DUNEDIN CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XV, Issue 16, 12 August 1887, Page 13

DUNEDIN CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY.

The ordinary weekly meeting of the above society was hsld in the Christian Brothers' schoolroom, on Wednesday evening, July 27. The chair was occupied by the Rev. W. Burke, President, and there were present the Rev. N. Yereker and a large number of members and friends. The Rev. P. Lynch deliverd a most instructive lecture on " Buddhism in relation to modern Pessimism and Catholic Christianity." The rev lecturer gave his hearerß an excellent description of the Buddhistic doctrines, and, in dealing comparatively, controverted the statement made by many writers, that the Catholic faith was fashioned from Buddhism. Although it is said Buddhism existed before the advent of Christ, its origin is enveloped in obscurity, and could not be traced further back than the 14th century, which suggested that such similarities as did exist between it and Catholicism were copied from the latter. The rev. lecturer also gave an exposition of the pessimistic doctrines of some men of the present day, and the absurdity of such doctrines was made apparent in conjunction with those of Buddhism. The lecture was much enjoyed by those present and oa the motion of Mr. J. B. Callan, Vice-president, seconded by Mr. R. A. Dunne, Vice-president, a hearty rote of thanks was accorded the Rev. Father Lynch . The usual compliment to the rev. President concluded the meeting. The society held their usual weekly meeting againi n on August 3 when Mr. J. B. Callan, Vice-president, presided, andthe attendance, of members was excellent. Mr. James Eagar read a paper, " Not Understood," which merited the favourable criticism that was beetowed upon it. Readings were given by Messrs. H. Griffin, 0. Columb, junr. and J. Simmonds, and Mr. J. G. McKelvey contribnted a recitation. Votes of thanka were passed to these gentlemen for their efforts. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman.