CHRISTCHURCH CATHOLIC YOUNG MEN'S SOCIETY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 265, 31 May 1878, Page 9

CHRISTCHURCH CATHOLIC YOUNG MEN'S SOCIETY.

Cbristchurc\ May 25, 1878. «OME of the young men here, seeing the advantages derived by their co-religionists of Wellington and Dunedin from the establishment of Catholic Literary Societies in thase towus, have not been alow in following the excellent examples shown them by these energetic young men, but have inaugurated a society that bid» fair to become an honour to its projectors, and a source *i interest and useiulnesß to all comiocted with it.

I hough still in what may be termed society infancy, and subject to the infirmities of that tender period of existence, it may be said to be a nursling of wonderful strength and growth,' seeing that it already numbers forty-six members, officers included : and, as long as instruction or intellectual amusement are desired by the Catholics of Christchurcb, so long may thp well-wishers of the society confidently expect to sec a. steady increase in the list of members' names. Already the Boeiety has received its first instalment of books for the formation of a circulating library, and, if these be a fair sample ot the works it is intended to fill the shelves with, it is evident from the choicencss of selection that the Society purpose having a really ffoqd and useful library, one that wiH be an immense boon to the members, and, I fancy, a great inducement to reading men. to join the Society nnd participate in its pleasures and advantages. Classes for the acquirement of various branches of knowledge will be formed as soon as convenient, and as education is of the utmost necessity in the present age, we, as Catholics, cannot afford to neglect any of those means within our reach that will assist in rendering us more competent, not only to maintain, but to improve our position as Catholics, and worthy members of the community. As the value of education appears to be thorougly appreciated by many of the members of the Society, it may he fully expected ere long to see large and well attended evening classes, where the members will have the advantage of enjoying the teaching of gentlemen willing and abte to instruct them.

Ihe Society has also the good fortune to enjoy the services of the Kcv. lather McNamara as Spiritual Director, who is ever ready with Jus counsel and advice, and who, from the long experience he has had m the working of societies, and the interest he takes in this may be considered a host in himself. !

Ihe last meeting, which took place on the 22ml ult., was numerously attended ; a debate arising out of the all-important question of ol the day (the disagreements of England and llussia) forming the subject of attraction. This, with a capitally delivered recitation br <nic ol the. members, and a short but very instructive address from the Spiritual Director, in which he exhorted the members to be assiduous in their efforts to improve their minds, and on no account to lose the opportunity offered them, brought a veiy enjoyable evening to a close.

And now when the Society is fairly started, and with such fair prospects before it, it cannot but be a success if it only receives theencouragement and support such an undertaking deserves. And certainit is, if the Catholic youth of Christchurch are animated by a spirit of enterprise and a manly desire for improvement and advancement.they will come forward in still greater numbers t ) join an institution where they will have the power of mutually conferring such benefits on each other. If they have only their own interests at heart, there is no fear but that the Society will soon attain its manhood, and come a noble memorial of Catholic energy. In the meantime its admirers can wish it all success, a long and useful career, and that it may always use its utmost endeavours towards promoting those noble ends for which jt was formed; the increase and extension of a spirit of brotherhood, piety, and pure morality ; and to facilitate by mutual instruction, the educational improvement of its members.