Irish News.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 50, 14 December 1899, Page 9

Irish News.

ANTRIM.— Art Exhibition in Belfast— The Marquis of Dofferin opened a Kensiugton Art Exhibition in Belfast on October 12. Lord Mayor Jaffe presided, and there was a very large and fashionable attendance. Lord Dufferin delivered an interesting address, in the course of which he referred to the vast strides which art had made in Belfast since the fust exhibition of Kensington works of art in 1850. This advance he attributed largely to the writings of Ruskin and the development of the preRaphaelite school of art.

CARLOW.—A Memorial of the late Bishop Comerford.—The inauguration of the new pulpit recently erected in Carlow Cathedral, which is a diocesan memorial to the late Most Rev Dr. Comerford, Coadjutor Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, took place recently. The new pulpit is very handsome and is over 20 feet in height. The design is in perfect harmony with the architecture, which is of the Tudor period. At the base of the pulpit stands the figure of St. Victor, and at either side those of St. Lazarian, Bißhop of Old Leighlin, and St. Conleith, Bishop of Kildare b^ing the patrons of the united dioceae.

CORK.— A Cork Man Killed in Johannesburg. -Great regret was felt in the 'rebel' city when it became known that Mr Anthony Wolfe, a former resident, had been killed in the Transvaal! The news of Mr. Wolfe's tragic death, in a collision between two trains engaged in conveying fugitives from Johannesburg, came upon his friends and relatives as a serious shock.

DONEGAL. — Cardinal Logue at Burtonport — His Eminence Cardinal Logue received a hearty welcome from the people of ' Old Donegal' on his visit to dedicate a church to St. Columba at Bortonport on Sunday, October 22. His Eminence took advantage of the opportunity again to commend the cause of the old tongue to the people who have not yet lost it. At the termination of the solemn ceremonies a number of eloquent and patriotic addresses were presented to Dr. Logue, amongst others an address in Irish on behalf of the Lower Rosses branch of the Gaelic League. His Eminence, in reply, expressed the great pleasure which it gave him to visit the people of this ancient diocese over which "he formerly ruled. The proceedings terminated with a speech from the Most Rev. Dr. O'Donnell, Bishop of Raphoe, who said that it gave him much satisfaction to see that the priests and people were able to Bhow the Cardinal Buch a noble monument of their piety, earnestness, and zeal, and the truly Catholic spirit that flourishes in the Bosses.

DUBLIN.— The New Church at Howth.— The Archbishop of Dublin recently solemnly dedicated the Church of the Assumption at Howth, a building in the Romanesque style of architecture which has been raised under the rule of Canon Flanagan, P P at a cost falling little short of £11,000, over £9,000 of which has' been already paid. The sermon was preached by the Rev. T. Finlay, S.J . After the High Mass a public meeting was held at which the Archbishop, who presided, delivered an address. He paid a high tribute of praise to the energy of Canon Flanagan, and the hearty co-operation of his parishioners, as well as to the generosity of Lord Howth who had given so splendid a site. His Grace undertook to be responsible for one-half of the debt remaining upon the building, an undertaking which encouraged many others to generous contributions.

The Late Father Alphonsus O'Neill, CP.— I announce (writes the Dublin correspondent of the Catholic Times, under date October 10) with deep regret the death of Father Alphonsus O'Neill C.P., the well-known missionary. He passed away on Friday at Mount Argus, Dublin, after about twenty-four hours' illness Father O'Neill was born in Stewartstown, County Tyrone on October 11th, 1830, so that he wag in his 69 th year. He became a Passionist on the 12th of July, 1852, and was ordained in Italy by a Passionist Bishop in 1856. From the very beginning of his sacerdotal career he showed marked powers of that winning and moving oratory which goes to the heart of the sinner and helps the earnest Christian in his onward course. He filled every office of trust and dignity in the Order, from Vice-Master of Novices to that of Provincial, with care and diligence. His missionary work extended all over the three kingdoms, and Australia was the scene of his labours for six years. He waa rector of Mount Argus from 1866 to 1869. His death creates a void in the community to which he belonged. The remains were interred on Monday in the private burial ground attached to St. Paul's Retreat. Mount Argus. The interment took place immediately after the obsequies, which were held in the Church of St. Paul. Solemn Requiem Mass was preceded by Solemn Office for the Dead, at which the Very Rev Canon Frioher, P.P., Bathmines, presided. More than seventy priests took part in the Dirge and Requiem, and there was a large attendance of the laity.

