WELLINGTON CATHOLIC CLUB

New Zealand Tablet, 6 March 1913, Page 43

WELLINGTON CATHOLIC CLUB

(From our own correspondent.)

The Wellington Catholic Club held its twenty-ninth half-yearly meeting in St. Patrick’s Hall on Thursday last, there being a good attendance of members. The following report was presented by the executive; In presenting the half-yearly report and balance-sheet your executive take the opportunity of congratulating members on the satisfactory progress of the club. The membership of the club now stands at 125, six new members having been elected since last report. During the year the club suffered a severe loss by the death of one of our vice-presidents, the Rev. Father Yenning, who was a most enthusiastic and zealous worker. In order to commemorate his memory the club has instituted a ‘Father Yenning Memorial Prize’ to be awarded annually for Christian doctrine in the Marist Brothers’ School. In addition, it is the intention of the club to heartily support the general memorial fund, and for this purpose a general list is in circulation and members are requested to respond generously. The club still continues to be in a good financial position, as will be seen from the treasurer’s statement. The receipts for the half-year amounted to £lO5 2s 5d and the disbursements to £B3 7s lOd. The annual supper, which was held on September 5, was very successful, as was also the Brothers’ reunion held on December 19. A very interesting illustrated lecture on his tour to America and Europe was delivered on December 10 by Mr. L. T. Reichel, who richly deserves the thanks of the club for the trouble he went to to entertain members. A very successful picture entertainment in aid of the club was given ’a November by Messrs. McMahon and Donnelly. The thanks of the club are due to these gentlemen, and also to Bro. O’Kane for securing the offer. A diploma, donated by the Federal Executive, for meritorious services was awarded to Bro. G. Dee. Masses were offered up in December for the late Rev. Father Yenning and deceased members. It is the intention of the club to organise a general Communion for members in the near future. It is gratifying to state the Literary and Debating Society was again successful at the annual Wellington Competitions, Messrs P. J. McGovern and R.

G. Butcher winning the impromptu debate and shield. Under the able chairmanship of the Rev. Father Herring the society had a very successful session, showing an improvement on the previous year, A debate for the Union Shield was held with the Baptists, who won by a narrow margin. An interesting debate was also held with the Hibernian Society, the contest being declared drawn. The next session will commence on Tuesday evening, April 8. The dramatic branch has been working hard at The Barrister,’ which they intend to stage early in April. During the season a very successful ‘At homo ’ was held in the. rooms, and the prospects of the club are exceedingly bright. The cricket club, which has affiliated with the Junior Association, has so far met with great success, and should finish the season as creditably as in former years. Both teams are well up in their respective grades. The tennis club is in a flourishing condition, and still continues to be as popular as in the past. A tournament is being organised and will eventuate shortly. The performance of the football club came up to expectations.- • The attention of members is drawn to the fact that the annual conference will be held at Christchurch during Easter week, and as many members as possible should avail themselves of the opportunity of attending same. A special feature of the conference this year will be the competitions for thr challenge shield. In conclusion, we have to thank members for their cordial assistance during the half-year, and trust that the incoming officers will receive a like measure of support.