PAN-SOUTHLAND GATHERING

New Zealand Tablet, 21 January 1915, Page 17

PAN-SOUTHLAND GATHERING

, x The several thousands Cof Catholics in Southland (writes ! our Invercargill correspondent) are looking forward to February IU, when they .will assemble at the second annual Pan-Southland Gathering at .Riverton. The various committees of the Catholic Federation are making active preparations, and with last year’s experience to guide - them, it is anticipated that this year’s function will be more completely organised, and, if possible, will be an even greater success than the initial gathering of 1914. One %f the features will again be the grand precession from the railway station to the grounds. The Invercargill Hibernian Band will lead off, followed by the members of the various (branches of the Hibernian (Society in their regalia, and the Children of Mary. The acolytes and the clergy vested for High Mass will come next, followed by the jmain body of the people, It .is intended to appoint marshals to form and keep the procession in order. On arrival at the grounds High Mass will be celebrated. And all those who remember the inspiring spectacle on the last occasion will bo induced, if through no other reason, to attend again this year. At suitable intervals during the day short speeches, appropriate to the occasion, wall bo delivered by some of the clergy and by prominent laymen. Jn this connection ,1 am pleased to be able to announce that Mr. -George Girling-Butcher, the Dominion secretary and organiser, has, with the sanction of the Dominion Executive, accepted the committee’s invitation to be present and address the gathering. A programme of sports will be carried out, and the children will be well provided for in the way of sweets, toys, etc. The various committeemen, will wear rosettes of the Papal colors, and there will be a secretaries’ tent on the ground for the convenience of those officials. A ladies’ committee from tho Invercargill and Riverton parishes will have charge of the arrangements, including a. special tent for the purpose, of providing luncheon for all of the clergy. I am .informed by the local secretaries that the response from the country districts is most encouraging, .and everything points to an auspicious and great gathering. All that is really required is favorable weather, and the prayers of fellowFederationists throughout (the Dominion are solicited for such a consummation.