," which proved most enjoyable and showed that the members of the club are energetic, and are making good use of .their new court. All the club members attended a tennis picnic at Mr. Coakley's farm at Tapu recently. The drive was most enjoyable, and at the close of the day's outing cheers were given for Mr. and Mrs. Coakley, for the welcome they extended.