DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 23, 5 June 1902, Page 5

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

(From our own correspondent.) May 22. The Hibernian Society's fortnightly social, held last evening in the Hibernian Hall, was a decided success. Rev. Father Kehoe, who is staying at the Bishop's House, is far from well. His many friends earnestly pray and hope for his speedy restoration to health. At St. Benedict's Church on Sunday there waa Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from last Mass until Vespers. The faithful in large numbers made their visits during the day. Sermons were delivered by Rev. Fathers Russell and Gillan. The altar was tastefully decorated, the work reflecting much credit on the Sisters of St. Joseph. The members of the City Schools' Committee have resigned in a body because the Education Board set aside the recommendations made by the committee in the teaohing staff of two of the city schools. One of those recommended was a lady Catholic teacher, and there is just a suspicion that the members of the Board were not actuated by the highest motives. The Catholic teacher in question is credited with being one of the best under the Board, and has had an experience of 22 years. Mother Mary, Superior of the Order of St. Joseph, who came across from Sydney for the benefit of her health, and proceeded to Botorua with the same object, took a turn for the worse last week. So serious was her condition that several of the Sisters who were summoned from Sydney arrived here on Monday and proceeded to Rotorna. His Lordship the Bishop went there also, and administered the last rites of the Church to the sufferer. Mother Mary improved Blightly within the last few dayß, and her friends were enabled to bring her to Auckland yesterday. It is to be hoped that she may soon be restored to health. The sufferer is staying at the convent Newmarket. The question of Bible in Schools was revived this week, when a number of Protestant clergymen met and set forth their demands in the following resolution: — 'To demand such alteration of the Education Act as will prescribe : (a) That Government schools be opened daily with the Lord's Prayer ; (b) That on certain days of the week timple lessons on selected portions of the Bible be given by the teachers during school hours. Provided (1) That these lessons shall be of a strictly undenominational character ; (2) That teachers who conscientiously object to give these lessons shall not be compelled to give them, and scholars whose parents have conscientious objections shall not be compelled to receive them. (2) To urge members of Parliament and candidates for election thereto to press the above alteration upon the Legislators.' [This letter arrived too late for insertion in our last issue.]