DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, Volume 11, Issue 10, 11 March 1909, Page 383

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(From our own correspondent.) March 4. An entertainment of a very superior order of merit was given on Friday evening by the pupils of St. Patrick's Schools, Hobson street (which are conducted "by the Sisters of Mercy) as a complimentary greeting to his Lordship the Bishop on his return to Auckland. The large schoolroom presented a pretty appearance, the decorations being particularly appropriate and artistic. His Lordship was accompanied by Rev. Fathers Meagher, Murphy, Wright, Holbrook, Cahill, Tormey, Dignan, and Rev. Father O'Connell (Toowoomba). At the conclusion of the overture, played by the orchestra under the conductorship of Mr. H. Hiscocks, ' the pupils of the school sang a ' Welcome chorus.' Misses Phyllis Foley and Mary Slieahan recited, each in turn, a composition in verse in which the characteristics of his Lordship were touched upon, and also the object of his travels, etc. The most pleasing item of the entertainment was the 'chorus of little children, expressing in song their gratitude to their good Bishop. In the pianoforte solo, Thalberg's 'Home, sweet home,' Miss Denz displayed a thorough knowledge of the instrument, and Miss Taylor gave evidence of careful study and training in her song entitled 'Because.' The violiif accompaniments were played by Mr. Harry Hiscocks. with artistic feeling. The remainder of the programme consisted of pretty choruses, fancy dances, and instrumental duets. The singing of the different choruses was partiulariy good. His Lordship, replying to the expressions of 'welcome, said that he was. extremely delighted to be with the children again, and he heartily congratulated them on their bright and happy performance of that evening. During the past week he had received many proofs of the devotion of his people. The welcome tendered to him on the Monday evening was gratifying in the extreme, and showed how close is the bond of union that exists between Bishop priests, and people. His Lordship said that the" children' had offered him a welcome peculiarly their own, and one which he especially appreciated. He gave a very bri^i - account of the Eucharistic Congress, especially of the part in which children took part. He also spoke of his visit to the Holy Father, and dwelt at some length on educational matters connected with this diocese, and especially on the arrangements that were being made to form the nucleus of a fund for the support of the religious teachers throughout Auckland. He complimented -the Catholics of the city for the effort they had made to set this arrangement on foot, and said it would give him much consolation to see his different communities of religious suitably supported ; so that the work of training the young in ways of truth and holiness might not be handicapped by temporal matters. His Lordship in conclusion again thanked the pupils for their truly worthy tribute, and trusted that the spirit of piety and devotednesss, which had al- 1

ways characterised St. Patrick's children, would bring consolation and joy to themselves and their parents and teachers.

