DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVI, Issue 23, 11 June 1908, Page 19

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(By telegraph from <ur own correspondent.)

n " , / "■ June 8. ixreat regret is expressed here aVthe illness of Miss Hackett, sister of the Very Rev. Dean Hackett. The local branch of the ' Hibernian Society celebrates its 35th anniversary with a social on July 23. The wery Rev. Dean Gillan, V.G., will be absent from town during the greater- part of -this week on diocesan work. _^ The Rev Mr. Ormond, formerly of the West Coast will be ordained priest in Rome on Saturday next June 13, for the 1 Auckland diocese. He spent five years m Thurles College, Ireland, and six years at the . propaganda, Rome. He is expected to arrive here during the first week of the New Year. Several changes take place in "the diocesan clergy Rev. .Father Meagher (Puhoi) is transferred to It Benedict's ; Rev. Father O'Hara, takes charge of Paeroa ; Rev. Father Bradley goes from St. Benedict's' to Paeroa as assistant to Father O'Hara ; Rev * ather Brennan, who recently arrived from Home, goes to St. Benedict's ; Rev. Father Holbrook, of the Cathedral, takes charge of Cambridge. On Monday, June 1, a billiard match (500' up) took place at the rooms of the Marist Brothers' Old Boys'' Association between Messrs. W. E. Hackett and A. Shine. Both of these gentlemen are club members, and are in the first rank of Auckland players. The former was runner-up 'for the North Island Amateur Championship last year. Mr. Hackett soon established a lead, which lie maintained till near the end of the game, but his opponent by solid and consistent play - was not to be shaken off, caught his man in the last fifty, and finally ran out a .winner by seven points, amidst great applause. Mr. Hackett's" play was much admired, but it was quite evident that he was a good deal below his usual brilliant form. The mission at Devonport, conducted by the Very Rev. Father Clune, C.SS.R., was concluded last Sunday evening, when there was a renewal of Baptismal vows. Though the weather throughout was unpropitious, the mission was an immense success. The attendance both morning and evening was very largeV— Many neglectful ones of years' standing attended their duties. The Very Rev. Father Clune and Rev. Father Furlong (parish priest) heartily congratulated the congregation on the success of their efforts to -'wipe off the debt of over £1000 on the parish. At a recent meeting one gentleman gave £100, another £00, and several £25 each. ' Rev. Father Edge said he believed - that in twelve months the debt would be cleared by the house-to-house collection, and a series of socials to be held during the winter months. On Tuesday evening the rooms of^the Marist Brothers' Old Boys' Association presented an unusual spectacle, being filled with ladies. This was the result of a resolution carried at the previous monthly meeting that the club should hold monthly a ' ladies' night,' to which members could invite their friends. The arrangements were in the hands of the social committee, and the function was a decided success. Progressive euchre filled the early part of the evening, the prize for which was carried off by Mrs. Malavey, of Ponsonby, / a deservedly popular win. The ladies were then served with light refreshments, and a musical programme of a high order of merit concluded the evening. The principal items were given by Misses Gallagher and Jennings, and ' Messrs. Herbert, McElwain, Pritchard, Munday, and Adeame. The accompaniments were played by Mr. W. Clarke. One of the most successful club functions ever held took place in the rooms last Friday evening, in -the v shape of a smoke concert" as a farewell to Mr. Harry Herbert, who is about to leave the Dominion. During the evening the president referred briefly .to the general esteem in which Mr. Herbert was held not only by the members of the Old Boys' Association (of which Mr. Herbert is a- life member), but also" by_ the general public of Auckland. He reviewed the work done by Mr. Herbert for the club since its inception, and said that they might well be .proud, to rank as their intimate friend a gentleman whose ability he felt sure would ultimately secure him a foremost place in his profession.. He then presented Mr. Herbert with a silver-mounted pocketbook suitably inscribed as a memento of their regard. Mr. Herbert replied, thanking* them all in feeling words for their kindness, and assuring them of his gratification at thought that he would always remain . a member of the Association. An excellent programme- of musical items was gone through. The ' - whole praceedings were" marked by great enthusiasm. ~

Last Sunday evening Father Holbrook took farewell of the Cathedral congregation. He said he came amongst them from Ireland immediately after his ordination, and for six years labored amongst them. He thanked them for all the- kindness shown him, and begged that they would constantly remember - him in their prayers. After Vespers a .large meeting of, Father- Holb/rook's friends, many from the outside parishes, assembled in the Hobson street "convent schoolMr. P.. J. Nerheny-was elected chairman, Rev. Father Murphy treasurer, Mr. M. J. Sheahan secretary. After several had spoken, eulogising the sterling worth of Father Holbrook it was decided to present a purse of sovereigns and an address, to him at a near future date. A large number of; collecting books were handed round, and -an active- canvass was at .once begun. The meeting expressed the wish that only, one presentation should be made, and invited all societieVto amalgamate with the main body. The committee meets again next Sunday night. -