CATHOLIC CLUBS

New Zealand Tablet, 29 June 1911, Page 1199

CATHOLIC CLUBS

HOKITIKA. -;V y (From the club correspondent.) The billiard tournament, which had been in progress for some time past, was brought to a successful issue last week, when Messrs. C. "Ward and W. Owens met in the final. The game proved very exciting and interesting, especially in the concluding stages, Mr. Ward winning by the narrow margin of three points. " The euchre tournaments, which were so popular last winter, are again proving equally so this year. Three have already taken place, on the last occasion eighteen tables being occupied. The. first prizes fell to Miss M Roberts and Mr. J. Lock.. On last Tuesday night readings from favorite authors occupied the attention of members. A very good attendance was present, and, judging by the enthusiasm displayed, it appears as if this more serious side of club life is likely to become popular. The readings given were of a very interesting character, and wore criticised by the Rev. Father Clancy, who gave very useful information to the various .readers. The long-talked-of branch of the H.A.C.B. Society is at last to be formed in our midst. The dispensation

has been granted, and it has been decided to proceed with the opening of the branch, which will probably take place within the next two or three weeks. About thirty candidates have already signified their intention of becoming members. '," :~'-"-' ST. BENEDICT'S, AUCKLAND. (From the Club correspondent.) The half-yearly meeting of the above club was held in the club rooms on June 11, there being a large attendance. The president (Mr. G. Rice) was in the chair. The report for the jhalf-year showed the club to be making rapid progress, 58 new members being received during the last month. The following is the result of the election of officers for the ensuing term:President, Mr. G. Foy; vice-presidents, Messrs. J. Furlong and W. Flemming; secretary, Mr. W. Hoare; treasurer, Mr. J. Duggan; librarian, Mr. R. Earlly; assistant librarian, Mr. N. Mahoney; auditors, Messrs. A. J. Fernandez, W. Wright, and 0. J. Lorrigan; sick visitors, Messrs. W. Wright and J. Duggan,: executive committee, Messrs. J. Lyons, R. Owens, H. Buckler, W. H. Clarke, J. Duncan, and W. Woodlock. The meeting terminated with a hearty vote of thanks to the retiring officers. On Wednesday night, June 14, the newly-formed debating branch of the club held their first meeting, which was a great success, there being close on 100 members present. The Rev. Father Curran presided. The night was devoted to impromptu speeches, each member called having to speak on a subject for five minutes. At the close Mr. J. J. O'Sullivan, who has been appointed director of this branch of the club, complimented the speakers on the able manner in which they dealt wtih the various subjects. CHRISTCHURCH. (From our club correspondent.) , .; S "J' -Ch • June 21. In the Christchurch Catholic Club rooms on Monday evening Mr. R. Dobbin delivered a lecture'before the members and friends of the club. Mr. J. R. Hayward (president) was in the chair, and amongst those present were the Rev. Dr. Kennedy, the-Rev. Fathers Quinn and Hanrahan. The Rev. Dr. Kennedy apologised for the absence of his Lordship the Bishop, who was unable to be present. In introducing Mr. Dobbin the president on behalf of the club thanked him for his kindness in consenting to give an ! Evening with Dickens.' Mr. Dobbin said he could not call it a lecture, but a little home talk about 'Pickwick Papers.' At the conclusion the Rev. Dr. Kennedy, in moving a vote of thanks to the lecturer, congratulated the club for having secured Mr. Dobbin to give such a humorous and educational treat. The item on the syllabus for Tuesday evening last was a 25-up billiards tournament. Thirteen entries were received, the result being Messrs. B. O'Connor 1, J. Cronin 2, and F. J. Healy 3. The committee entrusted with the arrangement of the Novelty Entertainment, which is to take place on July 27, are holding meetings weekly. The proceeds are to go towards paying off the debt incurred in furnishing the new rooms.