OAMARU CATHOLIC MEN’S CLUB

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LII, Issue 52, 30 December 1925, Page 53

OAMARU CATHOLIC MEN’S CLUB

(Contributed.) * A thoroughly successful evening was spent J by members of the above club on Saturday, December 5, on the occasion of their first . banquet. Originally it had been decided [:. to hold a "mock banquet," but, though the function was more in the nature of a reunion, ample justice was meted upon the mock element of the evening. Arrangements were well in hand and a fair measure of success is due to the fact that the committee, practically speaking, "put their hearts into the job," Mr. Hogan presided over a company of 30 guests including Fathers Ardagh, Fenelon, and Finlay (sometime student in Paris). His Lordship Dr. Whyte regretted that duty prevented him from attending, but wished success to the entertainment. The following toast list was honored: The loyal toast; "The Club," proposed by Mr. J. Griffen, replied to by the president and secretary; "The Patrons," proposed by Mr. I. Mackinnon, replied to by the clergy; "The Hibernians," Mr. G. Firth, replied to by the president, secretary, and treasurer of that body; "Catholic Teachers," Mr. W. . Quinn, replied to by Mr. P. J. Duggan and Father Ardagh; "Parliament," Mr. A. G. Ny, replied to by Mr. A. E. Ahern; "Ireland," Mr. Cooney, replied to by Father Fenelon and Mr. P. J. Duggan; "City Fathers," Mr. E. J. O'Donnell, replied to by Messrs M. J* Hanley and W. Connors; "Ladies Club," Mr. A. Cahill, replied to by Mr. P. Flynn; "The Entertainers,"- Father Finlay, replied to by Mr. M. Kerr; "The Chairman!" . Mr. W. Simons, replied to by Mr. W. Hogan. Replies to the various toasts brought to light information that has seldom been the lot of the men of. the especially the younger men to hear. Apart from matters relating principally to the club, members were treated to a fine history, briefly given of the H.A.C.B. Society from its origin down to the solid institution it is to-day. In Oamaru Monsignor Mackay established the society, and its first president was Mr. A. Direen! The fifty years' self-sacrifice of our Christian Brothers and Dominican Nuns in their efforts to imbue Christian men and women with principles of practical religion was brought forcibly home to us. We owe them our support and our gratitude. Mr. Duggan was in reminiscent mood, and those members who have not been actively associated with him and his.teaching have every reason now to feel proud of the patriarch of the parish. Each one must appreciate the fact that Catholic youth must be taught by Catholic teachers.

It is not possible, here, to do justice to the treatment of the toast to Ireland, suffice to say that knowledge of the * 'Great Irish effort" may not again be so easily acquired. During the eveiftng interest was effectively maintained by items from Messrs. M. Kerr, A. Ahern, F. Shanahan, E. Dell, W. O'Leary', F. Mcßride, and W. Connors. - It is great folly not to part with your own faults, which is possible, but to try instead to escape other people's faults which is impossible. Marcus Aurelius.