DIOCESE OF GHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 9 February 1911, Page 239

DIOCESE OF GHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) Bro. F. J. Doolan, district deputy for North Canterbury, during January paid his first official visit to the branches of the H.A.C.B. Society in his district. Visiting Leeston early in the month he was present at the halfyearly meeting of the local branch, and installed the newlyelected officers and delivered an address. Keen competition was shown in regard to filling the various offices, a ballot being necessary in each case. It is intended when the harvest season is over to canvass the district for new members. On Sunday, January 15, accompanied by several Christchurch officers, Bro. Doolan visited the New Headford branch. The half-yearly meeting was held in the afternoon (owing to the harvest being in operation), in the presence of Rev. Fathers Drohan, M.S.H., and Gilbert, S.M., and a good attendance of members. Officers were elected for the ensuing term. Assisted by Bros. P. F. Ryan, P.P., and J. McCormick, P.P., the officers were installed by the D.D. The president (Bro. O'Rourko), who is now filling the office a second time, is probably the, youngest presiding officer in the Dominion, and takes a keen interest in the management of this branch. The society is making good progress, and the branch is an important factor for good in the parish. Considerable satisfaction was expressed both at Leeston and New Head ford that an officer was now "available to visit branches periodically, and it was freely suggested that the District Executive, as is the case with other friendly societies, should facilitate the D.D. in visiting the outlying branches at frequent intervals. District officers' visits in the past having been few and uncertain.