CHRISTCHURCH CATHOLIC CLUB

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 42, 15 October 1903, Page 29

CHRISTCHURCH CATHOLIC CLUB

(From our own correspondent.) The annual meeting of the Christchurch Catholic Club was held, in the Boys' Schoolroom on September 24 The Rev. Father McDonnell presided, and there was a good attendance of members. His Lordship the Bishop and Sir George Clifford granted their patronage for the ensuing year, and the following officers were elected — President, Mr. R. O. Duncan ; vice-presidents, Messrs Messrs. R. Hay ward, J. Shanley, and J. Quinlan ; treasurer, Mr. W. Hayward, Jun. ; secretary, Mr. G. Dobbsexecutive committee, Messrs. M. O'Reilly, P. Nolan, J. Canavan, J. Cronin, and George Hayward ; trustees', Messrs. J. R. Hayward, A. Mead, and M. O'Reilly It was arranged to formally open the new club rooms on October 13, at which Sir George Clifford consented, if possible, to preside and deliver an inaugural address. Seven new members were nominated. The annual rdfoort and balance sheet were read and adopted, the following being a summary :—: — • Your committee beg to congratulate the Club on its financial position considering the many adverse circumstances under which it has worked during the past season. The receipts and expenditure compare very favorably with past years, and the balance sheet shows a balance of assets over liabilities to the extent of £120 10s 9d. Your committee trust that 12 months hence will undoubtedly show better attendance at the Club's winter session than what they experienced during the past year. Owing to the regrettable fire, which destroyed the premises previously occupied by the Club, your executive have been confronted with the necessity of acquiring suitable rooms for members' requirements, and have pleasure in reporting that satisfactory arrangements have been made with the Hibernian Society for a lease of a portion of the Hibernian Hall, which will unfortunately deprive us of the valuable library which our members had the advantage of using through the kindness "of his Lordship tthe Bishop. Your executive would be pleased to receive donations in the form of pictures, or any other small articles, that would make the new rooms more cheerful, and they also hope within the near future that a gymnasium will be added. While on this subject you executive consider that the thanks of the members are due to his Lordship the Bishop, who has for many years so kindly placed his library at the disposal of members, and we are more than pleased to note that little loss was suffered at the late fixe. In conclusion, your committee wish to tender their sincerest thanks to the i Rev. Father McDonnell for the untiring energy and zeal displayed by him on every occasion in the interests of the Club. You will all agree that it is to the Rev. Father's efforts that much of our past success is due, and although he is retiring from active work in connection with the Club, it is gratifying to know we shall ha,ve his valuable services at our disposal should occasion require. It is with much regret we have to record the death of Mr. Michael McNamara, one of our first and most popular members. Our thanks are due to Sir George Clifford for his generous donation of £3 3s to the picnic fund, also to the Very Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais and Rev. Father McDonnell for donations during the year.