DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 27 October 1921, Page 22

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) October 18. At the Sacred Heart Church, Addington, on a recent Sunday, members (in regalia) of the local branch of the Hibernian Society, in observing their first general Communion, approached the Holy Table to the number of about 30. Rev. Father Eccleton, Maoist Missioner, who celebrated Mass on the occasion v gave an appropriate address, in the course of which he expressed the hope that every Catholic man in the parish would' join the Society. A fairly large number of members of the Christchurch Celtic Club attended a special meeting last week, to say farewell to Mrs. J. Smyth, a prominent and valued member of the Club, prior to her departure for Westland. The president (Mr. H. Nevin) voiced the regret of the members at the loss to the club occasioned by Mrs. Smyth's severance from it, and asked her acceptance of a small present as a mark of their esteem accompanied by their sincere good wishes. Several other members eulogised the departing guest for the services she had rendered the club. Mrs. Smyth expressed her thanks for the gift and appreciation of the kindness which prompted its presentation. ' -, ' ... ' At the fortnightly meeting of the Christchurch Celtic Club, held in the Hibernian Hall, Mr. K. Nevin presided over a good attendance. The evening's programme was a debate on the subject, "Is country life preferable to town life?" Mr. J. Ormandy led in the affirmative and was supported by Messrs. Stanley, Congreve, and T. Twomey, while the Messrs J. Flannelly, Cecil McGrade, and V. Twomey took the negative. After an interesting debate the decision was given in favor of the affirmative side on the casting vote of the chairman. Eleven new members were added to the club's roll. A motion of condolence with Mrs. McDonnell on the death of her son-in-law", M/r. Casey, was passed. : The mission now in progress at the Cathedral is proving most successful, appreciation of the efforts of .the Marist Missioners being shown by the very large numbers of the parishioners who attend the various exercises. The congregations at the early Masses afford striking evidence of the spiritual results of the mission, while the seating accommodation of the Cathedral f is taxed to its utmost each evening. The 'devotions on Tuesday > evening were, in

honor of Our Blessed Lady, and were most impressive. An altar in honor of the Blessed Virgin, and tastefully decorated, was erected in the sanctuary, and Father O'Leary preached a fine discourse on the attributes of and devotion to the Mother of God. The statue of Our Lady was borne in procession round the Cathedral by the Children , of Mary, followed by the altar boys, clergy, his Lordship the Bishop, and both branches of the Hibernian Society. During the procession the recitation of the Rosary and the singing of hymns alternated, after which Father McCarthy consecrated the parish to the Blessed Virgin. Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given by his Lordship the Bishop assisted, by Fathers Gallagher, Skinner, and T. Hinrahan,_Adm. ( Temuka (From our own correspondent.) ' October 21. The usual monthly meeting of the parish committee of the Catholic Federation, was held on Sunday evening, Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy, S.M., presiding. The secretary reported on the last quarter's activity in the enrolment of members, which showed a satisfactory result. It was decided that a special meeting of the committee be held at an early date to ascertain the names of those who have not as yet joined the Federation, and a canvass will then be undertaken. Correspondence was received from the diocesan secretary relative to the scholarship fund. As socials have been held throughout the winter for parish funds and others are to eventuate in the near future in aid of local objects, it was considered impossible at this juncture to assist the fund in the direction indicated. The ' sympathy of the committee was, however, shown by £3 being voted to assist the fund. It was further decided that an evening be set apart to discuss a local scholarship and to endeavor to find the necessary ways and means of carrying this object into effect. On Monday evening a meeting of supporters of the proposed Catholic Tennis Club was held in the hall, and very largely attended. It was unanimously decided that a club be formed to be known as St. Joseph's Tennis Club. The membership fee was fixed at 12s 6d, and 7s 6d for ladies. Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy, S.M., was elected president, and Miss E. Coughlan secretary and treasurer. A committee of six members was also,elected. It was decided to proceed with the preparation of two chip courts which will suffice for this season. The club opens with a membership of 33, but it is anticipated that this total will be soon more than doubled. Great credit is due to the Very Rev. president for his enthusiasm on' behalf of and assistance • towards the club. Wet weather did not prevent a large number attending the social on Tuesday evening. Though the attendance was not so large as usual, the gathering was in every way a great success. The first meeting of the recently formed men's club was held on Wednesday evening. Arrangements were made for another meeting to be held a fortnight hence, when a set of rules will be drawn up. Various other matters opened up a brisk discussion. A short time ago Very Rey. Dr. Kennedy, S.M., appealed for a new set of Stations of the Cross for St. Joseph's Church. It speaks well for the generosity of the parishioners when it was found that more were offered than required. Dr. Kennedy has also in hand the providing of a crib for St. Joseph's Church, and has already received offers of statues.

The Late ]Vir. M. Segrief, Wellington There passed away last week, at the age of 88 yqars, one of Wellington's early settlers, and most respected citizens, in the person of Mr. M. Segrief. Deceased was born in Co. Dublin, Ireland. In. 1861 he came out to the Victorian goldfields, which he left shortly afterwards for the Otago diggings, whence he came to Wellington in 1864, residing here ever since. To the Catholic Church he was a, tower of strength. The late Mr. Segrief, who was prede-

ceased by his wife and two children, Mrs. F. Gormley and Miss E. Segrief, leaves to mourn him six children—Sister M. Barbara (Sisters of Mercy, Kilbirnie), Rev. Father T. B. Segrief, S.M., of St. Patrick's College, a chaplain known to thousands of New Zealand soldiers, Mrs. J. Gamble, Mrs. E. Leydon (Palmerston North), Mrs. R. SegriefGrant, and Mrs. L. Logan.—R.l.P. " <*rt