Bt. Vincent de Paul Orphanage.— A large and influential meeting, over which bis Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Walsh presided and having for its object consideration of improving the financial position of the male orphanage of the St. Vincent de Paul Society Glaanevin, was held in Dublin on October 22. The orphanage was was founded in 1855, for the purpose of sheltering the children of the poor who had suffered from the terrible ravages of famine whioh had then visited the country. The orphans of the Irish Catholic soldiers who had fallen in the Crimea were also received and provided for in this institution. Pensions, legacies and bequests had hitherto helped to counterbalance deficits, but in later years the necessity of keeping pace with modern educational requirements has imposed a heavy burden upon the revenue of St Vincent's, and it is now heavily in debt. During 30 years the

orphanage has been managed by the Christian Brothers, and had been splendidly controlled by them, but now, owing to the deficit in the neceHPary fu» ds, it was impossible for them to continue their noble work on the old lines. Either of two courses was open to them — the sphere of usefulness of the institution mu«t be very much narrowed, or the public generosity must be appealed to. The latter course was adopted, a subscription list was opened and a number of subscriptions was handed in, whilst many more were promised.

GALWAY.— The Nuns and the Local Hospital— Owat dissatisfaction has been caused by the refusal of the Local Government Board to sanction the app >intinent of the nuns to the charge of Galway General Hospital, Prospect Hill. Sister Mary Bernard Ryan, of the Mercy community, who holds the certificate of a fully qualified nurse, having passed the examination and served the usual period in the Galway VVorkhouse Hospital, which is a clinical hospital, and always recognised as such by the licensing bodies, was unanimously appointed to the position of matron of the institution two months ago. A memorial signed by a number of persons in Galway, protesting against the appointment of nuns to the charge of the General Hospital has been forwarded to the Local Government Board, and after a delay of over two months a letter was received from the Local Government Board, read at a recent meeting of the hospital governors, refusing to sanction the appointment although the hospital had hitherto been in charge of nurses who, as stated at the meeting, had no qualification whatever. Mr. J. C. McDonnell moved.— 'ln reference to the Local Government Board letter, refusing to sanction the appointment of Sister Mary Bernard Ryan as matron of the hospital, we, the Board of Management, desire to inform the Local Government Board that we are perfectly satisfied that Sister Mary Bernard Ryan possesses all the necessary qualifications to fulfil the duties of the office of matron, and we would refer the Local Government Board to the certificate of training of Sister Mary Bernard Ryan sent to the Board in July last, when she was appointed to the position. We absolutely refuse to appoint any other person to the position, and we request the Local Government Board to save further discussion or correspondence by confirming the appointment made by the Board of Management.' Mr. John Joyce seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously.

The Late Sister Aloysius.— The late Sister Aloysius, of the Carmelite Convent, Loughrea, who died very recently, was the daughter of Mr. Reddington, of Ryehill, County Galway, and belonged to one of the oldesc and most aristocratic families of the county. Sister Aloysius is deeply mourned for. Her bright and cheerful disposition endeared her to the community to which she had the happiness to belong, and her loss will create a void which will be difficult to fill.

KERRY.— The O'Connell Memorial Church.— The Very Rev Canon O'Riordan, P P., Cahirciveen, County Kerry, has taken up with the greatest activity the work which his predecessor in the parish, Canon Brosnan, started and persevered at until his death — the erection of the O'Connell Memorial Church. Practically all that is now required is the roofing, the flooring, and the internal fitting of the church Canon O'Riordan contemplates, at an early date, a visit to America with a view to obtaining funds for the completion of the church. Although only about a year installed in his parish he has collected £1000 in County Kerry alone for the O'Connell Memorial Church. Steps will be taken soon to bring the claims of the O^Connell Memorial project before Irishmen in every direction at home and abroad, and there shonld be no difficulty in raising the sum of about £12,000, which is required to bring the work to a successful accomplishment.

KILDARE.— The Mansion of Castletown.— in the last issue of the N.Z. Tablet it was announced that Mr. Eugene Kelly, a son of the late Irish-American banker and millionaire, had purchased the mansion of Castletown, in the county of Kildare, which has been for upwards of a century and a half the home of the Conollys, a famous Irish Parliamentary family, and has been for the laat five yeara rented as his permanent residence by Sir Peter O'Brien, the Irish Chief Justice. C isUetown, which is one of the most magnificent private residences in the United Kingdom, is built in the Italian style, and is practically a replica of Carton, the country residence of the Duke of Leinster, which is Within easy distance. Castletown and Carleton were both the work of the same architect, and were built by the orders of the Conolly and the Duke of Leinster of the day, who were brothers-in-law. Their wives were daughters of the Duke of Richmond and aunta of Charles James Fox.

LEITRIM.— White Gloves for the Judge.— At the last quarter session at Manorhamilton there was no criminal work for Judge Waters, and consequently he was presented with a pair of white gloves.

LIMERICK.— Death of a Sterling Nationalist-— While transacting business at the Rathkeale fair, Mr. John Magner, a member of the Rathkeale District Council, and a sterling Nationalist, died suddenly.

Tenants Purchasing their Holdings-— Forty-seven of the tenantry on the Ellis estate at Abbeyfeale are negotiating for the purchase of their holdings. It is noteworthy that before the granting of the judicial leases, the majority of these tenants suffered eviction. They now offer fourteen years' purchase.

