ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON

New Zealand Tablet, 8 September 1921, Page 21

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON

(From our own correspondent.) September 3. The “at home” given by Mrs. T. J. Bourke, at her residence, Kilbirnie, in aid of the Irish Relief Fund, realised £l2O. ) Very Rev. lather O’Connell, S.M., Dominion president of the N.Z. Catholic Federation, at the request of Mr. S. J. Ryan, Diocesan secretary, Christchurch, and representing his Council at the Dominion meeting held last week, presented Mr. Frank J. Doolan (the former Diocesan secretary) with a handsome gold Maltese cross as a slight appreciation of his whole-souled services in the interests of the Federation in Christchurch. Father O’Connell paid a glowing tribute to the work of Mr. Doolan in all matters for the benefit of the Church and its societies. He wished Mr. Doolan and his family all prosperity in his new location in the Empire City whither ho has been transferred. Mr. Doolan suitably acknowledged the gift and expressed his regret at severing himself from the detail work of the Federation. He would continue, to the best ot his ability, to work for the Federation in the future, and perhaps, later, when ho had more leisure, he would devote himself still more to the work in which he had always had a great interest. Rev. Father Bartley, S.M., M.A., of St. Bede’s College, conducted a short retreat at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Island Bay. He preached at St. Francis’ Church, Island Bay, last Sunday evening. The benefit concert in aid of the Hibernian Irish Pipe Band last Wednesday was a great success. The concert chamber of the Town Hall was well filled and the audience appreciated the excellent programme which was presented. Mrs. Frank Crawford, Miss Eileen O’Brien, and Messrs. Pom Tuohy, and E. B. L. Reade contributed solo items; Messrs. A. J. Fogarty and Regde a duet; Mr. L. W. Hanlon, recitations; Mr. Reg. Oakley, conjuring; little Miss Maureen Murphy, Miss Kathleen O’Brien’s pupils, Miss and Master Eustace, dances. Others assisting were Messrs. Frank Andrews (Trick Pianist), Mr. James Dykes (Monologist), Miss Mary Glavin (Irish Pipes), and conductor Morrison (Scotch Pipes). These two latter performers contributed an instrumental duet, and the Irish Pipe Band rendered selections. Mrs. Emerson was accompanist, and Air. Otto Krohn, as secretary to the committee, is to be congratulated on the success of the concert.

Levin The local Catholic entertainment committee held a successful social on Tuesday evening, August 30, in aid of the Convent building fund (writes a correspondent). The function was well attended despite the inclement weather prevailing, and the financial results will very materially alignment the fund. The general arrangements for the social were excellent, and thus enhanced the pleasure of the occasion. On the evening of September 1, Rev. Father Fitzgibbon tendered a dinner and social evening to the members of the local choir. Father Fitzgibbon spoke in appreciative terms of the good work rendered by the choir members during the year, and said that a continuance of the spirit in which the work had been carried out was all that was desired in the future for practices and Church music. Air. Foote (conductor), who replied on behalf of the choir, thanked Father Fitzgibbon for his kind remarks concerning the choir and for his splendid hospitality in having the members with him that evening. Mr. Foote said such a practical demonstration was not necessary to make them realise the small services they were privileged to render were appreciated. Mr. Pringle, in the course of a few remarks, made it clear that even better results could be expected in future. Vocal and instrumental items were pleasingly rendered by Father Fitzgibbon and members of the choir, the singing of “God Save Ireland” bringing a most convivial evening to a close. " a