THE '98 CENTENARY. DUNEDIN MOVES.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume 51, Issue 51, 22 April 1898, Page 18

THE '98 CENTENARY. DUNEDIN MOVES.

RoMii months have elapsed since the popular pastor of Queenbtown, Rev. J. O'Donnell, struck the first note of the '5)8 centenary in Otago and Southland. Ever since then the movement has been quietly gathering strength, especially in Dunedin, where for many months past some form of a centenary celebration was a fores-one conclusion. On Thursday, the 14th inst., a meeting of those interested in commemorating- the centenary of the insurrection of 171)8 was held in the Choral Hall, Dunedin. There was a large attendance, Protestants us well as Catholics beint>- representcil. His Lordship Bishop Verdon was voted to the chair. In the course of his opening remarks he said : We are here to do business, not to merely talk. You are all aware of the movement which is on foot to honour the memory of the brave men who fought in '1)8. We are here to make arrangements to carry out the wishes of those who desire to see this centenary duly celebrated. We are deeply attached to the country of our adoption ; we are anxious to forward the interests of this grand country in which we live ; we are proud of it ; we shall be ever faithful to it. But we cannot be wanting in attachment to this country if we look back with pride to the dear Old Land which gave us birth (applause). We love the land of our fathers. We are proud of what its people have done for faith and fatherland. And this love and pride which M-e feel for the Old

Land only serve to make us more attached to this country also, and to increase our fidelity in discharging our dutie3 to it. In celebrating the memory of "98 we shall act in s-uch a way aa to avoid giving offence to any person in Dunedin. We shall carry it out thoroughly united, in perfect harmony, and with great moderation (applause). On the motion of Rev. H. W. Cleary, seconded by Father Murphy, it was unanimously resolved to celebrate the centenary by a conversazione. The following committee were appointed to carry out the wishes of the meeting: •— Ilis Lordship the Bishop, Fathers Murphy Cleary, Coffey, and Ryan, Messrs A. R. Barclay, C. S Reeves, J Armstrong, J. A. Scott, B A., J. Carroll, J. Liston, C. iisher (Mayor of South Dunedin), J. O'Connor, P. Nolan, D. Mulq& J pS an ' T - M ' Cormack ' J « Mar1 ™' L- Clancy, M. A prelimirary meeting of the committee was held immediately atter the close of the public meeting. His Lordship the Bishop was appointed chairman. Messrs Barclay and Fisher vice-chairmen, and Mr J. O Connor secretary. A sub-committee was appointed to draw up a programme, &c, and report to the General Committee, which met on Wednesday night, when preliminary arrangements were made for a capital programme of vocal and instrumental music, interspersed with a few brief addresses. Light refreshments will also be provided, and the price of admission will be such aa to place the conversazione within the reach of all. The date suegested by the committee for the celebration was Monday, May 23. Further particulars will be given in our next issue