AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 26, 27 October 1893, Page 29

AUCKLAND.

(Froii our own Correspondent.) October 19, 1892. If my last letter I chronicled thf arrivil in our mi Ist of a missionary in the person of the Very ttev Fitber Vincent Grogan of the Passioniet Order, whose object was 10 f jund throughout tbe diocese the Association of the Holy F.nnly. At St Patrick's Cathedral, on the morning of last Sunday week at 11 o'clock Masp, before his Lordship the Bithop and a lurge c >ngregation, the rev missiooer fully explained the aims and obj cts of his visit. Cn the fame Sunday evening, fct the church of St John the Bap'is*, Parnell, in charge of good Father Lenihan. the hey Father Grogan, C.P., Provincial of the Passionist Order in Australia, began the real work of the mission, which conclulef 1 , bo far as P^ruell wis concerned, on the following Sunday morning at 10 o'clock Mass. The week's gool work was devo ed to the institution of the Association of Christian Families under the guij ince of the Holy Family of Nazareth. This association has bet'n warmly recommended by His Holiness Pope Leo XIII. in the rescript dated 16th Jane, 1892. The panshoners attended all the services in large numbers, arid there is every hope of a good and lasting effect as the result of the exhortations and excellent sermons preached by bo n noune i a member of the congregation of St Paul of the Cross. Morning and evening the caursh was thronged by piom worshippers. Forty-six families comprising two hundred arjd forty eight souls have formed the Association. This is an excellent record, fraught with the very beet of results, Dot only to God, but to society in general. Parnell commenced and went through in a commendnble way the holy miesiou. In connection with this parish, I learn, upon reliable authority, that plans have already been prepared for the enlargement of the cuur"h. I felt sure this result would follow Fa her Leuihan's appointment to Parnell. He peiformed, when in Poasonby, » herculean trick. Next Sunday evening the mission begins in Ponsonby at the Sacred Heart Church, and concludes in the city oo the following Sunday ai St Patrick's Cathedral. This misjioo will, I feel certain, bj far reaching in its results.

The first of a series of entertainments inaugurated in the Cathedral parish, having for their object the raisiog of the necessary funds for the erection of the new marble altar, came off on Thursday evening last in St Patrick's Hall, which was thronged. Madam Tutschka arranged the musical programme, and a right good one she provided, consisting of thirteen items, including vocal and instrumental numbers. Herr Tutscbka's violin solo, " Tarantella," was a treat. All the rent were well received, and the organiser is deserving of the highest commendation for her efforts in getting together such a combination. On the following evening in the same pl»ce a children's entertainment took place, with the same objeot in view. Father Hackett, amongst the young ones, was a host in himself ; he was exactly in his element.

Leaving Parnell on the Sunday morning of October 15, Father Grogau began bis week's labours under the most favourable circumitaooea, bar the weather, in the fine church of Bt Benedict, Newton, on the same evening. Dr Bgan had under his cue an excellent choir on the occasion. Mr John Fuller, the popular tenor, sang with fine effect Rossini's " Oujui animam," and with Mrs Kilgour and Miss Featon, Ourschmann'a celebrated trio, "Ti prego." Zingarelh's 11 Laodate," the solo by Mr Puller, was then sung by the choir. Father Grogan afterwards ascended the pulpit, anl delivered a splendid discourse, taking for his text " What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and suffers the loss of bis own soul." The great objects to be attained by close application to the mission services about to commence were dilated upon by the preacher, nho possesses an sasy and attractive delivery, aad was listened to by the vast congregation with rapt atteation. He urged upon those present not only to follow themselves the exercises of the mission, bat also to urge and encourage others to do likewisa. When the sermon concluded, " dome unto Me " was rendered most expressively by Miss Faaton. During Benediction Mrs Kilgour sang the " Tantum Ergo," and Mr Thompson Weisa's '• O Salutaris." At the time of writing the missionary services are in full swing at St Benedict's, and attended by large numbers.

