Diocesan News

New Zealand Tablet, 30 October 1913, Page 25

Diocesan News

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON (From our own correspondent.) October 25. Mr. M. O'Kane was entertained by members of the Wellington Catholic Club last Thursday evening and presented with a mark of esteem on the occasion of his marriage. Rev. Fathers A. V. Venning, T.Segrief, and J. Cullen, of St. Patrick's College, were successful at the recent university examinations, held in connection with, the Victoria College. A most successful retreat. was conducted during the week by the Rev. Father McDonnell, S.M., of St. Mary's Scholasticate, Greenmeadows, for the Children of Mary at St. Joseph's Church. The exercises were well attended despite the inclement weather. A progressive euchre tournament took place last .week in Messrs. Gamble and Creed's tea rooms. The tournament, which was in aid of St. Joseph's Orphanage, Upper Hutt, was most enjoyable and successful. The ladies'-first prize went to Miss Berry, the gentlemen's to Mr. Rigarlsford, consolation'prizes being awarded to Mrs. Fisk and Mrs. Reynolds. Mr. Frank Leydon, of the Wellington Catholic Club, was very successful at the recent. elocutionary competitions held at Palmerston North. He secured first place in the Dicken's character sketch and the ..dramatic recital. He was also placed first, in company * with Miss Allsopp, in the Shakespearian dialogue, and was highly complimented by the judge for his excellent performance. The many friends of the Rev. Father Daly will hear with regret that he has recently suffered considerable loss by a fire which destroyed his presbytery at. the Upper Hutt. The presbytery had only been recently renovated at considerable expense, and several valuable articles, which were stored there for safekeeping, belonging to the forthcoming art union, were

completely .destroyed;. in fact, "it was with considerable difficulty that Father Daly was rescued from the burning building. \ ; y ■ : • :

At the last meeting of the St. Patrick's branch of the H.A.C.B. Society the Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M. (chaplain), made a suggestion to the effect that in ,view of the important development of events in Britain the branch should add to the closing prayers of the branch the 'Our Father,' 'Hail Mary,' 'Glory be to the Father,' and 'St. Patrick, pray for us,' and also one general Communion during the year, preferably one on the Sunday prior to St. Patrick's Day. The idea was enthusiastically received, and the Very Rev. Dean was heartily thanked for his practical suggestion. It was unanimously decided to forward the suggestion to the District Executive for the advisability of its adoption by the other branches in the Dominion.

There was a good attendance of ladies and gentlemen at St. Patrick's Hall last Thursday evening to make arrangements for the Boxing Day picnic. Mr. J. J. L. Burke, as vice-chairman of the Catholic Education Board, presided, and there were also present the Ven. Archdeacon Devoy, the Very Rev. Dean Regnault (Provincial), and the Rev. Father Hickson, Adm. Much discussion took jnace as to the locale of the picnic, the selection of which is rather a difficult matter in Wellington, owing to the very few places available, and the difficulties of transport on a general holiday. A very good offer has been made to the Catholic Education Board, if the picnic is held at Muritai, and this offer has been referred to a sub-committee to bring down a report for the next meeting. The Catholic Education Board is making every effort to make this year's picnic a success, both socially and financially. The following officers have been appointed:—Chairman, Rev. Father Hickson, S.M., Adm. ;. vice-chair-man, Mr. J. J. L. Burke; secretary, Mr. C. P. McKenzie; treasurer, Mr. B. Doherty.