Archdiocese of Wellington.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 24, 9 October 1896, Page 19

Archdiocese of Wellington.

(From our own correspondent.) Octobers. 1896. That admirable society, the League of the Cross, which is doing more genuine temperance work than many a more pretentious organisation, gave a very enjoyable social in St. Patrick's Hall, on Tuesday niirht. the Very Rev Father Devoy presiding. Vocal solos were contributed by Misses McDonald and Murray, Mesdames Snaddon and Woodmass and M. Hynes. Misses Daniels sang a duet, and a gentleman rejoicing in the euphonious name of Ah Tong, contributed a comic song and also a Chinese sketch, the fun of which was redolent of the kingdom of the sun. MrO'Driscoll gave a reading, and Mr. Tobin was very successul in an Irish step dance. During the eveninu St. Mary's Brass Band, under the conductorship of Mr. Dean, played some admirable selections. The remainder of the programme was made up of a laughter-provoking farce, in which the members ot the Dramatic Club in connection with the society, took part. At the conclusion of the performance, the Very Rev Father De\ oy thanked the performers on behalf of the League, and delivered n short address on temperance, exhorting those who were member- ot the Leanue to persevere in the good work in which they were outraged, and to do all in their power to get others to join. A meeting of ladies and gentlemen, interested in the forthcoming ba/aar. in aid of the convent, which is to be opened towards the end ot tin- month, was hoi lon Wednesday night. Reports were received from the different committees w hich showed that the arrangements were nearly all completed, and everything promised that the undertaking would be very successful. Apart altogether troai the excellence of the object, which would be sufficient at all times to ensure success, th^ very great enthusiasm with which the project has been taken up. coupled with the many attractions provided, is a guarantee that the result will be all that could be desired About 100 children will make their first Communion at the os'rly Ma-- at St. Mary's ot the AnueK to-morrow. The church has been v or\ nicely decora! od tor the auspicious occasion. Thechildren have been instructed by the Rev. Father Ainsworth. who will preach to-morrow morning. s t Patricks Colleue Band annual picnic will be held at Day's Bay on Tuesday next. The Rev. Father 0 shea, lately at Meanec. and who is at present in AusLi.ilia for the benefit ot his health, will return about the end ot the month tor the purpose ot taking up his duties in Te Aro parish. Alter a couple ot nights of stonewall by halt a dozen Members the Amending Liquor Bill has passed the House ot Representatives, not before some ot Us features, especially those relating to the count inu ot votes in favour ot reduction wore considerably modified b\ compiomisf. The clauses bringing clubs under the licensing law - is the most important feature ot the measure, and one which will probably be a *tiunbliny block to its bein^ placed on the Statute Book this v ear. The Upper House is sure to resent this interference with the liberty of the subject, and the old and popularly recounted axiom that an Englishman's house is his castle will |be trottul out in support ot the elimination of this portion ot the measure. As this is one of the main features of :)ie measure, and one on which the Premier laid special emphasis it is not likely he will accept the alteration, if made and consequently the bill will probably be dropped. It is all very well to legislate in the direction of saving Tom Jones, the bricklayer from himself, but when the law puts Mr. Bigaere, the squatter, or Mr. Sparecash. the importer, on the same footing, then it will be recognised the ■' law is an ass." If clubs are to be closed at eleven p m. how are the habitues of these institutions to account to their better halves, for their absence from home until the early hours of the morning-, unless they happen to be Members of Parliament .' It was very improper of the Premier to state that men left clubs in a state which necessitated their being assisted into their cabs. A man might be jolly at a club, but drunk, no, never ; it is only the working man who thus forgets himself. Should the measure become law, and national prohibition be carried at the next treneral election, will not the chemists have a busy time of it making up prescriptions in which whiskey and brandy will form a large percentage. Should the Prohibitionists have their way there is evidently a great, future bjforo the chemists of the Colony.