Diocesan News

New Zealand Tablet, 3 April 1913, Page 25

Diocesan News

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON

(From our own correspondent.) March 29. The Allen Doone Company opened its season with * The Wearing of the Green ’ on last Saturday evening. The play is drawing large and appreciative audiences. Mr. F. J. G. Temm, provincial secretary of the Auckland branch of the Catholic Federation, was here last Thursday, and had a short conference with some of the members of the Dominion Executive. The many friends of Mr. J. W. Callaghan will regret to learn that his son, who is attending the Sacred Heart College, Auckland, is at present seriously ill in the Mater Misericordise Hospital, Auckland. Messrs. D. Moriarty and W. Perry, well-known Catholics, are candidates for the City Council elections. Mr. Moriarty is standing as an independent labor candidate, and Mr. Perry in the interests of the sports’ bodies. Councillor J. E. Fitzgerald will also seek reelection. Volunteers are still at work eradicating the gorse on the grounds of Mother Mary Aubert’s Home of Compassion, Island Bay. To-day a large contingent of men are busy with grubbers, and it is expected that a few more Saturday afternoons will free the property from trouble. Prior to her marriage and departure from Wellington, Miss Maud Murphy, who has been a member of the Te Aro Children of Mary for some years, was presented with a handsome statue of the Blessed Virgin as a token of esteem and regard. Miss Murphy takes with her the best wishes for her future prosperity and happiness. Bros. J. J. L. Burke, J W. Callaghan, and Edmond Carrigan will represent St. Patrick’s branch of the Hibernian Society at the triennial conference at Napier. St. Mary’s (ladies) will be represented by Sisters Daisy McGrath and Gertrude O’Flaherty; St. Aloysius’, Newtown, by Bros. T. Pender and J. B. R. Stead; Sacred Heart, Thorndon, by Bros. G. J. Sellars and R. P. Flanaghan; Sacred Heart, Petone, by Bro. R. Moore; SS. Peter and Paul’s, Lower Hutt, by Bros. M. J. Hodgins and C. J. O’Brien. Colonel R. J. Collins, 1.5.0., C.M.G., who has occupied the position of chief orphan of the Orphans Club during the last session of the club was made the recipient of a handsomely framed photograph by the executive on behalf of the club to record their esteen of the invaluable work rendered by their president. The Mayor (Mr. D. McLaren) expressed his pleasure in presiding at a function to do honor to one who had done so much valuable —not only as president of the Orphans Club, but in other walks of life. Amongst all classes of citizens they would find the deepest respect and kindliest feeling shewn towards Colonel Collins. The presentation was another indication that whatever he took in hand • he entered into whole-heartedly and made a success of it. On Sunday, March 16, the Children of Mary, Te Aro, held their annual general meeting in St. Jsoeph’s Church, Rev. Father Hurley, S.M. (spiritual director) presiding. During the past twelve months this society has made rapid progress, and from the proceeds of their late social and monthly collection have been able to purchase a very fine statue of the Blessed Virgin, and also a very beautiful banner. There have been three receptions of aspirants into the society, and a very successful retreat was conducted by Rev. Father Schaefer, S.M., in October last. The society is to be congratulated on its handsome library, which is being added to monthly. The election of officers, for the ensuing twelve months resulted as follows:—President, Miss Norah Boyce; vice-president, Miss Daisy McGrath ; secretary and treasurer, Miss Lizzie Phelan; librarian, Miss Alice Webb; council—officers ex-officio and Misses Gertrude O’Flaherty, Mary Moran, and Blanche Craig ;

delegates to the parish committee of the Catholic Federation, Misses N. Boyce and D. McGrath. The director, on behalf of the newly-elected officers, returned thanks, and also spoke in eulogistic terms of the work of the retiring president, Miss Birdie Lawlor.

THE ALL NATIONS FAIR, NEWTOWN. The All Nations Fair, which commenced at St. Anne’s Hall, Newtown, on Saturday night, March 22, attracted a large attendance. When the Ven, Archdeacon Devoy opened the proceedings the hall was packed, and there was scarcely space to move round. The stalls were tastefully decorated, and there were bevies of ladies ready with pencil and book in. hand for any unwary male folk who came for an inspection. The executive committee consisted of the Ven. Archdeacon Devoy (chairman), Messrs. Gamble, Guise, Giles, Wareham, Fagan, Gormley, Bocke, Wickliffe, Harris, Moloney, McGilligan, Foote (2), Stratford, Maloney, Flanagan, Fitzgibbon, Lenihan, Bradley, Nielson, Quinlan, Hogan, and McErlean. The general arrangements were in the hands of the capable secretary, Mr. W. P. McLachlan, and the assistant secretary, Mr. P. J. Hannigan. In opening the proceedings, Archdeacon Devoy explained that the fair was taken in hand some time ago for the purpose of liquidating the debt incurred by the Sisters of Mercy at Newtown for their buildings, and it was hoped that this carnival would be as great a success as the previous one opened by Sir Joseph Ward in aid of the building in which they were then assembled. He then called on the Mayor to declare the fair open. Mr. McLaren expressed the pleasure he and Mrs. McLaren had in being present. They could bear testimony to the good work done by the nuns, and particularly by Mother Mary Aubert, at whose Home of Compassion they were frequent visitors. The following is a list of the stall-holders; New Zealand Stall. Mesdames Beckingsale, Carswell, and Kershaw. America Stall.—Mesdames Wylie, Ridler, and Dalton. Shamrock Stall.—Mesdames Segrief, Gamble, and Maher. Rose Stall.—Mesdames O’Sullivan, Webb, and Miss Saunders. Refreshment Stall.—Misses G. O’Flaherty, D. McGrath, and Mrs. Robinson. The fair was continued during the week and had a most successful run. The dancing by children dressed to represent various notable personages in days gone by was the feature of one evening’s entertainment, and that it was much appreciated was evident by the applause bestowed upon the little ones’ efforts. Another item which met with approval was the Irish jig by MissLily O’Leary. During the fair the various selections of Mr. F. L. Dean’s orchestra were much appreciated, as were the humorous efforts of two wee boys, Masters C. Davis and E. Murray, The fair will be open again during next week.