Te Kuiti

New Zealand Tablet, 15 September 1921, Page 22

Te Kuiti

(From our own correspondent.) September 9. At' the invitation of the local branch of the SelfDetermination for Ireland League, Mr. Hall-Skelton visited To Kuiti recently, and delivered a splendid address on “The Irish Question from a Protestant point of view.” In introducing the speaker, Mr. Dwyer, who presided, made pointed reference to the long-standing grievances of the Irish Nation. Mr, Skelton, whose address to the large audience occupied three hours in delivery, treated his subject in a masterly manner, winning converts to the cause he so eloquently advocated. A regrettable feature of the meeting was the absence of the Mayor his refusal to preside not being overlooked by Mr. Skelton in his introductory remarks. No less reprehensible was the action of the local paper in giving its readers but a meagre report of the meeting, a proceeding in marked contrast to the liberal space devoted to Mr, Skelton’s addresses in other centres by the local papers. A very successful Catholic social was held in'the Municipal Hall, on the 7th inst. The energetic secretary of the social committee (Miss Gavin) reports that as a result, the Church funds will benefit to the extent of £lO. His Lordship Right Rev. Dr. Cleary, Bishop of Auckland, officiated on Sunday, September 4, at the solemn blessing and opening of the new Catholic school. There was a numerous gathering including many prominent townspeople., In a brief reference to the undertaking ■ to provide school accommodation for the children of the parish, then happily accomplished, Rev. Father. O’Flynn said the building had cost £1250, and would accommodate about 60 children in each of the two rooms. After his Lordship Bishop Cleary had addressed- the assemblage, a collection was made in aid of the Building Fund, a substantial sum being realised. All .present were then invited to inspect

the school. The Sisters of St. Joseph commenced teaching in the new convent school on Monday, the sth inst. At present 70 pupils have been enrolled. The school affords accommodation for 120 children. '