WESTMEATH. — The Agricultural Organisation Society-— An important conference of the affiliated Societies of Westmeath, Roscommon, and King's County in connection with the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society was recently held in the Father Mathew Hall, Athlone. There was a large attendance of delegates and the Rev. Father Hurley was called upon to preside.

The chairman having addressed the Society, the Rev. O'Donovan next addressed the meeting, mentioning among other things that it was the duty of these agricultural organisations to see that they were properly represented in Parliament. Resolutions were then passed impressing on farmers the desirability of joining in this co-operative movement, expressing thanks for the benefits which had already been derived from the agricultural organisation and that a small sum should be annually allotted from the profits for the purpose of establishing- and maintaining village libraries, etc. In conclusion a vote of thanks to the Hon. Horace Plunkett for the past Bervices rendered by him in the cause of co-operation was passed and enthusiastically responded to.

TIPPERARY. — A Ninety -Eight Monument in ThurleS. — Ever to the front where anything is to be done for Ireland's cause, the great and venerable Archbishop of Cashel has sent £20 for the erection of a '98 monument in Thurles. The subscription was acknowledged at a recent meeting of the Memorial Committee, and the ceremony of unveiling was fixed for November 1.

WEXFORD— Proposed Presentation to a Priest.— A representative committee has been formed in New Boss to take steps to present Rev. James F. Nolan, 0.5.A., with an address and testimonial. Father Nolan spent 25 years of missionary usefulness in the district.'

GENERAL.

Religious for British Guiana- — A. religious of the Sisters of Mercy, Demerara, British Guiana, was in Ireland in October with a view to securing 1 suitable subjects who may feel disposed to join in the good work so needed in that distant and interesting part of the world.

Postulants for the United States-— Twenty-nine young ladies from various parts of Ireland — Carlow, Kilkenny, Kerry, Clare, Gal way, Leitrira, and Fermanagh — left Queenstown about the end of October for New York en route for San Antonia, Texas, with the object of joining the Order of Divine Providence, of which the young ladies propose to become postulants.

Church Building in Ireland- — Week by week almost we (London Tablet of October 21) have to record the progress made in church building up and down the country. On Sunday the Bishop of Meath laid the foundation stone of a new church at Oldcastle. The new church, as its title indicates, will be a memorial — a noble and enduring memorial— to the martyred Primate, Oliver Plunkett, who was born in the parish of Oldcastle. The cost is estimated at £13,000. The Most Rev. Dr. Clancy, Bishop of Alphin, preached an eloquent sermon. The collection realised the sum of £500. In the afternoon an address was presented to the Bishop of Meath, who, in the course of his reply, dealt with the land question, denouncing the present system, which was depopulating the country.

The Inspectorship of National Schools —The result of the recent examination for the Inspectorship of National Schools has been made known. The successful candidate was Mr. James J. Mulhray, B.A. As a student of Blackrock College, from which so many inspectors have already come, Mr. Mullany'B name was conspicuous in the Exhibition lists of the Intermediate and Royal University. Mr. Mullany has had, moreover, a very considerable experience in teaching at Blackrock and elsewhere.

The Bishops of Connaught and the Land Question — The following resolutions, adopted at a meeting held in Tuam, were sent to Mr. Gerald Balfour by the Bishopa of Connaught : — 1. That we desire to express our grateful appreciation of the efforts now being made by the Congested Districts Board to create a peasant proprietary with enlarged holdings in the most impoverished districts of the West of Ireland. We confidently believe that the possession of theae larger holdings with the sense of permanent ownership will prove to be a very strong incentive to thrift and industry, as well as a sure source of happiness and contentment in future. 2. We desire to express our earnest hope that the Congested Districts Board will continue and extend their policy of seeking to purchase the large uncultivated grazing farms of the West, with a view to their sub-divi-ion and allotment amongst the poorer class of tenants. At present, in numberless oasea, these tenants are struggling to maintain a wretched existence on a few barren acres of bog or mountain, from which, too, they are forced to migrate at the busiest season of the year, in order to earn in England or Scotland the means of paying a rent that could never be extracted from the laud itself. 3. We desire also to express a hope that the Congested Districts Board, with your powerful help, will seek to procure from Parliament extended powers so as to be able to carry out the same wise and beneficent policy throughout the whole Province of Connaught. It contains nearly everywhere vast tracts of the best land, admirably suited for cultivation, but now almost derelict and daily deteriorating in value. By the ungrudging labour and skill of a peasant proprietary, these desolate tracts might be made once more highly productive and profitable not only for the cultivators, but for the entire community. 4. We are oonvinced that this wise and generous policy can be carried out, with the help of the Government, without causing wrong or injury to any man ; and it is on that understanding we advocate its adoption. We should greatly regret to see any means or methods of actions employed to further the cause of the tenants which were not perfectly just and legitimate. A just cause can only be weakened, and a holy cause can only be sullied, by the commission of any crime ; and, if necessary, we shall not fail to take steps to warn our clergy and our flocks to abstain from any course of action that could be rightly regarded as unjust or immoral.