Last Sunday a wicked and most unfounded and silly rumour was spread abroad by the " man in the street " to the effect that the Rev Mgr McDonald had died suddenly that morning at Panmure. It fell like a bomb Bhell amongit the Catholic community. The various presbyteries were besieged with anxious enquiries. Full credit for a time was given to the canard. For instance, the Hon J. A. Tolegave instructions to have postponed Mr McAlister's lecture, " Early days of Home Bule," which was announced for the following evening. Happily the esteemed Mgr was as hale and hearty as ever, and next day came into town, being everywhere surrounded and congratulated upon coming " back from the grave."

Mach satisfaction is felt here at the promotion as tub-editor of the N. Z. Times in Wellington of Mr Patrick Nolan, late of this city Pat is one of the rare kind, who never flinches from his set parpoees and who at all times reflects credit npon the community to which he belongs. I congratulate the Timct upon their foresight, no more worthy selection coald be made.

Judge Oonolly is drawing attention to himself by his political fulminations from the wool-sack. In Ireland under B ilfour he would have revelled in his element.

We have in Auckland an erratic spinster who meanders through our streets accompanied by several huge St Bernard dogs, and if you unfortunately look askance at her or the canine pets woe betide you. This vixen the other day actually set these brutes npon a small boy, whom she bailed up in a doorway and theo violently turned on two men who endeavoured to rescue the poor lad. When brought before the magistrate for her offence she was let off with a paltry fine. It was the greatest pity in tbe world she was not sent to cool her heels in Mount Eden,

Juvenile depravity is becoming too painfully eviJent in our midst. Five little fellows were last week in the dock charged with breaking and entering, and stealing therefrom, etc. Commenting upon this serious matter tbe Herald, to their credit bi it said, bailed with delight the advent of tbe missioner, Father Grogan, C.P., who is exerting himself to form an association of the Holy Family here, the primary object in view being to inculcate in the homeß of tbe city, (1) a love for God, (2) love for our parents and home surroundings, and (3") to subject the rising generation to that auihoritative control so sadly needed. This reads well from a secular journal, but more significant is this sentence. " The State now steps in and takes full charge of the children's education the parent therefore ceases to concern about that matter." Here we have acknowledged the warning voice of the Catholic Church, hitherto poured into deaf ears. Occnlar demonstration they wanted, and they are getting it. The seeds have been Bown, the fruit is being reaped, not as the Maoris say taihoa, taihoa. -l Bigns of the general election are apparent all around us. For th4raty at the present moment there are nine candidates, who are ready (as a witty writer puts it), to serve their country for 240 reason* (pounds). Nine into three you cinnot, therefore six of them

are to be disappointed. Sir George Grey's intentions are shrouded in mystery. He will be a tough customer for any opponent. Tbat being so, all thostj aspiring to Parliamentary fame are watching him closely. Sir Gaorgo, it has been given oat two or three times, is going to stand for P&rnell, in which ease be will oppose an old and faithfnl follower, who deserves better at his bands. A very great number in Parnell will, it is said, resent this action ot Sir George's ; others ther« are who aver that to return him would mean the disfranchisement of tbe constituency, seeing tbat during the last session he was unable, through ill health, to go to Wellington. What if, like Macaulay at Edinburgh in 1839, he should be rejected. He is not of the same metal as the historian, and could not bear it as well.

