ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIV, Issue 7, 15 February 1906, Page 6

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON

(From our own correspondent.) February 10. St. Patrick's College is to re-open on Thursday next. His Grace the Archbishop of Melbourne and Bishop Iliggins of Ballarat readied the city on Thursday, and left far the south the same evening. As the clergy were on relreat, our distinguished visitors weie met and entertained only by his Grace the Archbishop and the Very Rev. Father Lewis, V.G. Owing to the \ery inclement state of the weather on Sunday last, the opening of the Sacred Heart Convent by his Grace the Archbishop had to be postponed. .In spite of the weather, however, quite a number of visitors called at the institution and were shown through the building by the Sisters. The banquet given on Thursday night in the Town Hall to Sir Joseph Ward on the eve of his departure for Rome to attend the Postal Conference there, was in every respect a splendid tribute to the guest of the evening. It was a truly representative gathering of citizens, who were not prevenled by political opinions from joining to show their keen appreciation of a very able and worthy public man. Quite a feature of the gathering was the high standard of the various speeches, that of Mr. C. P. Skerrett being especially fine. The report and balance sheet of the local Young Men's Cluh, to be presented at the next half-yearly meeting, disclose highly satisfactory state of affairs. In fact, the term just closed ranks as one of the best yet enjoyed by the Club. A pleasing feature is -the almost total absence of liabilities. The revenue for the term was so buoyant that the club was enabled to liquidate the debt on the piano recently purchased. The members are to be congratulated on the success achieved, which has been due to a great extent to the attention and ability of its executive. The question of the erection of a Catholic Hall will be 'brought under the consideration of membeis at the half-yearly meeting. The executive of the Young Men's Federation is making preparations for the annual conference of delegates from the various affiliated societies to be held here dining Master week. Quite a number of delegates have intimated their intentions of being present. The executive has decided on the design of their diplomas, and the execution of them is now in the printer's hands. When completed they will present a very fine and artistic appearance, being designed in various colors, and containing the photograph of his Holiness and his Grace the Archbishop, with their respective coats of arms. Scenes typical of New Zealand also adorn the diplomas, which will be of meiit and of honor. The members of the newly-formed United Irish League met on Monday evening and arranged for the holding of a public meeting on Wednesday next, at which addresses will be delivered on the Irish question, and steps taken to raise funds for the Irish Parliamentary Party. A strong committee was set up to make the necessary preparations for the meeting next week. I regret very much to record the death of Mr. Richardi Duignan, which occurred early on Thursday morning. Deceased was a native of Roscommon, Ireland, arrived in Australia in 18(52, and soon afterwards came 1o New Zealand, settling in Wellington, where he has remained ever since. He had been in ill-health for a considerable time, and succumbed to heart disease. Deceased was a very practical Catholic, generous on all occasions where the Church and its works were concerned, and held in high esteem by a large circle of friends. He had attained the age of G7 years and leaves a son and four daughters, who have the heartfelt sympathy of their many friends.— R.l. P.