AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVIII, Issue 27, 29 October 1886, Page 18

AUCKLAND.

(From our own Correspondent.) A meeting of the Catholics of Auckland, wag held at the old Sacristy of St. Patrick's Cathedral on Sunday last. The object of the meeting was not announced in the circulars calling it, and Father Costello informed those that responded to the invitation, that his object in calling them together was to devise some means of paying off the debt on the cathedral, which he said amounted to two thousand pounds. Conversation ensured as to the best means of raising funds, but tbe question of a monster picnic seemed to command the greatest majority. A committee was appointed to make inquiries as to co>-t of steamer, train or coaches, aud the meeting was adjourned to yesterday evening at 8 p.m., in the same place, when it was decided that a ball should be substituted for the picnic. There has been on an average, about a ball a month here since the year set in for religious purposes. Some Auckland Catholics cannot understand how we manage to build cathedrals, convents, colleges, and schools down south, without invoking the aid of the Terpsicborean goddess, as it is almost impossible to make a " draw " here, without a dance.

Professor Swallow gives an organ recital Thnrsday eveuing next, previous to his departure from St. Patrick's. There is an elaborate programme, and the cast includes some of the best voices in Auckland. I hope lam not irreverent when I say I wish him a bumper house. All lovers of music must greatly regret the Professor's departure from the beautiful inetrument, with which he so often thrilled the hearts of the congregation of St. Patrick's. The Right Rev. Monsignore McDonald announces a concert and dance to-night at Panmure, and on Friday night next a concert will be held at Ponsonby under the direction of the Very Key. Dr. figan, 0.5.8., the proceeds to be devoted to Our Lady's cbapel at St. Patrick's.

Services at St. Patrick's are conducted every evening during the month by the Bey. Fathers Costello and Keogb, — Rosary, sermon, and Benediction, which are attended very fairly . The jubilee mission commences the last week of the month .

Caffrey, Perm, and the woman Graham are expected back here next Tuesday, in custody of Detective Tuohy and Constables Carroll and Mackay, when they will be indicted for the murder of Taylor at the Great Barrier last June.

A most diabolical conspiracy was discovered at the Supreme Court last Thursday. Mr. Arthur D. Bennett appealed in answer to the charge of alleged perjury with regard to the endorsement of a promissory note, held by Mr. Alexander Mackay, drawn by Robert Fitzroy Bolton. Prisoner pleaded "Not Guilty," and was defended by Mr. Button. Mr. Gower protecuted on behalf of the Crown. The case utterly broke down, and the tables were completely turned on the prosecutors— one of whom (Bolton) is nephew to the celebrated Bolton, of Dublin Castle fame. His Honour Judge Ward spoke straight out, and called them " a trio of scoundrels." Tbe jury found the accused " Not Guilty " without leaving their seats. At the announcement, there was a burst of applause from tbe crowded court, which the police endeavoured 10 suppress. His Honour said : " Let the accused — I mean the acquitted — leave that dock. I have only now, Mr. BenDett, to express to you my regret that you have been exposed to the indignity of standing in that box at the instance of such a band of unmitigated swindlers (applause). I trust that measures will be taken to give them their deserts." Latest reports say that the " trio " have cleared " for fresh fields and pastures new."

The Stark Inquiry Commission drags its slow length along at the Harbour Board offices. The only party that will derive any benefit from it, are the gentlemen of the long robe, a goodly array of which are arrayed on all sides. The only possible benefit the country will derive from it will be a further draw on the rate payers, who are already strained to the utmost to make both ends meet.

Our Anglican Bishop whatever other qualities he may possess, does not shine as a logician. In his opening address at the Diocesan Synod, ho said that, " the preservation of unity has from the foundation of the Universal Church been accounted of primary importance." 1 quite agree with his Lordship, but I might ask him where was Protestantism at the foundation of the Universal Church? Further on he deplores the disunion among Christians, the cause for which he says is the " popery of human nature I " He farther says that "no ecclesiastical institution has proved so fruitful a Bource of division among the followers of Jesus Chriet as the professed infallibility of the Church." His Lordship closes his eyes to the fact, that since Harry Tudor set himself up as Pope in England, there has been no division in the Catholic Church; whereas, the division in Harry's offspring are almost inumerable. Further on he says, " the Spirit of Popery is not confined to those who believe in that infallibility." But while he denies the infallibility of the Pope, he says it is found among his own laity and clergy. Here are his words. " A man may reject the claims to this poßßession as made by the bishop of a foreign church, while his own action implies a belief in the infallibility of" himself ." Well done Dr. Cowie, that is the best definition of Protestantism, and the best and clearest distinction between it and Catholicism I have ever read. The Catholic Church has one infallible head, but every Protestant sect has as many infallible heads as there are members in the body.