DUNEDIN CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXII, Issue 1, 3 May 1895, Page 20

DUNEDIN CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY.

The opening night of the Dunedin Catholic Literary Society was held laat Wednesday evening in St Joseph's schoolroom, Dowling street, when the Vary Rev Father Lynch delivered his inangnral address. The room was crowded to the doors, in addition to the members there bdiog a large number of visitors present by invitation, The subject of the lecture was " Te Wahi Pounamu " (the la-id of greenstone), and was handled by the rev lecturer ia a very able and eloquent manner. The lecture treated of tha natural beauties of our island home, aod was illustrated by a large number of sciopticon views of lake, fjord, and mountain scenery. There were over 200 views exhibited in all, and much praise is due to Mr Marsden for the skilful manner in which be manipulated the instrument. Many of the views exhibited were well calculated to appeal to the historic recollections of old Dunedinitei, illustrating, as they did, Dunedin in the early daya. Views of the Lake country and its many thriving industries were remarkably interesting, and were much appreciated by the audience. The audience were taken, as it wert, away from Dunedin through the South Island— passing through scenes of indescribable beauty, grand mountain scenery, where nature reigns in all her primitive glory — and then back again to the city. Many of our public buildings in Dunedin and Christcburch were shown and graphically described by the rev lecturer. The racy stories, humourous anecdotes, and graphic descriptions the lecturer had to give as the various views were thrown on the screen spoke volumes of his ability, and were listened to by those present with the keenest interest. Some lovely views of St Joseph's Cathedral, aod a picture of his Lordship the Bishop, were greeted with loud and prolonged applause. As a descriptive lecturer, the rev gentleman must be considered a thorough success, fend it would be well in the interests of humanity if all our lecturers who from time to time appear before the public, could reach the high, refined, and intellectual standard of the Rev Father Lynch last Wednesday evening. Mr J. B. Callan, in proposing a vote of thanks to Father Lynch, spoke of the genuine pleasure with which he bad listened to the lecture. Many of the places shown and described he had visited and he could assure all present tn*t Father Lynch had given a really beautiful and e'ear description of the v irious viuwa exhibited that evening. Mr J. P. Eager, in seconding the vote, said the lecture was not only scholarly and interesting, but enter aining and amusing. He had enjoyed it thoroughly, aad judging from the frtquent bursts of applause, he believed all present had enjoyed it also. The lecture given was a happy ionovatun, and woul J result in much benefit to the Society. In his new lole the rev president was a pronounced success. The vote oE tha ka was carried b/ acolamitio 1. Th ; rjv president brit fly acknowledged the votj, referring ta tbe abe manner with which Mr Marsien had done his worn, ami also made kindly reference to Mr V-illis f ir the music he hid supplied that evjiing. The Sjciety his now entered its 14'h year, and, judging by tha enthusia&m displayed at the lecture, tha present session tands to be a fruitful one. Mr J. A. Hally will deliver a paper next meeting night.