The singing of 'Let Erin remember' brought to & close a very pleasant evening. ' " The name of Rev. Father Holbrook was inadvertently omitted from the telegraphic report of the welcome to his Lordship the .Bishop in the Cathedral. The adjourned annual meeting of the N.Z. District of the H.A.C.B. Society was held on Wednesday evening March 3, Bro. E. Dane, D.P., in the chair. All the district officers were present. ' His Lordship Bishop Lenihan and Rev. x-athers - Moagher, Holbrook, and Wright, and Rev. Bros. George and Fergus were also present: - The election of 'officers resulted as follows: Bro. P. J.. Nerheny for the fourth time was elected district president; Bro. C. Mulholland, vice-president; Bro __W. Kane, secretary (re-elected); Bro. M. J. Sheahaii treasurer (re-elected; Bros. Jas. Smith and J.B. Stead auditors (re-elected). Before retiring from office Bro! Dane, on behalf of the Society, presented Bro. P. J Nerheny with a beautiful silver inkstand, and -in doing so laid great stress upon -the great work done in several offices by Bro. Nerheny ■ for the Society.' Bro.' Nerheny replied at length, and said it -was a pleasure to work for the Society. It grieved ' him' to see so many of their young Catholics -in-the ranks of other societies.- The motion brought forward by the Wellington delegate — a consolidated sick fund-r-had his" strong sympathy, and as far as he could assist he would never rest satisfied until it S a £ -i aW * The newl y-elected " officers were installed by P.D.P. Bro. Dane, after' which each one of them returned thanks for the- high honor and confidence reposed in them. ' His Lordship the Bishop, on rising, was warmly greeted. He had listened (he said) with interest and dohght to the proceedings, and was gratified at the progress of the Society. He would do-all in his power to further and foster its interests. He recognised the good work it was doing. ' He was pleased to see that the Society was affiliated to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, of which Mr. J. Dovlin, -M.P., was president in Ireland. He (the B.ishop), at Mr. Devlin's' request, spoke on behalf of the Society in Scotland during his recent visit. He was pleased to see such a good attendance of -the- young men of the Old Boys' Club .present, and hoped that the' benefits arising from such visits would be helpful to both organisations. His Lordship concluded by imparting the Papal Blessing bestowed by his Holiness upon all those societies which worked -in the interests of >the- Church. At the conclusion -of the business of the meeting the musical branch of the Marist Brothers' Old Boys' Association contributed a capital programme, which was much" enjoyed by all present. At an interval refreshments were handed round. The meeting concluded with three hearty cheers for his Lordship the Bishop. "On Friday evening in the club room, Hobson street, a cordial welcome was extended by the members of the Marist Brothers' Old Boys' Cluh to his Lordship'" the Bishop. There were also present Rev. Fathers Meagher Holbrook, Wright, Brennan, and Williams. -Rev. Brother George (president) occupied the chair. The room was tastefully decorated, the club's colors, blue and white - predominating. The first toast was that of 'The Pod© aud King,' proposed by the Rev. president. Mr. W. E Hackett proposed f The Chaplain of the Club, Rev. Father Holbrook,' and in doing so expressed' the hope that his Lordship would permit Father Holbrook to remain chaplain, though he was at present stationed in the country. To Father Holbrook the club's existence was due. Father Holbrook, in reply, said that he felt genuine pleasure hi being present to join in the welcome to the Bishop, to , whom the club was so much indebted. He hoped that he would again be placed near to them, and if the Bishop in his wisdom so desired it they and he would be greatly pleased. Bro. George proposed' the toast of the evening, ' Onr Guest,, his Lordship Dr. Lenihan.' He said they welcomed' their Bishop back again, and in no part of his diocese would he be more heartily received than by the members of the club. They all ,knew his services to the club. In prosperity and adversity, his -Lordship had been their true friend. The very rooms in which they were now assembled were theirs by permission of the Bishop and through his generous assistance. During his Lordship's absence from them he was always remembered by the members, who were glad to see and welcome him back again, and hoped that God would long spare him to his diocese in which his labors had been so signally 'successful. His Lordship in replying said he had spoken before many gatherings since he left here and on his return, and he confessed that this was the first occasion on which he felt so moved that he could not, when he stood up, speak ,

to them, their greeting" was so hearty and spontaneous. The kind words uttered by their president and chaplain towards him showed that they and -the members were mindful of whatever little he had done for them". When in Sydney he had seen and -spoken to. the Brother Provincial, who told him that the.- rooms now occupied for dwelling purposes by -the -Brothers were totally, inadequate. He thought so, too, and he felt sure that when efforts were made to secure a suitable place he would have behind him in the undertaking tho assistance of the members of the club. "With reference to their chaplain, he could not at present say whether he .would be brought back to tho city, but he would remember their request. He liked such gatherings of young men, particularly when they were gathered- under such ' auspices. In their president they had one of whom all might feel proud, and he belonged to an Order-every one of which devoted his life to the welfare and education of their youth. The previous evening he had attended the Hibernian gathering, and there he was pleased to notice that a large number •of the club's members were present. It was right they should help each other. He complimented the members of the musical on their successful musical efforts, and noted tho improvement made by them. In conclusion he warmly commended their good work, and hoped they would prosper. Once more he thanked them for the warmth of their reception." Mr. F. McKenna proposed the toast of 'The Visitors,' to which Mr. M. J. Sheahan, D.T., and Bros. H. Nerheny, president, and W. Wright, V.P. (Auckland branch) responded for the Hibernian Society. Mr. Adeane proposed the toast of ' Our Clergy,' to which Rev. Father Meagher replied. The toast of 'The President and the Club ' were also proposed. A capital musical programme was rendered by the members of the musical branch. The musical talent of tho club is far beyond the average, and is worthy of high commendation ; and must prove beneficial to the members. . The gathering concluded with three hearty cheers for the Bishop.