DUNEDIN CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XX, Issue 38, 8 July 1892, Page 15

DUNEDIN CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY.

The usual weekly meeting of the above Society was held iv the Christian Brothers' school, on Wednesday, Jane 28. The president (Father Lynch) occupied the chair. There was a good attendance of members and visitors, among whom was the Rev Father Murphy. The Rev President apologised for the absence of his Lordship the Bishop. Mr J. B. Callan lectured on "Washington Irving," and was listened to intently by the members. The " Pioneer of American literature," as this writer has been called, was bora in the State of New York, on April 3, 1783. He was educated at various primary schools. A remarkable trait in the characcer of the youthful Irving was his abhorrence of witnessing; the chastisement of nis playfellows. At the age of 11 years he evinced great delight io reading books of travel and adventure, and as a result he determined to run away to sea ; but the thought of the hard life and the salt (neat altered his mind. Oa account of hia delicate health his brothers, who were exceedingly fond of him, sent him on a trip to the Continent of Europe. He travelled a pood deal and visited Rome. Two years later he returned to America, wberehe was received with enthusiasm. He returned, however, to England, and among other celebrities he met Scott, Rodgers, Moore, and Dickens. He writes in his let era of his veneration and love of the author of the " Waverly Novels. " Irving was a thorough gentlemen, and a sweet letnuT and g.-: tie manner were cbar»cu ristic >f him. He was < ffered an aj p >i'.imeut by the Ameiican Government, wh eh he refused, he eeived hi- country by bis writings. Eventually he was sent as ambass . x>r to spain He died at the age of 76 years. During the course of his Kctuie Mr Callan gave selections from Irving, both serious and huiuurnis. Mr P. Hally (vice-president), in moving a vote of thanks to Mr Callan, remarked that the lecture was one of the moat interesting and instructive that bad been delivered before the Society, j'he subject waß handled in a masterly manner, and bore evidence of 6tudy and deep thought. Mr H. F. Mooney (vice-president) seconded the vote of thanks, and characterised the lecture as a literary treat, and expres-ed the gratitude of the members to Mr Callan, not, only on this occasion, but for all that that gentleman had done for the Society. Messrs D. W. Woods, P. Carolin, and several of the membera also spoke in complimentary terms of Mr Callan's contribution. The Rev President, in conveying to the lecturer the thanks of the members, hoped that those present would be urged on to read Irving'a works. They are instructive and amusiog. He commended Mr Callan on his excellent reading, Mr Callao, in reply, thanked the critics for their very complimentary remarks, and said Washingtoa Irving's wriings Bhould become more popular with readers of to-day. He prumised to contribute something further on the American author before the end of the present session. Mr Fitzpatnck sent a contribution to the Society from Welii g. ton, informing the members that the question of education is being fought now in the North Island, Father D.wson the new y-appoint«J administrator of the diocese of Wellington, having preached an eloquent sermon on this important subject recently. He was accorded the thanks of the members. The report of a committee meeting was submitted, and after a good deal of discussion was adopted. The usual compliment to the chairman terminated the meeting.