DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIII, Issue 26, 29 June 1905, Page 6

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(From our own correspondent.) June 22.

The ainnulal social in aid of St. Patrick's parish funds is fixed for August 9in the Federal Hall. An active committee of ladies has the matter in hand, and success is assured.

Mr. W, 11. K. Redmond,. M.P., has joined the Perth branch of the H.A.C.8.. Society. Mrs. Redmond joined tho women's branch. The initiation ceremony was made of public interest, several Ministers of the Crown attending. Subsequently in Sydney Mr. Redmond attended the annual Communion and marched in the ranks wearing his regalia.

Last Sunday evening the Cathedral choir, under Mr. P. F. Hisoocks, repeated ' Gems from Elijah ' in lieu of the Vesper service. Prior to the performance the Bishoo from the pulpit explained to the congregation the Bible hisitoryi of the events of which the oratorio treated, Tne performance was in every detail artistic, and ran more smoothly than on the first production. The solos and concerted pieces were excellent, while the choruses were most effective. On Sunday evening his Lordship the Bishop assisted with his At the meeting, of the local branch of the H.A.C.B. Society ld&t Tuesday nomination of officers took Dlace. Two new members were initiated, and five candidates proposed. Mr. Baume, M.H.R., was present, coming with Bro. P.J. Nerheny. The president, in welcoming him, referred to Mr. Baume's commendable action in regard to ' Warner's History ' book, now in the public schools of the Auckland District. Mr. Baume thanked the president and, members for their kindly weVcome. In regard to Warner's hook he felt very warmly, and on his part no stone would be^left unturned to put it out of the schools.

As a result of the correspondence in the morning and evening papers complaining of the insulting character of ' Warner's History ' towards Catholics, which is now in use in the public schools in the Auckland Educational District, Mr. F. E. Baume, one of the members for Auckland City, sent the following telegram last Monday to the Premier : — ' I understand Auckland Education Board is applying to retain ' Warner's History ' for use in this district. Trust the request will not be a,cceded to, as the book contains passages dealing with religious matters in a manner repugnant to the feelings of a laTge section of the community.' It is to be hoped that the Minister of Education will comply with Mr. Baume's request. No more insulting references have emanated from an Orange Lodge. In one l«age dealing with Mary Queen of Scots Warner says : ' Mary was a Catholic, and what was worse,' etc. The inference isi plain.

' The Rev. Father Duffy, who was for a time curate to the late Monsignor Paul at Onehunga, and in charge of the Ohurch of the Assumption until relieved last week by Father Mahoney, was the recipient oT an address and purse of sovereigns recently. He is at present confined to the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, suffering from an inyury to his right toot. It was 1 at this institution that the presentation was made, on behalf of the congregation, by Messrs. R. Vance and J. and M. Brennan. The address read as follows :— ' Before leaving us to take tip your duties' as parish priest of Puhoi, we desire, on behalf of the congregation of the Church of the Assumption, to make 'known to you the high regard and esteem in which we hold you aR a devout priest and guide. We recognise tnat you have had no small difficulty in following in the footsteps of the late Monsignor Paul, and we wish to place upon record our appreciation of your ministry during the short timevou have 'been amongst us. Your kind,, attention to the s"ick of the parish has, we as-sure you, been highly and gratefully appreciated. With these few remarks, and wishing you every blessing in your new parish, we beg you to this small token as a mark of our esteem.' Father Duffy, in a few brief and appropriate words, feelingly acknowledged the presentation of the address and accompanying purse. He said he would long cherish pleasant memories of Onehunga. Father Duffy has been appointed to the charge of Puhoi parish, vacated by Rev. Father Mahoney.