DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 19, 13 May 1909, Page 735

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(By Telegraph from our own correspondent.) May 10. The annual meeting of the Old Boys' Club will, be held next Thursday night. Right Rev. Mgr. O'Reilly left by the Mokoia to-night for Sydney, on a trip for the benefit of his health. His many friends in the Dominion hope and trust that his recovery may prove speedy and lasting. A fortnight's mission, conducted by Rev. Father N Tigar, 0.P., was concluded last evening at Avondale. Throughout it was most successful, the attendance being remarkably good. At the opening of the Rugby football season on Saturday the Marist Brothers' Old Boys' team in the first junior competition won handsomely, and are to be complimented on the form displayed. In the second grade junior competition the Marist Brothers' team was defeated by the narrow s margin of two points at the end of the game. The last social" held at St. Benedict's will, it is expected, turn out a great financial success. Rev. Father Meagher presided over the meeting at Ailsa House after Vespers last evening, when a large gathering of ladies and gentlemen decided to hold a series of socials, commencing on May 25. The interest shown in the proposal augurs well for its ultimate success. His Lordship the Bishop entertained the choir and collectors at the Cathedral at' a social gathering on last Wednesday evening at Ailsa House, adjoining the Cathedral presbytery. Rev. Fathers Holbrook, Meagher, Zana, and a large muster . of guests were present. A choice musical programme was given by the choir. The Bismp assisted the performers on his 'cello. The accompaniments were played by -the organist, Mr. Harry Hiscocks. At an interval his Lordship addressed those present, and expressed his pleasure at having round him the conductor and choir. He knew and highly appreciated, as also did his clergy and people, the onerous duties performed so iingrudgingly and willingly by the choir for years past. He had heard many choirs during his wide and varied travels, and he was proud to tell them that the Cathedral choir did not suffer in comparison. He took this opportunity of thanking Mr. Hiscocks and the members, and wished them long life and good health that they might use their talent in doing honor to Almighty God and His Church. His Lordship took occasion to say that while recently in the South he met several who expressed delight at the efforts made in Auckland to make their schools free, and they promised to assist in the matter. A gentleman had promised him a block of land on the northern shore of .Waitemata, to be devoted to freeing our schools. Another offer for the same purpose came from a gentleman who was preparing what promised to be a big local entertainment. All this was most gratifying to him, as it would be to the priests and people of the diocese generally. His Lordship then presented to every member of the choir a medal, which he procured in Rome, and upon which was engraved the effigy of St. Cecilia, Patroness of Music. Rev. Father Meagher, at the request of Mr. Hiscocks, replied on behalf of the choir, and thanked his Lordship for his eulogistic remarks, and for the thoughtful presents, which were highly appreciated by every member. While absent his Lordship often thought of his choir, and he (Father Meagher) could assure his Lordship that they often thought of him, and were delighted to have him back with them. The gathering was brought to a close by the choir singing the ' Hallelujah Chorus ' from the ' Messiah.'

It is interesting to note (says the Auckland Herald) the growth per head of our European population in exports and imports. The value of imports -has risen from £9 4s lOd per head in 1895 to £18 6s 6d in 1907, whilst the exports have only risen from £12 7s per head to £21 16s 9d during the same period. What are the reasons for this portentous change in the difference between imports and exports? There are two reasons. . The minor one is, no doubt, the higher and more expensive style of living so common today. The major one is the difference in the proportion of primary producers per head of our population. Nearly seven-eighths of the exports of this country are represented by agricultural products, consequently, to put the matter briefly, the reason why our exports have not kept pace with our imports is due to the fact that land settlement and farming have not kept pace with the growth of our population.