CANTERBURY CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVI, Issue 17, 17 August 1888, Page 29

CANTERBURY CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY.

'^Ps Society held its usual weekly mteting on August 7, Mr R . P. Lonargan in the chair. Besides several visitors, an unusually large number of member of members were present. The programme for the evening was the reading of original papen on " Home Rule." Some time ago the President of the Society had offered prizes for the three best papers on this subject, and it is to be regretted that more members were not induced to enter for the competition. As it was, fve papers were sent in under nom-dt-pluvies to the Marist Brothers who had kindly consented to act as judges. After the report of the Rev. Examiners, the papers were read, and ceilainly the lack of number was made tip by their excellence. That by Mr. Kennedy (the winner of the first prize) was especially good, dealing: very ably with the subject and giving a most exhaustive account of Ireland's struggle for self-government. Messrs. Chase and McManaway gained second aud third honours, A very animated discussion on the merits of the papers followed the reading, and after a vote of thanks to the Judges, proposed in a most eloquent speech by Vice- President Crook and seconded by Mr. E. O'Connor, a meeting that had been most pleasant and instructive was brought to a close. In order to add to the literary stock of the Society, the council have arranged for a concert to be held at an early date. Admission will be gained to this entertainment by presenting a book to the library. This is not entirely a novel idea, it having been worked with considerable success by another society in Christchurch. Owing to bad times here the C.C.L.S. h%e lost two most valuable members, Messrs. Geoghaghan and McKay, whojleft last week for Melbourne. These gentlemen have done no little by their energy and ability to advance the interests of their fellow-members. Though absent, they will not be forgotten, and every good wibh of the Society will follow them.