DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 16, 20 April 1899, Page 19

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

(From our own correspondent.) April 13. The Auckland Catholic Literary and Debating Society held its annual meeting, in St. Patrick's Hall, on Tuesday evening, April 11. Rev. Father Croke, spiritual director, was present. The president (Mr. W. Tole) presided. Mr. Maurice Foley (hon. treasurer) submitted the balance Bheet, which showed the funds to be in a prosperous condition. Nearly every member of the society put in an appearance. Mr. P. Foley (hon. secretary) read a concise report of last year's session, after which the president referred in feeling terms to the departure from the society of their respected spiritual director, who, in consequence of removal to a country parish, had resigned with regret. The president eulogised the great services rendered to them all by Father Croke. In the name of the society the president bade good-bye to Father Croke, wishing him health and happiness, pad success in his new sphere. In a most touching manner the Rev. Father replied, wishing the society every prosperity. The election of officers for the ensuing term then took place and resulted as follows : — President, Mr. W. Tole ; vicepresidents, Messrs. Hickson and Hoare ; hon. secretary, Mr. McCoy ; hon. treasurer, Mr. Thomas Guscott ; editor, Mr. H. Gray ; librarian, Mr. H. Herbert ; auditors, Messrs. Mahoney and Williams. A good committee was formed to work up a syllabus for the session. Rev. Father Gillan and his assistant priests, Fathers O'Gallagher and Darby, are performing good work at St. Benedict's. A house to house visit is being made in this extensive parish. Sending children to the Catholic schools is engaging the attention of St. Benedict's priests. The Hibernian Society, during last year, disbursed in sick pay £1084 12s lOd. This speaks volumes for this organisation. The Registrar of Friendly Societies some time ago severely commented upon the failure of numbers of branches of the Hibernian Society to send ia their returns. This neglect caused much adverse comment at the time. In spite of all previous rem'ndera several branches in the N.Z. district have again torgotten the duty they owe to themselves and to the Society as a whole, and have failed to forward returns to Mr. Mason. District Press dent Bro. P. J. Ncrheny, before retiring from offioe, ve'-y properly imposed a fine upon these erring branches. Father Brodie was in town this week making preparations to assume charge forthwith of his new parit-h of Puhoi. The Rev. Father looks much improved in health. Father Croke left also for Kihikibi. Both of these excellent young priests will be much missed in the City. The Maggie Moore dramatic company has givea an afternoon entertainment in aid of the Catholic Orphanages. Rev. Father Mahony, upon leaving Puhoi parish to take charge of the important Thames parish, was ths recipient of an address and a puree of sovereigns. Father Mahony was a general favour. te in the Puhoi parish. His Lordship Dr. Lenihan has written from Samoa by the inward 'FriscD mail steamer Alan.eda. So far the Bishop has ha.d a most enjoyable trip. The following address was presented to his Lordship Bishop Lenihan, prior to his departure for Rome :—: — My Loid - It is with mingled sentiments of regret and satisfaction that we (the inmates of the Ho jie of the Little Sisters of the Poor) hear of your Lordship's contemplated visit to Europe. We shall, during your Lordship's absence, miss your genial, soci.il, kind, und thoughtful consideration, and your constant and punctual ministrations. At the same time it is with satisfaction we hear your Lordship will have audiecce w:th his Holiness the Pope, which we trust will result in the grea er honour and glory of God, and be of benefit to your Lordship's d occse. We take this opportunity of thanking your Lordship most sincerely for your many kindnesses and generous consideration, particularly your untiring zeal in minidteiing to our spiritual necessities. We shall esteem it a great favour if your Lordship will convey to the Most Holy Father the Pope our loyalty and devotion and assure him of our constant prayers for all his good intentions, and also obtain from him for us his benediction. We beg your Lordship's acceptance of this little purse containing our very humble offering. Your Lordship is aw.- re of our poverty, but we feel sure you will not measure our hearts by the shallowntss of our pockets. We wish your Lordtbip a safe and agreeable journey, and that you may realise all your mo-t sanguine anticipations, and a speedy return. — We are, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient servants. John A^tin Smith, For and on behalf of all the inmates of the Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor.