Oamaru

New Zealand Tablet, 8 July 1909, Page 21

Oamaru

(From our own correspondent.) June 28. A general meeting of St. Patrick's Club was held in the club rooms on Monday evening last. The president (Mr. .T. O'Grady) occupied the chair, and there were over 40 members present. The principal business of the meeting was the adoption of rules for the government of the club and management of the billiard table. Next Sunday the members of the club will approach the Holy Table in a body. On Wednesday evening the fortnightly debate was held at the rooms, the subject being ' Monarchy versus Republic' Mr. W. Collins led on the side of Monarchy, and was supported by Messrs. J. O'Donnell, C. v Molloy, and F. Cooney. For the opposing side Mr. J. Breen took the leadership, his supporters being Messrs. T. Cooney,

J. Wallace, and E. Curran. Mr. T. O'Grady was chairman. At the close of the speeches the chairman congratulated the speakers on their efforts and put the vote to the meeting, with the result that the Republicans lost by four votes. On July 7. a debate on the taxation of bachelors ■ will take place, to which the lady friends of the club and members of the congregation are to be invited. July 5. Great interest is centred in the billiard tournament now in progress at St. Patrick's Club, the first round '.f which has just terminated, and there will be keen competition for the valuable prizes to be awarded. Thursday, July 29, has been fixed as the date for the production of ' Our Boys ' at the Opera H^use by St. Patrick's Dramatic Club. The' members are now showing marked improvement in their ' rehearsals, and the production is already being looked forward to with considerable interest by the Oamaru public. Each member of this branch of the club is an enthusiast, and in consequence a first-class rendering of Byron's greatest comedy is assured. The Town Hall has been booked for twelve nights for the Dreadnought Carnival, which opens on August 10, and for which the parishioners have been working industriously for months past. The various stall-holders are conducting a vigorous canvass for support, and the carnival promises to eclipse any previous effort of the kind in Oamaru. Signor. Borzoni has arrived to undertake the direction >f the various entertainments connected with the fair, which fact assures patrons that the programmes submitted will be original and up to date. The quarterly meeting of the local branch of the Hibernian Society was held on Tuesday evening. There was a good attendance of members, and Mr. J. Breen (vicopresident) occupied the chair. After a considerable amount of routine business had been transacted, nominations for officers for the ensuing year were taken, the election of which takes place on July 13. The sum of £45 was taken during the evening. Four new members were initiated and one candidate proposed, and generally the society is in a flourishing condition. On Wednesday evening a very successful social in aid of St. Patrick's Club was held in St. Joseph's Hall. The weather conditions were perfect, and there was a record attendance of young people, who one and all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. During an interval light refresh-" ments were handed round and greatly appreciated. The members of St. Patrick's Club are under a debt of gratitude to Miss Hannan, who organised the social, Mrs. Ruddy, who kindly undertook the arduous duties of serving the refreshments, and Miss Lavery, whose assistance was indispensable in many ways; and at a meeting of the club's executive a cordial vote of thanks was accorded these ladies. Yesterday was a memorable day in the history of St. Patrick's Club, when the members, to the number of close upon 80, approached the Holy Table for their first gener.il Communion since the remodelling of the club. The members assembled at the rooms and marched to the Basilica at the 8.30 a.m. Mass, wearing their green and white rosettes, and it was a most edifying sight to witness such a. splendid body of young men making- public profession of their faith. The weather vyas very wet, cold, and boisterous, which prevented many country members- from reaching town, but, nevertheless, the muster was the largest of any body seen in the Basilica on such an occasion. The Rev. Father Lynch, C.SS.R., was celebrant of the Mass, and in the course of a brief sermon dwelt on the inestimable advantages of frequently receiving the Sacraments, and expressed his deep gratification at seeing so many approaching the altar, and especially so many young men. After Mass the members adjourned to the club rooms, where the Communion breakfast was laid. The president of the club. (Mr. T. O'Grady) presided, and. the Rev. Father Farthing was also present. The president, in a short address, spoke of the great pleasure he felt in seeing such a splendid muster that morning. Rev. Father Farthing said Ais heart was too full of gratitude and pride to express all he felt. St. Patrick's Club had proved itself to be a great success. He rejoiced at the grand result, and on behalf of the members thanked Mrs. Ruddy and Miss Donovan for their work in connection with the breakfast.