DUNEDIN AND DISTRICT.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 52, 29 April 1898, Page 18

DUNEDIN AND DISTRICT.

The annual general meeting of the Dunpdin Ca holic Literary Society was held in the Christian Brothers' schoolroom, Rattray fltreet, on Friday evening last. The attendance was large and the Rev. Father Murphy occupied the chair. The report and balance sheet submitted showed the socioty to be in a flourishing condition, a credit balance larger than it has been for some years being carried forward. On the motion of the rev. president, seconded by Mr. F. W. Petre, the report and balance sheet were adopted. The following gentlemen were elected office-bearers for the ensuing term :—President, Rev. Father Murphy, unanimously re-elected ; vice-presidents, Messrs. R. Dobbin (re-elected), J. J. Connor, senr., and F. W. Petre ; secretary and treasurer, Mr. J. E. Cant well, (re-elected) ; assislanb secretary, Mr. Charles Hall ; committee, Messrs. P. J. Hally, H. MoCormack senr., and A. Quelch. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the retiring office-bearers. The society in a tangible manner recognised the good work of the hon. secretary during the past year. Arrangements were made for a debate to take place on Friday evening, as to who had done the most good for Otago — the "Old Identity" or the "New Iniquity." Mr. McCormack senr., with him Mr. J. J. Connor senr., will lead for the former, while Mr. F. W. Petre, and with him Mr. P. J. Hally, will support the latter. This should prove an interesting debate. During the evening- the rev. president referred to the loss sustained by the death of the late Mr. W. J. Cantwell, and moved that the secretary write conveying the society's sympathy to his relatives. This being all the business, a vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting to a close. At the conclusion of the above the new committee met, Mr. J. J. Connor senr. presiding, and transacted routine business. A meeting of the '98 Celebration Committee, held on Wednesday evening, the 20th inst., was largely attended, only very few members being absent. Unprecedented enthusiasm and perfect harmony prevailed, and judging by the unanimous feeling on the several matters under discussion the conversazione to be held on the 23rd of May should prove a great success. The various sub-com-mittees presented their reports, which were all adopted with very slight alterations, The Programme Committee was instructed that the items on the programme should, as far as possible, have reference to the cause which was being celebrated and as typical of '98 as possible. The names of Messrs. T. Heffernan, D. Moloney, and J. J. Connor, were unanimously added to the General Committee. The price of admission to the conversazione on May 23rd has been fixed as low as possible — Is 6d — and arrangements are being made to provide a capital programme of music, singing, etc. The Committee meets every Wednesday evening. The winter is setting in and is bringing an anxious time to the Catholic poor of Dunedin and district and to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, who have undertaken the kindly task of looking to their wants, as far as the means placed at their disposal will allow. This well-deserving Society appeals with confidence to all who can help, in however slender a way. Gifts of clothing, blankets boots, and stores of any kind are very acceptable — above all, presents of cash. They should be sent to the president of the Souiety, Mrs. J. J. Connor (Dunedin), accompanied with letter or postcard notifying despatch of gifts. Every helper has a share in the prayers and good works of the Society. It is needless for us to commend so good and charitable a work.