After an absence of over fourteen years there returned to this city from the old country one of our Oatholic youths in the person of Dr William Darby, the eldest son of our esteemed citizen, Mr Patrick Darby, Ponsonby. Dr Darby has come to stay, and has already commenced bis practice and will, I feel sure, be most successful. In a conversation I had with my old schoolmate he entertained me greatly with his interesting travels and experiences. Home Rule, he assured me was certain. This he arrived at after years spent in all parts of England, where the great heart of the people had gone out to Ireland. This conversion Dr Darby attributes to the spread of education and literature among the masses. Archbishop Ooke he often Baw, and talked with him of Auckland and the friends he had left there. As might be expected, the young doctor notices great changes is his native city. To the old Oatholic school in Pitt street, where we spent many happy days, he might wander, and with Byron exclaim, " The schoolboy spot we ne'er forget Though hete we are forgot." Mr J. P. McAlister, 8.L., delivered his promised lecture, " Early days of Home Rule," nnder the auspices of the local branch of the Irish National Federation in St James' Hall on last Monday evening in aid of the Irish Parliamentary Fund. Though the rain came down copiously tht hall was packed, crowds of people standing throughout. The Hon J. A. Tole, president, took the chair. Oa the platform were the Hon Mr Cullough, M.L.O. ; Messrs J, Thompson, and J. M. Shera, M.H. R.s; Mr John Campbell, Point Erin, Ponsonby; Messrs W, Beehan, J.P., W. Mahoney, Jas, Fary, W. J. Napier, and M. G. Sheehan hon. sec. In front of the pUtform was a splendid likeness of Ireland's great champion, Mr Gladstone, which, on being exposed to the audience by the chairman, drew forth thunders of applause. Father Hackett occupied a front seat in the hall, also the Rev Mr Kinney, Prssbyterian minister at Moburaigi, who iB an ardent Home Bnler. The chairman opened the proceedings by thanking the audience for attending in face of the inclement weather, and it showed the sympathy of the people with this great cause, especially at this critical time in Irish history, when waß taking place the final struggle for the regeneration of Ireland. He exhorted everyone to join the Federation, because every penny subscribed thereto was sent Homo to carry on the good fight. A short musical programme was gone through before and after the lecture. Mr John Fuller began by singing " The Irish emigrant ' (Lady Dufferin) in a most pleasing and pathetic manner. Upon being encored, he roused the audience to a great pitch by giving " The wearing of the green " Miss Coleta Lorrigan followed and gave " The lase rose of summer" most charmingly, and, for an encore, " O, Erin my country." This lady possesses a fine voice of great range ; her lower notes are good, and I should like to hear them oftener. The next to appear was Miss O'Sullivan, now voted on all sides tbe best soprano in Auckland, and who sang " Kathleen Mavourneen " the rich, round, and full voice ringing through the building. It was a treat. Thunders of applause recalled the young lady, who repeated the last verse. After the lecture, tha audience heard a great item, tbe duet, •' With this treasure must I part," from the opera, " Lily of Killarney," by Mies O'Sullivan and Mr Fuller, The voices blended beautifully, though I fancied tbe powerful soprano suffered somewhat by subduing it to suit the tenor. Tbe assemblage were afforded a musical evening they will not easily forget, and, as tbe chairman remarked, '' Irish music was evidently appreciated." Mr McAlieter'a part I have left to tbe last, and about which I shall say little, because tbe gentleman has very kindly promised me a synopsis of it for the Tablet, and when I tell my reade s tbat the lecturer was Mr Isaac Butt's private secretary in the early days, they will look forward with interest to it. Butt's characteristics were brought out, bis statesmanlike qualities, and insight into the future, bis overboonding charity, and his weaknesses. To the late Professor Galbraith Mr McAlister paid bis;h tribute, and deservedly so. Anecdotes were given galore, and thoroughly racy of the soil ; but I must not anticipate further. Miss Djrgon, tbe celebrated Irish actress and elocutionist, through her agent (Mr Brown), contributed £2 2s to the fund, and promised to give an entertainment at the close of her season in aid of the Irish Parliamentary fund. Tbe proceedings terminated at 10 p.m., all agreeing that no better " Irisb evening " bad been spent in Auckland. Commenting on the crowded hall, the evening paper said : " Ireland and her people are interesting subjects, when, notwithstanding the boisterous weather, there was such a crowded audience in St. James' Hall." Auckland is certainly doing her part to share in the final battle of Ireland's long and heroic struggle. " Whether the Monarcbial or Republican form of Government conduces most to the welfare of tbe State," was discussed last Tuesday evening at the Catholic Literary Society's meeting. Mr William Tole opened the debate on behalf of the first. named, and Mr D. Flynn tbat of the latter. The subject is to be continued at next meeting, when I will forward a report of it. A resolution was passed expressing pleasure at Mr P. Nolan's promotion as sub-editor of the Jf.Z. Times, Father Hackett spoke warmly in praise of Mr Nolan,