CATHOLIC MEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 52, 2 March 1936, Page 9

CATHOLIC MEN.

NEW ASSOCIATION.

INAUGURAL SMOKE CONCERT.

TO FOSTER CATHOLIC LIFE.

There was a record attendance at the smoke concert and social evening in St. Benedict's Hall on Saturday night, when the Marist Old Boys and Catholic Men's Association, which seeks to unite within its membership all the Catholic men of Auckland, was formally inaugurated.

The president, Mr. M. J. Moodabe, presided. Dr. J. M. Liston, Catholic Bishop of Auckland, the Very Rev. Monsignors Caliill and Holbrooit, the Rev. Father W. V. McAvoy, a visiting Dominican father from Melbourne, the Rev. Bro. Tarcissus, director of the Sacred Heart College, and many others of the clergy and brothers were present. Big Organisation Planned. Mr. Moodabe, in his presidential address, said that already 250 members had enrolled. This comparatively small membership was regarded as only the nucleus of an organisation in which every Catholic man in Auckland would be welcome, ill-. Moodabe said lie expected that within six months each member would induce another to join, making the membership at least 500. The new association, it was hoped, would foster practical Catholic life, and sliouid not only be of immense service to the Marist Brothers, but to tile Church in general and to the welfare of the city. He added that for a considerable time it had been felt that there should be established in Auckland an organisation sufficiently comprehensive in its aims and objects to embrace the Catholic manhood of the city. The scope of the association was very wide, and every Catholic man would find a useful place in the association, which made instant appeal because of the opportunities it offered for Catholic comradeship, social and sporting enjoyments, and practical Catholic activity. Eventually the association would function as a central Catholic Club, with club rooms in the heart of the city, for the benefit of men from the city and suburban parishes. An attractive programme to promote social intercourse had been arranged for the year. It was proposed to establish a gymnasium for the use of members and affiliated clubs, while it was also intended to invite well-known speakers to address members at regular meetings during the year. The establishment of a debating club and a library was also proposed. All existing Marist sporting and social clubs would be fostered, and special attention would be given to boys leaving school, for which purpose a junior branch of the association would be formed rt an early date.

Bishop Liston welcomed the new association and wished it every success and blessing. He said he trusted that the highest hopes wo i!d be realised, for he knew that the officers already elected would, with determination and grit, carry it 011, 011 the very best lines. The association, no doubt, would give every support to the Holy Name Society, the St. Vincent do Paul Society and the Catholic Repertory Society—all admirable organisations. He looked forward to the co-operation of the new association in all good works.

The Rev. Father MeAvov. of Melbourne, director of the Holy Name Society in Australia and New Zealand. Mr. W. Dervan, Monsignor Ilolbrook and Rev. Brother Tarcissius also spoke.

Mr. Moodabe welcomed Mr. W. Hadley on his return from a tour of Great Britain and Canada with the All Blacks. "Mention was made of Mr. Hadley's good efforts for the Marist Brothers' football team, of \v,liich he was the backbone.

"Tf I have got anything left —and I think I still have a few tricks, I am sroing to use them for the benefit of the Marist Brothers and the team." Mr. ITndle.v said in response to a toast.

During the evbninrr a fine programme was contributed to by Messrs. Oordon Fagan and Geoffrey Colloae. vocalists. Dan Flood and Douglas Stark, humour. "Knrdo" «nd Mr. H. S. Withers, in card tricks, sleight of hand and magic, and by Mr. Bruce piano accordion. Mr. Trevor Sparling was accompanist.