AUCKLAND. (From our own Correspondent.)

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XX, Issue 30, 13 May 1892, Page 13

AUCKLAND. (From our own Correspondent.)

May 5, 1892. On Wednesday evening Mr Buick, M.H.R. for Wairau, gave an interesting lecture at 8t James' Hall, his subject being " The Exiles of Brin." Mr J. A. Tole presidai, and on the platform ware Messrs J. D. Connolly, United States Consul ; T. Thompson, M.H.R. ; J. M. Shera, M.H.B. ; W. Beehan, and W. Jennings, chairman and secratary ot the Liberal Asßociation. Having pointed out that exile from the native land is one of the severest penalties that could be imposed upon man, and that next lo bis religion, there was nothing for which an Irishman would more readily shed the la9t drop of his blood than the land in which he was born, the lecturer narrated the three great epochs of the exodus of the Irish people. Tbe first led us back nearly 1400 years, to the time when St Patrick tame from Borne and preached the Catholic faith in Ireland. Then from the Irish monasteries came the first great exodus— that of faith, when the bishops and priests went all through the world, preaching the faith of their Church, and spreading the light of knowledge. Thus the Irish exiles of faith became the pioneers of Christianity in many of the now most Christian countries of tbe world, for Ireland was at that time the schoolhouse and university of the world, enjoying a splendid reputation for sanctity and learning, and though he was neither an Irishman nor a Catholic, he did not hesitate to acknowledge the great benefits which had been conferred on the world by the first exiles of Brin (applause). That was a term of unexampled prosperity in Ireland ; but as the tide of years rolled on, the dark clouds began to gather. The English yoke fell heavily upon the country, until on 14th August, 1651, Cromwell lauded in Dublin, offering the Irish the magnificent choice of " going to Connaught or to Hell." Many of them preferred Connaught, thinking, no doubt, that Cromwell would want the other place for himself (laughter). Then began the second great exodus. Fire thousand children were sent to the tobacco plantations of the West Indies, their childlike forma to wither in the tropical sun, or to writhe in anguish beneath the lash of the planter. Anothtr great army, more formidable still— thousands of Irish soldiers, preferring a strange land with freedom and liberty to serve their God, than their own home in slavery, entered the service of the Continental kings. Tbe third aad most awful exodu9 was that which was caused by the horrors of famine and tbe cruel relentless avarice of the landlords, " the Sbylocks of Ireland," who, like deatroying •ngels, began a crusade of eviction, the ring of the crowbar brigade, and the crash of the falling roof-tree marking their tracks on every side. Incidental to the lecture were some glowing word-pictures, notably the description of the courageous and succeß9fal attack of the English on the Frerjch lines at the Battle of Fontenoy, and the subsequent famous charge of the Irish Brigade, who received wiih a deafening cheer the order to " attack the English flank with fixed bayonets," because at that moment the memories of fifty years arose before them— the broken treaty, tbe plundered homes, the ruined shrines, the cries of despair from women's breaking hearts — all this flashed in their minds with intense vividness, as, like a terrible whirlwind, they swept across the green hillside in the gloom of that eveniog' falling upon the English with the fury of the raging sea, shattering them, and driving them before them, broken and defeated. On Tuesday week, at 8t Mary's Caapel, Ponsonby, Mr J. J. Toohey, of Sydney, was married to Mrs Murphy, Bister of the Bey Dr Egan, of Auckland. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Dr Bgan, Father Downey offering the Nuptial Mass. Mies Bita Tole was bridesmaid. Mr nnd Mrs Toohey have left for Botorua, and will thence proceed South. On MonJay evening the officers of St Patrick's League of the Gross gave a banquet to the Bey Father Hackett, the President, at 8t Patrick's Hall. A number of friends were invited. There were about 50 gueets, including two of the Marist Brothers. Several toasts were proposed and responded to, after which Mr Bnckley, on behalf of the members ot the League, presented tbe Bey Father Hackett with a beautifully illuminated address, the work of tbe Marist Brothers. In presenting it Mr Buckley referred to the labours of the Bey Father Hackett in keeping the Society together, and the good will with which he had worked. The Bey Father Hackatt, in replying, eaid that the presentation was more than a surprise to bim. He related one or two examples to show the terrible power of drunkenness, and that a society of this kind was much needed in Auckland. All he could say was he hoped when he, like many of his predecessore, passed out of this world, it would be said he had done his duty. A good programme of songs given by lddiaa and gentlemen brought the evening to a close, after all had enjoyed themselves immensely. On Tuesday Sir William and Lady Fox celebrated their golden wedding at their residence, Symonds street. An illuminated address was presented to Sir William, and a handsome bouquet of flowers to Lady Fox. During the day tbe happy couple received congratulatory telegrams from all parts of tbe colony. It is intended to place supplementary sheets to the address in some central place in town to enable those persons who have not had tbe opportunity of signing

the privilege of doing so. These will alsj be sent South aad to various parts of tbe colony for signature, aad subsequently bound np with the illuminated address.