DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 39, 26 September 1907, Page 23

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(From our own correspondent.) September 16. On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of Father Holbrook's ' ordination the Guard of Honor presented him with a handsome piece of silver plate. A presentation was also made from the Sacred Heart Society. At the Star of the Sea Orphanage a nice concert was given in his honor by the children, when there were present his Lordship the. Bishop, and Rev. Fathers McMillan, Furlong, Murphy, and Farthing-. At Takapun-a " Orphanage a similar event took place. The boys, who had successfully passed the Sixth Standard at the recent examinations held in the Marist Brothers' School by the Government Inspector, were given a pleasant outing last Tuesday' to Lake Taka<puna, when they were accompanied by Rev. Fathers Holbrook, Furlong, Murphy, Farthing, and Williams. .Sports were indulged in, consisting of football, races, etc., into which the lads entered with zest. The tirre -was spent most enjoyably, and the boys returned to town thoroughly satisfied with the outing. September 20. - , A good picture of his Lordship the Bishop and the majority of his priests seated around him appeared in this week's ' New Zealand Graphic' The St. Vincent de Paul Conferences, formed in the city and suburbs, continue to do excellent work amongst the indigent and deserving people amongst whom they operate. . • - • .With our schools the Government Inspectors have expressed themselves highly pleased: The actual returns will soon be . available, and will in due course appear in print. The Young Men's Club at St. Benedict's, though notlong in existence, is rapidly- progressing. It has now -over sixty members. The gymnasium in connection with it is fast becoming furnished with the necessary requirements, and very shortly a bagatelle table will be- added. The Very Rev. Father Gill-an, V.G., and his church committee evince the greatest, interest in the club. « The celebration of Dominion Day has not been taken -up with much enthusiasm in Auckland. One of the largest -business concerns in the city took a poll yesterday of its employees to test them on the question " of the proposed Dominion Day celebration. The result was 195 for and H against. From quite unexpected quarters the answer comes, ' too many holidays.' Few can deny this. Yesterday morning a special meeting of the City Council was Held at which the amended by-law, permit-

ting strap-hangers in the tram cars, was confirmed. It was resolved that the Council shall again meet specially on Thursday, October 17, after which the law comes into operation. The validity of the foregoing will, it is said, be tested in the Supreme Court by the Tramway Employees Union. The main porch. at the Cathedral, though' requiring the finishing touches, was opened during the last two Sundays. Over the main door a beautiful circular window of stained glass is placed. In the sacristy a niche has been placed for the holy oils: A" very handsome door -opens to" it which is in keeping with the dado. The new chairs for the northern and southern wings for the use of the congregation are now in position. Altogether our Cathedral now. takes rank with the best of the churches in our Dominion.