Diocesan News

New Zealand Tablet, 15 June 1916, Page 20

Diocesan News

■ ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON (From our own correspondent.) June 10. A party, organised by Miss Eileen Driscoll, gave a concert at the Catholic Federation Hall at Trentham last week. The concert was thoroughly appreciated by the men, who packed the hall. Miss Agnes Segrief and a party journeyed to Featherstou Camp for the purpose of giving a concert in the new Catholic military hall, which was formally opened by his Grace Archbishop Redwood last Sunday. The large hall was packed, and the concert was greatly appreciated by the men on whose behalf the Rev. Chaplain-Captain Segrief, S.M., thanked the visitors for their kindness. Last week I mentioned the fact that three of the Catholic Members of Parliament (Sir Joseph Ward, Mr. W. T. Jennings, and the Hon. Wm. Beehan) were quoted by a local newspaper as having, on behalf of the Liberal Party, contributed to the reinforcement drafts nearly as many relatives as the . whole of the Reform Party. I now learn that another Catholic Member, Mr. H. Poland, has also three sons in the Expeditionary Force, so that the Catholic, members of the House have given an . example of loyalty and patriotism unequalled by any other denomination represented in Parliament. The four members ;mentioned, are represented by eleven -sons, two of whom (Mr. Jennings’ sons) have lost their lives. The Catholic Education Board’s annual social last Wednesday evening at the Town Hall was a great success. The large hall was packed. * Among those present, were the Very Rev. Father O’Connell, Rev. Fathers Hurley, S.M., Adm., P. J. Smyth, S.M., Adm Kimbell, Peoples, Venning, O’Connor, and M. Devoy. The first part of the evening was devoted to the screening of specially-selected picture films. - A social succeeded the pictures, and was kept up till midnight. The music was played-by an orchestra under the conductorship of Mr. W. McLaughlin. A committee of ladies from the combined Catholic parishes of

the city did the catering. During the evening. Master Harry Adams, a stepdancer of note, danced in excellent style an Irish jig. The arrangements reflected credit on the committee, under the direction of the Rev. Father Hurley, S.M., Adm-. There is every prospect of a : considerable amount being handed over to the Education Board, when all the returns are to hand* The monthly meeting of the board of management ot the Catholic Hostel was held on Monday, June 5 There were present-Messrs. Duggan (chairman),. Halpin, Sievers, Mrs Cornish, Misses Kennedy, Burke, Flannery, and Wheeler (secretary). The matron’s report showed an increase in the number of boarders, thereby necessitating an addition to the household staff. The financial position at the end of the half-year just completed is highly satisfactory. A vote of thanks was passed to Messrs. W. F. Johnson and Lawlor for their generous donation of books to the ibrary , also to Miss Kennedy for a large, number magazines. The board will be extremely grateful for any donations of suitable books. It was decided that lady delegates to the half-yearly meeting of the diocesan council, should be cordially invited to be the guests of the hostel board during their stay in Wellington.. The secretary reported that the social held on May 4 was most successful, the piano fund being considerably increased by the proceeds of the function. It is hoped to further augment this fund by a progressive euchre party at the hostel on Saturday, June 17. A committee, consisting of representatives from the several religious denominations and societies interested in the work of providing concerts for soldiers in camp at Trentham, has been formed. The work of these various bodies has been retarded in the past, owing to the difficulties experienced in providing means of transport for the concert parties. There is no suitable train service, consequently the only means of transit is by motor cars. The committee is, therefore, organised for the purpose in the first place of raising funds for the payment of transport, and secondly to obtain from owners of motor cars the free use of their vehicles. Mr. Hoskins is the Catholic Federation’s representative on this committee, and he has completed arrangements, whereby a weekly concert at the Catholic Federation hall is assured. Wednesday is the night set apart for the Catholic hall, and Miss Agnes Segrief has kindly consented to organise and take a party out on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Miss Eileen Driscoll on the first Wednesday, and the Marist Brothers’ Boys’ Choir on the second Wednesday, whilst negotiations for the third Wednesday are now proceeding. These concerts are most popular, and much appreciated by the men.

Masterton (From an occasional correspondent.) June 5. A series of missions, begun at Masterton, and continued in the country districts of the parishEketahuna, Hamua, Mauriceville, and Tenui, —were conducted. by the Rev. Fathers Barry and O’Sullivan, C.SS.R., from Mount St. Gerard’s, Wellington.

Napier (From our own correspondent.) ■ June 9. , Rev. Fathers Venning and Bowden, of Wellington, were on a visit to Napier during the week. His Grace Archbishop O’Shea arrived in Napier last Monday from Gisborne, and is staying at the St. Patrick’s presbytery. Next Sunday his Grace will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation at Meeanee. The Very Rev. Dean Smyth, S.M. (Provincial), was in Napier last week, and will shortly be leaving for Australia ; for the benefit of his health', which has been very indifferent of late.

Rev. -Father Ainsworth preached an eloquent sermon on charity last Sunday evening at St. Patrick’s Church. There was a collection for the St. Vincent do Paul Society, which will be continued on next Sunday.