CANTERBURY CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XII, Issue 9, 20 June 1884, Page 17

CANTERBURY CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY.

Christchurch, June 14. The usual weekly meeting of the above Society took place on Monday evening, June 9, when there was a very good attendance. One candidate was balloted for and duly elected. As this was the beginning of the financial year the Secretary brought forward a balance-sheet for the past year, but in consequence of the auditors, appointed at the usual time, not being able to audit the accounts in time for this annual meeting, two auditors were appointed to whom the balancesheet was to be submitted. Mr. O'Connnor, President, said that as his election at the previous meeting came on him unawares, he was not able to. say much, but on the present occasion, he would wish to say a few words regarding the future working of the Society. He hoped they would make allowances for his efforts for its welfare, when the members would compare his abilities with those of the former President. He on his part wonld leave nothing undone in order to further the interests of the Society. Mr. Leahy also briefly thanked the members for electing him to the office of Vice-President. Messrs. Milner and Baxter were the only nominations for the respective offices of Secretary and Librarian, consequently they were decjared elected. The election of four members to fill up the vacancies in the Council then took place, and resulted n in the return of the following :— Messrs. Kennedy, Cronin, Hickmott, and M'Gili. Mr. Nolan then proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring Secretary, Mr. Dobbin. He complimented him not only for the admirable manner in which he had kept the books, and for his' attention and devotion to the welfaie of the Society, but also for his valuable lectures and papers. Mr. Kennedy did not think that anything he would say would help to raise Mr. Dobbin in the estimation of the members, each of whom was as conversant with that gentleman's abilities and courteousness as the speaker. His minute-book would be a standing text-book for all future Secretaries to imitate, whilst his regular attendance and attention to his official duties, notwithstanding the arduous nature of his profession, was something for the dilatory amongst them to go by. Mr. Leahy also expressed his warm admiration for the excellent manner in which Mr. Dobbin performed his duties, and although be often disagreed with that gentlemen in matters of public interest, still he could not help feeling a private regard for his many sterling qualities. Mr. Dobbin thanked the members for this unexpected recognition of the little which he had done for the Society. By means of it, he became acquainted with a great many gentlemen whose friendship he highly valued and would never forget the many kind friends, not only in the Society, but outside it whom he came to know whilst in Christchurch. The President then handed over the prize (2 guineas worth of books) for the best number of speeches made by a junior member during the year to Mr. Crook. Mr. Crook felt pleased in being the recipient of such a valuable lot of books which would help to remind him as long as he lived of the early days of the Literary Society. He thanked the donor, Mr. Maskell. for his liberality in giving him an opportunity of being the successful competitor. The meeting then closed with prayer in the usual manner.