ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVI, Issue 12, 22 July 1898, Page 4

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON.

(From our own correspondent.)

July 16. I REGRET to record the death of Mr. James Moran, purveyor, formerly of Auckland, which took place on Monday at his residence Brougham street in this city. The deceased gentleman was a native of Tipperary, and had been for some years on the staff of the Irish Survey Department. He came out to Victoria in the days of the gold fever, and after spending a few years there determined to settle in New Zealand. He arrived in Otago soon after the discovery of gold in that province, and immediately commenced the practice of his profession, having, among other important works, ' been entrusted with the surveying of the sites of the towns of Invercargill, Kaitangata, and Wallace. He also surveyed the site of the Catholic Cathedral and convent, Dunedin. He was employed for a considerable time in the Nelson province. After a time he settled down in Auckland, where he resided until a few years ago. Although Mr. Moran was of too retiring a disposition to take much part in public affairs, still there were few colonibts who had such a large circle of friends. His word was his bond ; whilst his geniality, open-heartedness, and uprightness had endeared him to all, for none conld have business or social relations with him without fully recognising his many sterling qualities. The funeral took place on Wednesday morning from St. Mary of the Angels' Church, where a llequiem Mass wa*said by the Rev. Father O'Shea, who also officiated at the grave. The deceased leaves a widow and grown-up family. The Very Rev. Father Power (Hawera) and the Very Rev. Father Patterson (Palmer«tou) were in Wellington in the early part of the week. Mr. John Barrett (Darfield, Canterbury) had been on a flying visit to the Empire City, and returned South on Monday. His Grace Archbishop Redwood ana the Very Rev. Father Devoy, V.G., left on Tuesday morniDg for Picton and Blenheim. Father Devoy returned to Wellington to-day. Very Rev. Dean Mackay, of Oamaru, was in Wellington on Friday, and paid a visit to the clergy at the presbytery, Boulcott street. The members of the Te Aro Dramatic Club held a very enjoyable social in St. Patrick's Hall on Monday night, to which was invited a number of their friends. Songs were contributed by Messrs. Skinner, Walsh, Callan, Smith, and others. The success of the function was due in a great measure to the excellent arrangements of the committee, consisting of Misses Marshall and Mollumby, and Messrs. Kelly and Payne. The Rev. Father O'Shea ' president, was present during the evening. ' At the half yearly meeting of the St. Mary's (women's) branch of the Hibernian Society, held in St. Patrick's Hull on Monday night, the following officers were elected for the ensuing term :— president,' Sister M. O'Sullivan; vice-president, Sister J. Flannagan ; secretary' Sister M. Carrigan ; treasurer, Sister A. Grant ; warden, Sister L Driscoll ; guardian, Sister C. Kelly ; sick visitors, Sisters J. Lacey and M. Breen. Favourable reports were presented for the half year ihowing that the branch was making satisfactory progress. Two members were elected at the meeting, and three candidates proposed for membership. On Wednesday evening the branch held its annual ' social ' in Thomas' Hall, when there was a crowded attendance. The function was a most enjoyable one, and reflected the greatest credit on the management committee, which consisted of Sisters Guinlivan, O'Sullivan, Dwyer, Licey, Still, Grant (treasurer), and M. Corrigan (secretary). Messrs. J. McMillan and F. Curtis acted as M.C.'b, whilst Fischer's String Band supplied the dance music During the evening songs were contributed by Miss Murphy' Messrs. Timmins, O'Loughlin, O'Sullivan, Marshall, and Laydon and a cornet solo by Bandsman Buckley, of the Garrison Band! The catering, which was under the direct control of the committee" was all that could be desired. The Branch are to be warmly congratulated on the success of the social, and the admirable manner in which the arrangements had been carried out augured well for the future of similar function*. There will b<j a balance of from £20 to £25 to the credit of the "98 committee after paying off all liabilities. It is proposed to utilise this amount as the nucleus of the fund which it is proposed to raise here for the relief of the distress in Ireland. At the meeting of the committee a few nights ago it was decided to forward a letter of thanks to the Editor of the N.Z Tablet for tlie material help which was afforded by his journal to the celebration of the centenary in this colony. A meeting will be held some time next week for the purpose of forming a committee to collect funds in aid of the uistress in Ireland. The child violinist — Celia Dampier — of Auckland, who was tendered a benefit concert by the leading musical people here, so as to help her to proceed to Europe to complete her musical education had a bumper house on Monday, with the result that the committee will bo able to hand her over about £60. The concert was given under the patronage and in the presence of a number of prominent citizens, among whom was his Grace Archbishop Redwood and some of the local clergy. The members of St. Joseph's Church Choir presented Miss Mary M'Donald, on the occasion of her retirement from the position of organist, with a gold bracelet as a token of their esteem. The presentation wad made by Mr. H. 11. M'Oardeil, who spoke in very complimentary terms regarding Miss M- Donald's assiduity and work and expressed his own aud the choir'h ngretat her determination to retire irorn the position. Mr. Girling -Butcher returned thanks on behalf of the recipient. Mr. limes, turmerly of Dunedin, has been appointed to succeed Miss M-Donuld. on organist of St. Joseph's.

The following gentlemen, in addition to those in the photographic group, were on the committee of the '98 Celebration, and contributed their share towards its success : — Messrs. P. Carmody,. D. R. Lawlor, W. F. Healy, W. M'Goldrick, and the secretary J. J. M'Grath. The authorities of St. Patrick's College are determined not to neglect the athletic aide of education, for they evidently believe in mens sana in corpore sano. as they are at present constructing a tennis court for the use of the students. The study of chemistry is about to be added to the curriculum of the institution, and with this object apparatus for the purpose has been fitted up under the direction of Mr. B. J. Dolan, of the Masterton Catholic School, and instructor in chemistry at the Masterton T echnic il School. (From a Wanganui correspondent ) The usual weekly meeting of the St. Columba Literary and Debating Club was held on Wednesday, July 13. The Rev. Father Tymons presided. There was a good attendance of mem hers, The evening was devoted to a debate on the question : ' Should the use of tobacco bo discouraged.' The following gentlemen spoke :—: — Affirmative. Messrs. J. T. Hogan (leader), T. Lloyd, W. J. Mahoney, F. W. Olliver, and W. Power ; negative, Messrs. E. Loftus (leader), L. J. Duflon, M. McCulloch, 8. Kirkwood, and T. Collins. The arguments advanced by the different speakers were very good. On a vote being taken, the supporters of the ' fragrant weed ' secured a narrow majority. Next Wednesday evening a lecture on 'Political Economy ' will be delivered by Mr. J. T. Hogan, and songs, readings, irecitations, and musical items will be given by some of the members.