DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIX, Issue 52, 26 December 1901, Page 7

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

(From our own correspondent.) December 17. Our schools break up this week. Several of them intend to mark the occasion by an entertainment. Rev. Father Gillan, of St. Benedict's, is, I regret to say, temporarily confined to his room through illness. To one of Father Oillan's energy this enforced retirement is moat galling. 1 Loyal Colonial ' pens a most bitter letter in yesterday's Herald against Mr. William O'Brien and what he dubs his 'mission. A contemporary and celebrated writer has recently said that ' politioal life is an eternal crucifixion,' which aptly fita the present case. Rev. Father Moore haa resigned his curacy at St. Patrick's, and early in the new year purposes returning to Victoria. It is with deep and genuine regret that the parishioners of St. Patrick's part with Father Moore, and all unite in wishing him long life and happiness to labor in God's cause, which is so dear to his heart. By the Mararoa which arrived from Sydney on Sunday two priests for the Maori mission from Mill Hill College, LondonRev. Fathers Langerwert and Wentzies — came to join their confreres of the Order of St. Joseph who have for many years ministered so faithfully to the natives under the care of Very Rev Dean Lightheart. St. Patrick's Day Celebration Committee met last Sunday afternoon in the Marist Brothers' School, Rev. Father Patterson in the chair. It was decided to hold the sports and chrildren's treat in the Domain, and a national concert on the evening of Irish National Festival. Through the efforts of Father Patterson an art union will be added to the programme. The scholastic year at St. Mary's Convent High School, Ponsonby, was fittingly brought to a close lust evening by a concert and presentation of prizes to the successful candidates. There was a very large attendance, and every item was well rendered and drew forth loud plaudits from the delighted listeners. The following excellent programme was given : ' March from Eii,' orchestra ; chorus, pupils ; piano solo, Mis 6 Cronin ; dialogue, Misses Ella Brom and A. Ralph ; chorus, pupils ; vocal solo, ' Sleep,' Miss Ralph ; piano solo, Miss E. Brown ; recitation, Mips Scully ; chorus, pupils ; March, ' Athalie,' 'Orchestra ; vocal solo, 'The dawn,' Miss Nazer ; choruß^ pupils ; duet (piano), Misses Kuthven and Jones ; recitation, Mips Ansley ; vocal duet, Misses B. Jones and E. Brown ; piano solo, Mis»s Mathias ; chorus, pupils ; mandolin solo, Miss Bray ; recitation, Miss Dempsey ; chorus, pupils. The certificates won at the theory examinations in nniHic under Trinity College, London, were presented by the Very R^v. Dr. E^au, OSB. At St. Patrick's Cathedral on Sunday evening last his Lordship Dr. Lenihan aduainiutt red the Saorament of Confirmation to 127 candidates, among whom were several adults The church was crowded. Tbere was also in the sanctuary Very Rev. Father Benedict, O.P ; Rev. Father Colean, SJ. (Syduey), Rev. Fathers Patterson, Adm. ; Purton, O S.B. ; Buckley, and Rev. Fathers Langerwert and VVeutzien, of the Orde' of St. Joseph. Rev Father Colgan, S.J., delivered an eloquent and convincing sermon on the gospel of '.he day. At the conclusion of the ceremony the Bishop addressed the children, and said : 'To-night you have been enrolled under the great Captain as soldiers of the (Jross, and, my dear children, in the course of your lives many temptations and trials may cross your paths, but if you will recall the great event of this night and recollect the promises made and the good resolutions formed, you will successfully fight them. I look forward to the time when you will take your share in the work of the Church, in the choir, in the ranks of the collectors, and in various other ways. Never neglect to say your morning and night prayero, never miss Mass on Sundays. Be obedient to your parents and superiors, and avoid, above all, bad company ; and if you do this, depend upon it you will became good Catholics and good citizens, and your reward shall be everlasting happiness in Heaven.' The choir, under Mr. P. F. Hiscocks, rendered valuable assistance. The church was crowded, and the proceedings were of the most impressive character.

Now that the wool season is at hand Messrs. Donald Reid and Co., the well-known Dunedin merchants proffer their services to wool growers, either as brokers for sale of their clip in the local market, or for shipment to the firm's London agents. Messrs. Donald Reid and Co. are noted for their promptness in rendering account ealeß and paying over proceeds, whilst their charges are on the lowest scale. A matter of importance to sellers is that the firm's wool exchange if. centrally situated so that their consignments are delivered direct into Btore, thus saving any expense on that score. The show room is commodious and well-lighted, so that the wool is shown to the best advantage The following; dates for sales have been arranged : January 9 and 30, February 27...