INTERCOLONIAL.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 6, 8 February 1900, Page 20

INTERCOLONIAL.

A somewhat unique method of spreading the Catholic Truth Society's publications is now in full swing at the city and suburban churches (says the Melbourne correspondent of the Sydney Fn 1 - man s Journal). The idea originated with one of the Vincentian Fathers, Malvern. A book-case is placed in the porch, and at a glance one can choose the special publication desired. Provision is made for depositing the nominal coat of each pamphlet — Id. The system works admirably, thanks to the care bestowed on it by the members of the St. Vlll -cut de Paul Society. Sever il thousands of these publications have, by this means, been spread broadcast, and, needless to remark, have effect el an incalculable service to religion by enlightening the ignorant and scattering the prejudices against the Church and her doctrines.

The members of the New South W lies second contingent held a church parade in Sydney on the Sund ly afternoon prior to thendeparture The Catholic members went to St. Marys Cathedral, where an immense crowd awaited them. The officers present were Major I'.oam. Major Lenihan, Major Murray, Captain Freehill, and Lieutenant Tower. M. I'i.ird d'Aunet (Consul-General for France), with the captain of the French warship Hare, occupied on.> ol the pews. The Hon. E W. O Sullivan, Minister for Works. a s a i^ 0 present. The Rev. Father Patrick, who accompanied the contingent as chaplain, occupied a seat 111 the holy of the Cathedral with the men. When the soldier- wore -eat-1. the Car hnal-Arbhbi-hop, accompanied by a number of the < I rgy entered the Cathedral. After some special vocal and nistiumenLal nubic had been given by the choir, his Eminence Cardinal Moran addressed the men. At the conclusion of the Cardinal's addiv^s there was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, after which the Hallelujah Chorus from the " Messiah " was given by the choir.

The Guild Hall, Sydney, never held a more enthusiastic gathering than on Monday evening. January 1 '>, when the officers and men of the Irish Rifles assembled iti full force to do honour to Major Murray (their commaudmg officer'), Lieutenants Woods and Garvan. and other members of the corps, on the eve of their departure for South Africa. The Jhuhj Ttlujrnph in its report of the proceedings describes the event as ' the biggest regimental pend-off there has yet been in the city." Captain Freehill (next in command to Major Murray) presided, and amongst the invited glints present were the Hon. John See, the Hon. E. W. O'Sullivan. Mr. Ldmund Barton, M.P., Mr. J J. Cohen. M P.. Dr. W. K. Warren. Major Robertson (Scottish Rifles), the Rev. Father Hayden (Manly), and Messrs. W. L. Merewether (Orown Pros-e -titor). P. J. O'Donnell (•Mingay '), B. M'Bride. J. F. Henucssy. Fiank CnltVe. L. Hopkins, J. Blakeney. and others. Speeches were dtl-vtr.-d l>y Captain Freehill, Major Murray. Major Robertson (of the Scottish Rifles), and the Hons. J. See and E. W. O'Sullivan. From the first a large number of the Iri?h Rifles had offered them elves for si rvice. Major Murray and Lieutenant Garvan had been given commissions. Lieutenant Woods, who was denied this privilege, enlisted as a trooper with the Australian Horse, but has been promoted, and went with the contingent las a corporal in that corps. The other members of the Irish Rifles whose offer was accepted, and who left for South Africa, are Sergeant Watson, Corporal J. M'^weeney, Corporal J. P. Gilshennan, Privates James Burns, .Tamea Garden, W. D. Henery, M. Naish, J. F.inton, P. O'Connor, L. Hopkins, Murphy, C. Church.